Executive Board
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Catharine TewPresident
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Malena R. SpencerVice President
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Joaquin Farias ZarateTreasurer
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Ashmin OberoiSecretary
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Gabriella BallockCorporate Relations Chair
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Nicole MottaPublic Relations Officer
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Ann Jacobo DiazEvents Coordinator
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Michael MancipeFundraising Chair
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Joshua HendersonCommunity Service Chair
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Ethan ChildsMentorSHPE Chair
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Samuel RojasIT Chair
Catharine Tew
President
Responsibilities as President
To be the primary contact between the chapter and any external organizations. Represent the chapter and uphold all core values. Make sure people feel included in the chapter and help anyone build themselves up professionally.
About Me
Major
Computer Engineering %
Year
Senior%
Ethnicity
Puerto Rican%
Hometown
Tallahassee, Florida%
Career Goals
I hope to work with avionics firmware in the future!
SHPE Chapter Goals
I want to make our SHPE chapter the best it can be this year! I hope to foster a closer familia that excels academically and professionally.
Contact Me!
Malena R. Spencer
Vice President
Responsibilities as Vice President
Managing internal affairs along with the development and growth of the chapter. Representing the chapter by promoting professional development and leadership from the college level to a corporate level.
About Me
Major
Aeronautical Science %
Year
Senior%
Ethnicity
White/Colombian%
Hometown
Miramar, Florida%
Career Goals
I hope to become an Astronaut for NASA.
SHPE Chapter Goals
I hope to foster a sense of familia and grow our chapter.
Contact Me
Joaquin Farias Zarate
Treasurer
Responsibilities as Treasurer
Responsible for effective management of chapter resources, overseeing all financial transactions of the organizations, and leading the corporate outreach team.
About Me
Major
Aerospace Engineering%
Year
Sophomore%
Ethnicity
Paraguayan%
Hometown
Luque, Paraguay%
Career Goals
I seek to work in the space industry, representing my country for the wider world. This way, I seek to encourage others like me to follow their dream career, regardless of how difficult it might seem.
SHPE Chapter Goals
I seek to enable as many chapter events and activities as I can with the resources available and will do my best to ease the access to the 2025 National Convention to as many members as we can.
Contact Me
Ashmin Oberoi
Secretary
Responsibilities as Secretary
Keep a record of all events that happen within the chapter
About Me
Major
Aerospace Engineering (Jet Prop)%
Year
Junior%
Ethnicity
Indian%
Hometown
Phoenix, Arizona%
Career Goals
I’m working toward graduating as an Aerospace Engineer, with the goal of designing engines in the defense sector. One day, I also hope to serve in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot.
SHPE Chapter Goals
I want the Embry-Riddle SHPE Chapter to feel like a familia, a real community where people can feel at home. Whether you’re trying to succeed in school, build your career, or just find people who get you, SHPE should be that support system. We’re here to grow together, push each other, and make sure no one feels like they’re doing it all alone.
Contact Me
Gabriella Ballock
Corporate Relations Chair
Responsibilities as Corporate Relations Chair
Serve as the face of the organization to company partners and sponsors and create professional opportunities and events for members.
About Me
Major
Civil Engineering%
Year
Sophomore%
Ethnicity
Italian-Slovak%
Hometown
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania%
Career Goals
My goal is to secure summer internships that expand my engineering and construction management experience, making me a well-rounded civil engineer. Then, I plan to pass the FE exam and obtain my Professional Engineering (PE) certification, enabling me to pursue project management roles. Finally, after gaining industry experience, I aim to earn an MBA, leveraging both credentials to advance as a project manager and grow into leadership positions.
SHPE Chapter Goals
This year, I aim to strengthen SHPE’s impact by building on our pre-existing relationships with industry partners and professional chapters. My focus is on providing members with meaningful opportunities for networking and professional development through collaborative events and intentional programming. I plan to host company info sessions during our general body meetings, organize one major panel event with industry professionals, and coordinate company visits to give members firsthand exposure to different work environments. Additionally, I’m committed to helping members enhance their resumes, strengthen their interview skills, and build strong LinkedIn profiles and ePortfolios. Every initiative is designed to support long-term success and create lasting value for our chapter and its members.
Contact Me
Nicole Motta
Public Relations Officer
Responsibilities as Public Relations Officer
Serve as the official recruiter for the organization in advertising and promoting our chapter through social media.
