Meet Hope Quintana — Featured YP for May

 

.Where are you from?

Santa Fe, New Mexico

What company/institution do you work for?

New Mexico State University

Where did you complete/are you completing your chemical engineering education?

New Mexico State University

How many years have you been a member of AIChE?

Five

Describe a recent challenge you managed, notable achievement, or obstacle you overcame at your job or in your work as an AIChE member.

Most significantly, I accepted the role as 2013 Rocky Mountain Regional Conference Chair during my senior year. In this capacity, I had primary responsibility for planning and hosting a conference that included students from thirteen universities and has an expected attendance of over 200 participants. Preparations for the conference included selecting an organizing committee and leading vision and strategy development. This experience has demonstrated my abilities as a leader to communicate, develop a consensus, build relationships, and network with a diverse group of people in pursuit of a common goal. There were many challenges along the way to overcome and I know at the end of the day it was all worth it. Based on the amazing compliments we received from students, faculty, and AIChE staff, we knew the conference was a huge success and could not have asked for a better way to represent our school. As the conference chair, I am so thankful to have had the experience and share the endeavor with my NMSU ChE family!

What do you do to meet people in your field?

As a graduate student now, I have tried various grad-student-oriented events held within our university. I also travel to conferences about once or twice a semester and I use that as another opportunity to network. I joined the AIChE Young Professionals Committee and have made connections with my fellow YP's and hope to do so with future YP members.

There are two types of ChemEs... those who_______ and those who ________.

Those who drink coffee and those who don't!

What's the first thought you have when you wake up in the morning?

Why don't I smell coffee? Ooops I forgot to set the timer. :(

If your first and last initials stood for something other than your name, what would that be?

Holy Quakers

If you weren't a ChE, what would you most want to be?

A professional party planner. I'm soooo good at conference planning!

What don't most people know about you?

I'm a superhero!

Do you have any advice for current or future young professionals reading ChEnected?

Scholastics are important but they are not everything. Be sure to get involved and network because those connections become life long friendships. Being involved made it one of the best experiences in my life! You can contact Hope through her Facebook page.

Comments

ehorahan's picture

Congrats Hope! Well deserved!