Hispanic Career Forum: Architecture, Engineering

On Thursday September 15, 2011 the STEM Scholars Program hosted its first in a series of Hispanic STEM Career Forums; this time with a focus on architecture and engineering careers.  The presenters were Monique de los Rios from, an architect originally from Peru, and Hilen Cruz, a civil engineer originally from Mexico.  The event was attended by a dozen STEM students.

De los Rios currently works as an architect for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and began by talking about her upbringing in a family of architects, the birth of her passion for the profession.  She explained that “architecture demands a lot from you and your work is always criticized. Therefore you have to have the commitment towards architecture and have a thick skin towards the harsh criticism you might get.”  That said, De los Rios say that she derives her reward from creating something new, that did not exist, and having her work recognized.  She detailed the various academic paths a student might take to achieve a degree and license in architecture and where such a career might lead.  She fielded questions about economic factors, globalization, technology and other aspects of the profession.  She commented on how technology has radically changed the face of the profession but she stressed that the most critical component of success is to be an effective communicator and be able to “sell” your ideas; and also to be open and flexible, to “have a plastic mind.”  She concluded by discussing her interests in solar energy and ecology and explained that her original inspiration for coming to Arizona and her motivation for staying was the work of Paolo Soleri.

Paolo Soleri's Arcosanti was the site of De los Rios's internship as a young architect.  It exemplifies the blend of architecture and ecology which inspires her professionally.  De los Rios encouraged students to pursue their passion.

Hilen Cruz, a Civil Engineer for Salt River Project (SRP) recounted how her initial studies were completed in Mexico and then she came to the United States to complete her MBA.  Inspired by her father, also a Civil Engineer and an instructor; she detailed how she navigated the world of work to advance her career and eventually come to work for SRP.  She discussed the value of being bilingual and stressed the importance of determination and good habits, organizational skills, and good communications skills to advance in this or any profession.  “Education offers you the opportunity to grow,” she summed up, and noted that she has since come to Phoenix College to study real estate for her own benefit.  Cruz is involved in SRP’s Women In Network (WIN), an organization which conduct various community service events to help women.  Cruz is the author of “Ponte las Pilas, Mexico” (Put On the Batteries, Mexico) , which “is an inspirational book that aims to motivate the Mexican community to pursue professional success through higher education.”  For more information, please visit: http://www.pontelaspilasmexico.com