About Me
Major
Computer Science w/ minor in Systems Engineering%
Year
Junior%
Ethnicity
Colombian%
Hometown
Bogotá, Colombia%
Career Goals
I wish to reach the stars through my software, ensuring safety and success for those who adventure to space. I aim to work hard to use software in the aerospace and aeronautical industries, allowing humanity to go even further than before. Agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency are the goal, but working in the private industry would also be good.
SHPE Chapter Goals
Through visuals and videos, I aim to maintain our social media presence, bring information to our members, and connect with both students and professionals. Our Instagram will show the world what SHPE is all about: growing together and embracing familia.
Contact Me
Ann Jacobo Diaz
Events Coordinator
Responsibilities as Events Coordinator
Plan, execute, and promote social events within the organization.
About Me
Major
Aerospace Engineering (Astro)%
Year
Sophomore%
Ethnicity
Dominican%
Hometown
Odessa, FL%
Career Goals
I aspire to work in the Space Industry, primarily dealing with Rockets or Mission Control and am actively seeking a summer 2026 internship.
SHPE Chapter Goals
My goal is to plan fun events that will bring everyone in our club together and help build our SHPE Familia!
Contact Me
Michael Mancipe
Fundraising Chair
Responsibilities as Fundraising Chair
Organize, execute, and advertise SHPE fundraising events
About Me
Major
Air Traffic Management w/ minors in Applied Meteorology & Aviation Business Administration%
Year
Freshman%
Ethnicity
Colombian%
Hometown
Joplin, MO%
Career Goals
My primary career goals are to build a strong academic and technical foundation in my field to prepare for a successful career in the aviation industry. I also want to explore internship opportunities and FAA-related programs early, so I can gain the real-world exposure and professional insight while in college.
My goals in the SHPE chapter are to build a supportive community that contribute to a welcoming and empowering environment for Hispanic students in STEM. I want every member to feel supported academically, socially, and professionally. As Fundraising Chair, my goal is to secure sustainable funding for chapter growth by developing creative consistent fundraising strategies that generate reliable income to support chapter activities, conferences, scholarships, and outreach efforts.
SHPE Chapter Goals
Contact Me
Joshua Henderson
Community Service Chair
Responsibilities as Community Service Chair
Organizing and executing community service events as well as searching for community service opportunities for SHPE members. Additionally, inform SHPE members about the importance of Community Service.
About Me
Major
Aerospace & Occupational Safety%
Year
Senior%
Ethnicity
Mexican-Caucasian%
Hometown
Ormond Beach, Florida%
Career Goals
Going to grad school for my masters and doctoral degree related to either environmental health and safety, occupational management, or public health. Then gain experience in industry and afterwards use my experience to teach the next generation of students to be as successful as they can be.
SHPE Chapter Goals
Contact Me!
Ethan Childs
MentorSHPE Chair
Responsibilities as MentorSHPE Chair
Responsible for leading a MentorSHPE program for the students enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
About Me
Major
Aerospace Engineering w/ minor in App. Math & Physics%
Year
Junior%
Ethnicity
White/Mexican%
Hometown
Katy, TX%
Career Goals
Since my concentration is Jet Propulsion, I would like to work in the field of jet propulsion, or a closely related field in aeronautical engineering. I’d love to work in the commercial field so that I can see my work every day when I look up in the sky.
SHPE Chapter Goals
I hope to grow this chapter while maintaing our small group dynamics. When a group gets really big, it can sometimes feel lonely since it gets so busy that sometimes people can feel disenfranchised. I hope to keep the community and familial bonds of our chapter as we grow and soar to the sky and stars above!
Contact Me
Samuel Rojas
IT Chair
Responsibilities as IT Chair
Keep the website updated and assist with any technical issues within the organization.
About Me
Major
Aerospace Engineering (Rocket Prop)%
Year
Sophomore%
Ethnicity
White/Colombian%
Hometown
Pembroke Pines, FL%
Career Goals
I’m pursuing opportunities to grow my skills in astronautics and aerospace systems through hands-on projects and internships. My long-term goal is to lead innovations in space exploration, defense, and sustainability.
SHPE Chapter Goals
My goal is to maintain and improve our chapter’s website, boost engagement and retention through accessible tech resources, and elevate the IT Committee into a hub for innovation and leadership within SHPE.