In this inspiring episode of SHPE Out Loud, scholarship recipient Juan Diaz opens up about his unique journey from leaving high school at sixteen to support his newborn son, to returning years later and pursuing his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. Juan talks about the challenges he faced, the mentors who guided him, and the unwavering motivation he draws from his family. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion—and that a strong support system can make all the difference.

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Episode Description:

In the second and final installment of our two-part finale, we continue our conversation with Will Davis, Board Chair of SHPE, to explore his leadership roles within the organization and his reactions to the inspiring journeys shared throughout our “50 Stories for 50 Years” series. Will reflects on how these personal accounts have shaped his perspective and discusses the exciting path forward for SHPE as we look to the future.

Join us for this poignant conclusion to our landmark series, where we celebrate the powerful impact of community, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to empowering Hispanics in STEM. And to all our listeners—thank you for tuning in, supporting this podcast, and helping us honor SHPE’s 50-year legacy of driving change and creating opportunity.

In the first installment of our two-part finale for the “50 Stories for 50 Years” series, we introduce Will Davis, SHPE’s Board Chair and a dedicated champion of Latino excellence in STEM. In this episode, Will reveals how a childhood filled with tinkering and creativity ignited his passion for engineering—ultimately leading him to a remarkable career at NASA.

Listen in as Will shares the defining moments of his early life, his growth through college, and the mindset that drives him to be of service wherever he goes. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or looking to reignite your own sense of curiosity, Will’s story will remind you that a spark of interest can lead to a lifetime of discovery.

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