Pilar Montoya: Engineering Diversity and Inspiring the Next Generation
Pilar Montoya: Engineering Diversity and Inspiring the Next Generation
Pilar Montoya has dedicated her career to inspiring and mobilizing the next generation of American engineers. Her journey is a testament to adaptability and seizing unforeseen opportunities.
From Broadcasting Dreams to Engineering Realities
Montoya, originally from Colombia, moved to the United States with her mother at the age of five. She initially dreamed of becoming a Hispanic media mogul but soon realized that life often presents unexpected paths. “Sometimes life puts before you a path you had not considered—and a greater one than you would have imagined,” she says.
Building a Career on Adaptability
After realizing that a broadcasting career would require constant relocation, Montoya founded her own marketing firm, focusing on helping companies connect with the Hispanic audience. Her career took a significant turn in 2009 when she became the CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Under her leadership, SHPE transitioned from an all-volunteer model to one with a substantial budget, paid staff, and ambitious goals.
Empowering the Latino Community
SHPE, with over 340 chapters across the United States, aims to excite Hispanic students about STEM careers and mentor them through the process. In May of this year, Montoya began a new chapter in her career as the president and CEO of the Caminos Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to broader outreach in the Latino community. The foundation helps students develop career, financial, and healthy life skills.
Crossing Industry Lines
Montoya’s transition from broadcasting and marketing to working with engineers was facilitated by her consulting firm, which worked with large engineering firms. She helped these firms engage with communities to gain input and buy-in for federally funded projects. This experience made her a natural fit for SHPE.
Transforming SHPE
Under Montoya’s leadership, SHPE created a five-year plan that included transitioning to a staff-managed model while maintaining the volunteer vision. This change allowed the organization to sustain growth and become more powerful.
Encouraging Diversity in Engineering
SHPE covers all branches of engineering but focuses on increasing the number of Latino students in technology. Montoya emphasizes that technology careers are not limited to major tech companies but are needed in every industry.
Engaging Students and Families
SHPE’s success includes Science Nights, which increase awareness of engineering careers and college options. The organization also educates families about resources for college, scholarships, and support. “The Latino community is a family model—that’s how they make decisions,” Montoya says.
Mentorship and Role Models
Montoya’s mentor was her older brother, who introduced her to the possibilities of college and other career options. She advises young women to look for nontraditional role models and mentors who can guide them through challenges.
Inspiring Girls in STEM
Montoya believes that inspiring girls in STEM requires a different approach than inspiring boys. She cites a study that suggests girls are motivated by solving human problems through science and math. “If we can communicate to her that if her grandmother has diabetes, she could be the scientist who finds the cure for diabetes, that opens up her world to see math and science as exciting and something that motivates her,” she says.
Embracing the Moment
Montoya’s favorite item in her office is a cube with a candle on top, given to her by her girlfriend. It bears sayings about embracing the moment, taking risks, and forgetting what others say. “That’s how I choose to live my life,” she says.
For more information on inspiring the next generation of engineers, visit SHPE.
