Marlene Lara-Torres
President
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Architecture
Year: Senior
Hometown: McAllen, TX
Ethnicity: Mexican
Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE to meet other people with similar cultural backgrounds as me and who are passionate about their studies. I come from South Texas which has a primarily Hispanic population, so I have always felt close to my roots. I was worried that moving so far away would have me feeling lost but joining a club where everyone embraces their heritage has helped me a lot in college both socially and academically.
Juliana Sepulveda
Vice President
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Year: Senior
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.
Aaron Shinn
Secretary
Major: Civil Engineering
Year: Senior
Hometown: Seaford, NY
Ethnicity: Hispanic/Japanese
Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because it prepares me for my professional future and helps manage the countless obstacles of college life. Being exposed to helpful opportunities through this organization has also led me to strive for a greater leadership role that I hope can provide the same impact for others. Most importantly, the organization serves as a supportive and reliable family on campus.
Miguel Cruz
Co-Treasurer
Major: Computer Science
Year: Senior
Hometown: Queens, NY
Ethnicity: Mexican
Why did you join SHPE: Being a first-gen student made it difficult to adjust to Syracuse. Joining SHPE made me feel welcomed on campus as I had found myself in a community who shared a similar background and situation as me. I joined SHPE to not only surround myself with students who share similar interests as me but to also develop my professional network. Additionally, I want to make other first-gen or students from underrepresented countries majoring in STEM feel welcomed on campus.
Hernan Quinde
Co-Treasurer
Major: Computer Science
Year: Sophomore
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.
Christopher Prestia
Co-Communications Coordinator
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Year: Senior
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.
Steven Perez
Co-Communications Coordinator
Major: Civil Engineering
Year: Sophomore
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.
Kelly Diaz
Events Director
Major: Civil Engineering
Year: Senior
Hometown: White Plains, NY
Ethnicity: Mexican
Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I wanted to find a place on campus where I could be able to grow professionally and socially comfortable. I’ve met so many amazing people and can’t wait to meet many more!
Gianmarco Pretto
Social Media Director
Major: Computer Science
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I wanted to find a community of people who share similar experiences and goals. It’s been amazing to connect with others who understand my culture and values. I’m excited to give back and help the organization grow, just as it’s helped me feel supported and connected.
Isabela Rodriguez
SHPE Jr. Director
Major: Civil Engineering
Year: Senior
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Ethnicity: Honduran, Cuban, Columbian
Why did you join SHPE: SHPE has been instrumental in shaping my college experience by providing me with a strong and supportive community on campus that constantly reminds me why I need to keep pushing forward. Through SHPE, I’ve had the chance to engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities that have helped me connect with and give back to the Syracuse community. Additionally, SHPE’s professional development resources and expansive network have connected me to invaluable mentorship and career opportunities, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Ashley Camano
Fundraising Director
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Margaretville, NY
Ethnicity: Mexican
Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE due to the welcoming environment and opportunities it has to offer. I am as able to make connections and find people I can connect with on many levels.
Alex Illescas
Freshmen Representative
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Freshmen
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.
Emily Garcia
Freshmen Representative
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Year: Freshmen
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.
Bryan Bueno
Graduate Advisor
Major: Engineering Management
Year: Graduate Student
Hometown: Westchester, NY
Ethnicity: Dominican
Why did you join SHPE:I joined SHPE because I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded individuals and find a close-knit community away from home. Being part of SHPE for the past four years has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to Syracuse.
Luis Santin
Graduate Advisor
Major: Electrical Engineering
Year: Graduate Student
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino
Why did you join SHPE: Why did you join SHPE: I joined SHPE because I was encouraged to meet new people who shared similar cultural, academic, and ambitious backgrounds. There is a need to promote STEM and promoting it to the Hispanic/Latin community is a necessity. I believe that this mission emulates the values that I am striving to embody day in and day out.