Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Holds Regional Conference

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Students in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers participate in CSU Challenge Course activities. The Challenge Course helped students learn teamwork and leadership skills.

"Leadership on the Poudre"
Region III Student Leadership Conference

Written by Maria Reyes, Vice President SHPE-CSU

It was with great enthusiasm that the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) student chapter at Colorado State University welcomed all participants to the Spring 2004 "Leadership on the Poudre" Region III Student Leadership Conference (RSLC) on April 1-4, 2004. This event not only provided professional development, but also let students relax and have fun while getting to know each other. SHPE received funding from sponsors such as IBM and Sun Microsystems to provide students with great workshops and an enjoyable stay in Fort Collins, Colo. In addition to having corporate sponsors, we received contributions from the Colorado Alliance for Minority Participation, Women and Minorities in Engineering Program, CSU Bookstore, President's office and the Provost. CSU President Larry Penley recognized the 2004 RSLC in a formal letter addressing "the important role Hispanic engineers play in advancing the engineering profession and our society." Students arrived on the evening of April 1 and attended activities all day April 2 and 3. The students represented many schools in region III such as University of Colorado at Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, University of Wyoming, Boise State University and New Mexico State University.

The RSLC provided workshops conducted by representatives from Lockheed Martin, IBM, INROADS, SHPE National and our very own CSU Graduate School. These workshops dealt with resume writing, leadership and networking as it pertains to both student and professional realms. The event was designed to provide an environment that encouraged interaction between all in attendance, and was successful by the welcoming and personal environment in which students could network with professionals, and also the willingness of all attendees to share personal experiences with each other during the workshops and meals. Without a doubt, many aspects of professional development were targeted for the benefit of the student.

One favorite aspect, incorporated to the 2004 RSLC itinerary, was the CSU Challenge Course. As leaders, we are forced to work in teams and depend on each member, as well as identify our own strengths and weaknesses. Our participation in an interactive ropes course allowed students as well as professionals to take part in activities that required courage, communication, initiative and trust. We must be able to work in teams and get along with our own challenges, as well as group members, to ensure a successful career both as a student and a professional. While some jumped off of a 35 ft post, climbed a 25 ft wall, or walked across a wire or log hung 35 ft above the ground, every participant had to rely on the person on the ground that was attached to their harness and was their safety in case of a fall. Not only did participants trust others, but were also able to face their own fears. The Challenge Course was a new and unique experience

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
for many members and aside from providing physical and mental challenges, the curriculum of the CSU Challenge Course helped establish teamwork amongst participants through group activities and games from which participants emerged as leaders and followers. By incorporating this distinctive activity to the RSLC, Region III members became familiar with one another. This benefited the student plus created a friendly atmosphere at the conference.


The conference concluded with a banquet attended by students, professionals and representatives from our generous sponsors. During the ceremony all sponsors were acknowledged as well as the SHPE CSU president Gabe Martinez for his great dedication to making the 2004 RSLC possible, and Yuliana Porrias for her excellent job as National Student Representative. During the evening we had our very own

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Ismael Mendoza and Yuliana Porrias perform beautiful dances from Latin America with Artes Latinos: Danzantes de Las Americas dance group. It was awesome to see the interaction as well as friendliness of all the attendees after two days of workshops and activities. It is not far fetched to say that many left this year's RSLC with newfound friends.

Although region III does not encompass large numbers, it is the great leadership and dedication of every student that keeps this region succeeding. The quality of our students is amazing and there is no doubt that many great things will come in the near future not only from this region but also from each and every student. Through our strong network and communication we will achieve every goal we set for ourselves. I would like to thank the many who made this conference successful and especially thank our Regional Vice President Bryant Amador for his confidence, encouragement, and vision for Region III.



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