Our History

The Silicon Valley Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was originally founded in 1981 by a small group of engineering graduates from the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) and under the auspices of the MESA Center Director, Mr. Roberto Chavez. The original name of the organization was the Coalition for Latinos in Engineering and Science (CLES). We became a non-profit organization on May 11, 1983.

Throughout our storied history, not only has SHPE Silicon Valley made a tremendous impact with students, families, and professionals, but it has grown to become an admired and respected organization within the Silicon Valley. SHPE Silicon Valley has been recognized by Margarita Colmenares, former SHPE National President.

SHPE Silicon Valley Awards & Recognitions
– 2001 SHPE National Outstanding Professional Chapter of the Year Adelante Award @ NTCC 2001
– 2001 SHPE Co-Professional Development Adelante Award @ NTCC 2001

SHPE Annual Installation and Awards Banquet
June 28, 1991 – The SHPE 17th Annual Installation and Awards Banquet was held at the grand Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco with over 1000 SHPE members from throughout the nation gathered at this impressive location to share the festive mood and honor the inspiring award recipients.