STEM Woman Leader of the Day-Pilar Montoya (SHPE)

 

Pilar is CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, aimed at increasing the number of Hispanics contributing to the nation’s innovation and technology future. Since September 2009, she has helped raise over $8.2 million dollars for the organization, manages the organization’s $6 million budget, national governmental relations, Corporate relations, program delivery and over 318 SHPE chapters nationally. Montoya has been recognized as both a community and business leader. She has been recognized for her achievements by Hispanic Business Magazine, the California Assembly, the national American Cancer Society, the Child Abuse Prevention Council and numerous business organizations.

 

Why do you believe STEM Education and Workforce are important to our nation?

 

The capacity of the United States to once recapture the leading position as a global innovator and technological leader is vitally dependent on our countries ability to include the fasting growing population of Hispanics.  Diversity in the workplace and access to quality STEM education are a national imperative that when met will ensure that the brightest minds from theUSare the ones leading innovation and technological solutions to global, environmental, health and critical issues.  SHPE ensures that the brightest young minds in our schools have access to STEM education and that Hispanic professionals have the tools, training and access advance in their career and continue to contribute to global innovation.

 

Who is your STEM role model and why?

 

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers counts on numerous dedicated, brilliant minds who today are not only developing highly technical, creative solutions using math and science, these same individuals give to local elementary, high school and universities to inspire others like them to pursue degrees and careers in STEM. They are truly the role models that are making tremendous impact in our nation.  They are silent giants that are creating in their fields and also touching numerous lives each day.  I thank the many dedicated SHPE chapter members – both student and professional – for their dedication to our mission and vision and for ensuring that the number of Hispanics pursing degrees and careers in STEM continues to grow.

 

Check out PIlar Montoya's 100 Women Leaders in STEM Profile on STEMconnector.org!