The UConn chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) will host a Regional Leadership Development Conference at the UConn campus March 28-30, 2008. According to SHPE chapter president Angela Gilbert, the conference will draw students from throughout New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and Puerto Rico to UConn to participate in workshops, presentations, and competitions in the areas of professional development, leadership skills, educational excellence, and community commitment in various fields of engineering.

Ms. Gilbert, an undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering (BME), said the conference is geared toward SHPE members who seek to develop or improve their leadership skills so they are better prepared to actively contribute to making their own SHPE chapters strong and dynamic. Former SHPE president and BME student Kevin Arpin, who is the conference chair, said the program also includes a track for local high school students, chapter advisors and professionals.

The conference is expected to attract approximately 300 largely Hispanic students representing over 45 colleges and universities and 12 professional chapters. Throughout the weekend event, attendees will interact and network with SHPE corporate supporters, professionals and student members. The various workshops will focus on building creative, leadership and professional skills. The conference closes with a “Passing the Torch” seminar and LeaderSHPE meetings preparing attendees for the road ahead as they lead their local SHPE chapters to a higher level of success.

Contact Kevin Arpin for details: kevin.arpin@huskymail.uconn.edu.