The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) celebrated AI Appreciation Day on July 16. In a social media post, SHPE highlighted the power of artificial intelligence and the contributions of Hispanics in shaping its future.
Susan Arnold Christian, SHPE’s senior director of research & impact, emphasized the importance of skill-building in AI, stating that it must go hand in hand with strong partnerships to ensure responsible use.
This approach not only fosters innovation but also opens doors to valuable career development opportunities.
The post featured leaders from various industries and government who shared their perspectives on the significance of AI in their fields and how they are preparing for its impact.
Senator Martin Heinrich, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, expressed his commitment to ensuring that AI innovation is conducted responsibly.
He highlighted the potential for AI to deliver significant advancements in science and medicine, particularly in national laboratories in New Mexico, while advocating for necessary safeguards to mitigate its risks.
Vince Herrera, a digital product leader at DuPont, was also quoted, stating that AI is empowering employees across the value chain, driving innovation, inclusivity, and measurable impact.
He expressed inspiration from how his team is leveraging Responsible AI to unlock value and close digital opportunity gaps, ultimately contributing to a brighter future.
Another SHPE member, William Gonzalez, noted that as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Microsoft Learn programs are providing students and professionals with numerous opportunities to upskill.
In his role as a partner technology strategist at Microsoft, Gonzalez emphasized the importance of AI literacy, recommending that beginners begin with a Microsoft certification, such as AZ-900, before advancing to AI-900.
Additionally, SHPE announced its initiative to help students connect with mentors through scheduled MentorSHPE sessions.
These sessions are designed to be welcoming spaces for mentees to build confidence, receive guidance, and engage in meaningful conversations with experienced SHPE mentors.
Students will have the opportunity to meet professionals who have faced similar challenges and are eager to assist in their growth.
The events are scheduled for Thursday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 29.
Last year, a new track within the MentorSHPE program provided an opportunity for new leaders of SHPE chapters to receive experienced guidance as they navigated their new roles.
The program was open to the positions of chapter President and Vice President. Mentors who have served as either a Chapter President or Vice President in the past were engaged to help share their experiences, listen, and offer insight into the mentee’s goal development and progress.
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