This year, the Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) took 34 Notre Dame students, 18 men and 16 SOLEcitas, to the annual SHPE Convention. The diverse cohort represented a wide range of engineering majors including Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Civil, and Environmental Engineering.
Students shared that they felt well-prepared going into convention from the support SOLES provided for its members, making sure they had updated resumes, linkedin accounts, specific questions prepared based on company research, and well practiced elevator pitches.
SOLES Vice President Internal Jimena Ramazzini '26 reflected on this year's convention: "Attending my last SHPE National Convention as the Vice President Internal this year was a uniquely special experience. Serving as a mentor for the group was rewarding as I shared advice that was once shared with me when I was in their shoes as a freshman and sophomore years."
She adds, "I truly took advantage of the workshops and speaking to professionals about their life experiences and journeys in the engineering world. I was reminded of the challenges that we may face not only being a minority but also a woman in this field. And then turning these challenges into positive experiences from which I can learn from to become a better and more well-rounded individual.”
For many younger members, attending the convention helped them understand what it means to be an engineer, something that once seemed unrealistic and unattainable. Students learned how to speak to recruiters, improve their resume, familiarize themselves with a wide range of companies and meet other successful Latinos from other universities across the country.
Being surrounded by successful Latino professionals in the engineering field talking about overcoming the challenges they faced boosted the group’s confidence. This helped many students realize that being a minority and coming from different backgrounds does not prevent them from succeeding in the engineering industry.
SOLES Convention Chair Giovanni Briseño Paredes '26 shared, "The 2025 National SHPE Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has always served as a portal of opportunity for the Collective Latino Community, but most importantly, it serves as a celebration of a beautiful culture that traces back to our family and loved ones.
For me, this year’s Convention served as a reminder of not only the academic prestige that is being a Latino at the University of Notre Dame, but also the beautiful culture that I celebrate as a SOLES board member with the SHPE Community at Notre Dame. I was reminded of the effort my family has put forth for my well-being and the recognition that I am a reflection of the effort my family and friends have invested in me. I look forward to using the connections and pathways I have been exposed to, all make the Latino Notre Dame community proud.”
Our members were reminded that it is not just about earning a degree, but it is also about the importance of working with your passion.
Ramazzini adds, “I was also reminded of the sacrifices and investment my family has and continues to make for my education and professional career path. Using the connections and resources that come from being a student at Notre Dame and being supported by different organizations around campus such as ILS, has taught me the importance of pushing despite the challenging days that may come and keeping connections open for anything that might be needed.”
SOLES would like to thank Paloma, Dr. Ruiz, Joseph, and the entire ILS Team for their continued support and for helping make possible for us to take ILS scholars and students minoring/majoring in Latino Studies to this amazing networking and career development experience. Thank you again for your constant support for the Latino Community at Notre Dame.
Associate Director of the Institute for Latino Studies, Paloma Garcia-Lopez said, "We are delighted to see how many students attended and gained new mentors and job contacts at the conference. Each one of them is making a huge impact on fellow peers and younger students on campus. SOLES is a powerful peer support network. We look forward to the impact each and every one of them will make in the country, with special emphasis in making sure the Latino communities you will serve as leaders and resource connectors can benefit from common good solutions. "