RALEIGH, N.C. — Ange Mendez, an N.C. State student, is not only pursuing a degree in chemical engineering; she is also the first in her family to attend college.

What You Need To Know

  • Ange Mendez is the community outreach chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at N.C. State

  • SHPE is a nationwide organization, equipping high school and college students with skills for college and career success

  • N.C. State's chapter currently offers a scholarship to fund an incoming Hispanic student

Her love for math began in childhood and was inspired by her grandfather.

“When I was a little girl, he would have me sit beside him and count Colombian little beans one by one,” Mendez said. “That’s how I fell into the love of math.”

With her studies, Mendez hopes to make a meaningful impact in the world. 

“I picked chemical engineering because I can go into the pharmaceutical side of things and help find cures for rare diseases and different types of cancers, or I could go into the manufacturing side and help produce vaccines,” Mendez said.

Mendez is the community outreach chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at N.C. State. SHPE is a nationwide organization, equipping high school and college students with skills for college and career success. The organization fosters community involvement, teaching students skills to help them excel in their future careers. 

“We’re really big on mentoring, and we’re very big on having companies come in to help our members grow professionally,” Mendez said. “If a company is interested in meeting our SHPE members and offering advice, they are more than welcome.”

Reflecting on her family's journey, Mendez described the challenges her parents faced after immigrating from Bogotá, Colombia, in the early 2000s. 

“Her struggles … being Hispanic … were very hard,” Mendez said. “She talks about her stories and through her struggles being a woman, not being able to know the language, not being able to communicate.”

Her mother’s determination continues to inspire her. 

“She always told me and my siblings: ‘The only thing I can truly give you is education, so do what you can with it,’” Mendez said. “That advice has allowed me to value my education and hope to give back through my future work as an engineer.”

Mendez acknowledges the challenges she faces as a Hispanic woman in STEM, often being one of the few females in her classes. 

“You're one or maybe two out of the only girls in the classroom and you have to constantly be proving yourself to other classmates to let you be a part of that space,” Mendez said.

Mendez is not just overcoming personal challenges; she is paving the way for future generations of Hispanics in STEM fields. 

For those interested in supporting SHPE, more information is available on its website. N.C. State's chapter currently offers a scholarship to fund an incoming Hispanic student. To contribute or learn more at N.C. State's chapter, visit its website or send an email.