of Hispanic and Latino inclusion in STEM SHPEtina: Empowering Latinas in STEM offers strategies to thrive and overcome obstacles Events SHPE also maintains a strong network by hosting three annual events offering leadership skills training and networking opportunities for its membership and supporters. These events include: National Convention. As the organization's signature event, this is the largest technical and career conference for Hispanics and Latinos in the United States, attracting over 6,000 engineering professionals, students, and corporate representatives. The conference features educational and technical panel discussions and workshops for its professional and student attendees. In addition, companies recruit talent for jobs and internships via a Career Fair Expo, as well as support competitions that allow undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to showcase their talents. There are specialized programs available for pre-college students, prospective graduate students, and academic and engineering professionals, as well as a Distinguished Lecture Series led by STEM academics. National Institute for Leadership Advancement (NILA). This conference convenes newly elected chapter leaders from SHPE's undergraduate and professional chapters, offering leadership, community engagement, and mentorship skills training through workshops, lectures, individual and team exercises, hands-on activities, and small group breakout sessions. All attendees receive the Certified Chapter Leader certificate upon program completion. Regional Leadership Development Conference (RLDC). These conferences, which are held in all seven of SHPE's regions at a university, convene members of a region's student chapters to improve their organizational, managerial, and technical skills. There is a focus on developing and improving chapters’ K-12 outreach programs, chapter infrastructure improvement, and corporate network strengthening. STAR Awards Exclusive to the National SHPE Convention is the STAR Awards Gala, which recognizes key individuals and corporations who have contributed significantly to support Hispanics and Latinos in STEM. SHPE presents the following awards: Jaime Oaxaca Award. Recognizes the recipient's unselfish and outstanding contributions in the fields of engineering and science and in the community, as well as his/her unwavering dedication and commitment to the Society's advancement. Government Agency of the Year. Presented to an agency demonstrating support to SHPE's educational programs and advancement of the Society's mission. Corporate Achievement Award. Presented to an individual with project, budget, and departmental responsibilities who has made significant accomplishments in the scientific, technical, or engineering arena within a corporation. Company of the Year Award. Recognizes outstanding support to SHPE and its programs, based on significant, measurable, and visible assistance to help SHPE meet its goals;