What better way to ring in a celebratory month for the Latine culture than with a friendly game of Lotería (Mexican bingo)? The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) hosted its first event of the quarter this past Wednesday. 

SHPE at DU was founded in 2020 to provide Hispanic students a safe space where they can thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields—all predominantly white industries. SHPE is a National organization with student chapters across America, whose mission is to empower the Hispanic community to realize their full potential. 

SHPE’s Lotería night was a success and one of the biggest events current President, Ashley Sanchez, has seen at DU thus far. Reggaeton music, “barrilitos” (Hug fruit juice barrels), a custom SHPE piñata and an assortment of all the Hispanic and Latine culture flags, added to the celebratory energy of the event. 

“SHPE holds events like Lotería night in order to connect with the community and introduce something familiar to those who know the culture but also teach and spread the culture to those who are willing to learn more about it,” Sanchez said. 

Shubh Todi, a first-year graduate student obtaining a Masters in Data Science, was eager to learn about a different culture and Lotería night proved to be the perfect event. 

“The game aspect attracted me to the event,” said Todi. “I’m really excited. I’m new to the game, so I’m a little nervous to learn the rules.”

Todi and everyone else immersed themselves in the game, competitiveness shining through. Above all, the sense of community among individuals coming together to partake in a fun cultural activity was a great way to kick off the new school year. 

In addition to hosting social events, SHPE also hosts events that focus on professional development. The combination of professional development and community building is what sets SHPE apart from other student organizations on campus. 

“The professional development comes in the form of workshops but primarily a National conference where students get to experience talking to companies and potentially interviewing and earning an internship,” Sanchez said. 

Events the organization hosts throughout the year include resume workshops, mock interview sessions and one of the most popular, piñata night, where students are able to create their own piñatas. 

“By being president of SHPE I hope to be able to provide opportunities and resources to students who might not know what is out there for them.” Sanchez said. “I also hope to set the foundation for SHPE so that in the coming years the chapter can continue to grow and continue to empower the Hispanic community in the field of STEM.” 

To keep up with future SHPE events, be sure to follow their Instagram and check their page on Crimson Connect.