Meet the Team

Steven Perez

President

• Major: Civil Engineering
• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
• Ethnicity: Mexican

Why did you join SHPE: SHPE has always been a second family to me ever sense freshman year when I first joined as Freshmen representative. I wanted to return on E-Board because it is important to me to continue my strong relationship with SHPE by contributing and collaborating with other members. As I work my way up in the organization, I have a stronger desire to elevate those with similar goals and cultures as me.

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because one they approached me, but also cause it was an opportunity to not only find a Hispanic community in a PWI but also ones that work in the same or similar fields as me. So I was able to find a community and friends through SHPE.

Christopher Prestia

Secretary

• Major: Aerospace Engineering
• Year: Graduate
• Hometown: Yonkers, NY
• Ethnicity: Colombian, Italian, and British

Why did I join SHPE: I want to contribute more to an organization that promotes STEM to a population that doesn’t receive as much representation in STEM-related industries and simultaneously, surround myself with people of a similar background and work ethic.

Hernan Quinde

Co-Treasurer

• Major: Computer Science
• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Westchester, NY
• Ethnicity: Ecuadorian

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I wanted to be around people who have similar goals while also sharing similar cultures. In addition, I was introduced to SHPE by a friend and felt welcomed, appreciated and motivated to help elevate those around me, especially underrepresented communities similar to ours.

Andy Rivera

Co-Treasurer

• Major: Computer Science
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: Glen Cove, NY
• Ethnicity: Ecuadorian

Why I joined SHPE: I wanted to be surrounded by latinos, and meet upperclassmen who can give me advice and pointers.

Alex Illescas

Communications Coordinator

• Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: Ossining, NY
• Ethnicity: Ecuadorian

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because as a freshman I wanted to find a home away from home with individuals from the same cultural background, and who are majoring in engineering. I knew I wanted to be surrounded by hard working people, develop professionally and as an individual. Since I joined SHPE everyone has been very welcoming and has helped me adjust here at Syracuse. By far my best decision since arriving here at Syracuse.

Jesus Coatl

Communications Coordinator

• Major: Computer Engineering
• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Bronx, NY
• Ethnicity: Mexican

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE to connect with individuals who share similar backgrounds and are pursuing the same major as me. I value the supportive community as well as the resources SHPE provides, including professional workshops, national conferences, and opportunities to network with companies that engage directly with our members.

Daniel Ticio

Event Director

• Major: Chemical Engineering
• Year: Junior
• Hometown: Syracuse, NY
• Ethnicity: Spanish

Why did you join SHPE: I originally joined SHPE to meet other students in engineering and make connections with upperclassmen, and I kept coming because of the community I found and the friends I made.

Omar Batista

Event Director

• Major: Computer Science
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: Dyckman, NY
• Ethnicity: Dominican

Why did you join SHPE: I wanted to join a family who is always looking to succeed and brining professionalism to Latinos and Latina’s in STEM.

Adriana Rivas

Social Media Director

• Major: Computer Science
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
• Ethnicity: Honduran and Nicaraguan

Why did you join SHPE: My friends first joined SHPE before me, and I’ve seen the connections and opportunities they have received from SHPE. The amazing bond they have with people in SHPE, as if they are all a familia. I really wanted to be a part of that and seeing my upperclassmen friends receive amazing internships from convention really made me want to join SHPE. I love the SHPEFamilia and so thankful to be a part of it.

Emily Garcia

Fundraising Coordinator

• Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: Lowell, MA
• Ethnicity: Peruvian

Why did you join SHPE: Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I wanted to be part of a community that combined two important parts of my identity: my culture and STEM, particularly engineering. SHPE has allowed me to develop professionally and surround myself with welcoming individuals who motivate me to share this passion and experience with others. Most importantly, they have given me a family and an environment to grow while staying close to my culture.

Isabela Rodriguez

Community Outreach Coordinator

• Major: Civil Engineering
• Year: Senior
• Hometown: Boston, MA
• Ethnicity: Honduran, Cuban, and Colombian

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because after changing my major, I was looking for a community and found a home in ECS. SHPE has been welcoming and supportive, and it’s meaningful to me to continue the legacy my parents started as members.

Selene Tecla

Community Outreach Director

• Major: Electrical Engineering
• Year: Sophomore
• Hometown: Newark, NJ
• Ethnicity: Mexican

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE to meet other Latinos in my major, which led me later joining MentorSHPE. I met my mentor Luis who was getting his masters in EE, and he was very helpful to me which makes me want to be a mentor next year!

Juliana Sepulveda

Graduate Advisor

• Major: Biomedical Engineering
• Year: Graduate
• Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
• Ethnicity: Puerto Rican

Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I wanted a sense of community, specifically within my major. Everyone was very welcoming and accepting from the beginning, which greatly aided my transition into college. I wanted to be part of this community and provide that same help and support to someone else.