Post by Guarien Barone Jr

It's been one year since I transitioned into SHPE at New York University's External Vice President role. It was a huge step into a leadership position and one that brought many challenges. I remember when I first gave a speech that launched my passion going forward. I had three goals: to establish connections with alumni, reach out to companies and organize visits, improve our corporate sponsorship system, and increase the number of STEM Latine NYU students attending SHPE's National Convention. These were ambitious goals to set. Now came the process. I felt like I started off from square one, not knowing what to do or how I was supposed to do it. Over the course of the summer, I did lots of research. One of my first goals was to figure out our sponsorship package. I didn’t know what sponsorship was, nor did I have the skills of a salesperson to pitch our package, but that didn’t stop me. I dove down a rabbit hole, reading multiple articles and watching YouTube videos that went in depth on what sponsorship is, how to create a package, and how to negotiate with potential prospects. I wanted more answers, so I even scheduled a consultation call with the Sponsorship Collective to gain more knowledge and feedback. Practicing my speech and pitching skills made me confident in interacting with campus partners and maintaining relationships with them. After creating my first few drafts of our sponsorship package, I scheduled a consultation meeting with SHPE National’s External Relations Committee to review my work. A few drafts later, it felt solid. After all that grinding, I managed to secure three sponsorships and funding, many of which still is saved up today and will be used to support our members attending SHPE’s 2025 National Convention. I’ve expanded my network and gained meaningful connections with over 10 companies and 8 alumni who came to our campus to promote themselves and support the professional growth of our organization. And with that, I would love to thank my mentor Andreína Vivas Thomas for giving me resources and supporting my growth and our alumni Jay Mercado Kelvin De La Rosa, Taina Contreras, Esteban L., Angie McCaslin, and Danilo Montes for being so proactive and supporting SHPE NYU. I would also thank Barclays, Jane Street, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, GEICO Tech, Ekimetrics, and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, who have worked with us to changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. It wasn’t just companies that I found myself gaining connections with. I’ve also enjoyed networking with other SHPE chapters locally in NYC. Thank you Kelvin Guzman-Baez and John Ovalles for bridging the Hispanic community all over NYC. I’m proud of what this role has made me today. It pushed me past my limits where I now consistently find myself networking with professionals every day. I will always continue to improve.