Punto Final - Our Moment is Now Latinas in STEM
By Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO, SHPE
As the U.S. looks to its STEM fields to solve pressing challenges and drive the future, a powerful force is rising to meet the moment. The Latino population now accounts for over 70 percent of the nation's population growth, and at the intersection of these two realities lies one of our country’s greatest assets: Latinas.
It’s a common misconception that the primary motivation for pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math is financial. While the stability of a STEM career is certainly a benefit, our data from female-identifying members of SHPE shows a much deeper story. The number one driver for Latinas is a pure fascination with science and technology. This innate curiosity is a powerful force. When nurtured, it leads to groundbreaking discoveries and life-changing innovations. It’s essential that we create environments where girls and women feel empowered to ask big questions, to experiment without fear of failure, and to see their passion for what it is: a critical asset for the future of science, technology, and engineering.
But passion alone is not enough. It needs a support system to flourish. At SHPE, we see this passion every day, and our mission is to provide the tools and opportunities to turn that spark of curiosity into a thriving, impactful career. We do this by providing direct, practical support that includes scholarships that ease financial burdens, internships that open doors to real-world experience, and mentorships that connect our members with leading companies and seasoned professionals. These programs are especially vital for empowering Latinas to step confidently into the workforce, knowing they have a community behind them.
We know that one of the most powerful drivers of success is seeing yourself reflected in the leaders you admire. That is why creating a strong community of role models is central to our work. When one Latina succeeds, she paves the way for countless others, creating a cycle of achievement and inspiration. We celebrate this through our "SHPEtinas" initiative, which includes a dedicated track at our National Convention where thousands of women gather to network, learn, and grow together.
The future isn’t just about filling a talent pipeline. It’s about building a brilliant workforce that draws from the full range of our nation’s talent. Our heritage gives us a unique lens, one of resilience, community, and profound creativity, powerful assets in STEM. They drive us to ask different questions, to seek solutions that serve everyone, and build innovative technologies. Latinas aren’t just ready to take a seat at the table; they’re bringing new ideas and building a bigger one.
To every young Latina with a passion for discovery: your voice is vital. Your ideas are needed. The path may not always be easy, but you’re not walking it alone. There’s a vibrant, growing community of Latinas in STEM cheering you on, ready to mentor you, and eager to see you succeed. Your moment is now.
Suzanna Valdez Wolfe is the CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Her resume includes over 30 years of experience in the public, non-profit and private sectors, including several roles during the Clinton-Gore administration, and having been appointed as an advisor on more than a dozen NGO boards, she is an expert in leadership and team development, strategic planning, fundraising and philanthropy, coalition building, and process integration.