What happens when you learn that being different is actually your strength? In this episode of our mini-series Latina Voices in Action, engineer Carmen M. Mercado shares her journey as a Latina in engineering and tech. From designing radar systems to leading as a product manager, Carmen talks about growth, confidence, and the power of community. She is also co-chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention and explains why finding your familia matters in STEM and in life. Embrace your story, your background, and your uniqueness.
What happens when you learn that being different is actually your strength? In this episode of our mini-series Latina Voices in Action, engineer Carmen M. Mercado shares her journey as a Latina in engineering and tech. From designing radar systems to leading as a product manager, Carmen talks about growth, confidence, and the power of community. She is also co-chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention and explains why finding your familia matters in STEM and in life.
In this episode, Carmen shares:
About Carmen M. Mercado:
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Latina Voices In Action: Carmen M. Mercado, Engineer
Transcript/Summary
This episode is part of our mini-series, Latina Voices in Action, a space to share experiences, lessons, and ideas.
And today, you will hear from Carmen Melissa Mercado, an engineer with years of experience in the field.
She is also co-chair of the 2025 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers National Convention, or SHPE, one of the largest annual gatherings of STEM students and professionals in the United States.
From designing radar systems to product manager, Carmen shares what it's like to be the only Latina in the room, how her perspective became her strength, and why finding your community, si, tu comunidad, matters.
Let's listen.
Hola, hola, Latina in America podcast.
My name is Carmen Mercado, and I've been an engineer for almost 10 years now.
In 2016, I graduated from Drexel University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and I started my career at a defense contractor where I designed, built, and tested radars.
For the past four years, I've been working in the cable division of a telecommunications company.
I've been working as a product manager, leading a platform that measures bandwidth and latency to assess network performance.
Later this year, I'll also be completing my master's degree in systems engineering.
Outside of work and school, I love to travel, dance salsa, and I'm an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, also known as SHPE.
As a Latina in engineering and tech, I've often been the only one in the room, the only woman, the only Latina, and sometimes the only young person.
And honestly, it was really intimidating at first, especially once I realized I approached problems differently than my peers.
Over time, I came to understand that what I initially perceived as a weakness was my strength.
My unique perspective allowed me to offer fresh solutions and ideas, and I was able to contribute in areas where my team had gaps, and my voice became essential to our success.
My biggest piece of advice is this:
Embrace your story, your background, and your uniqueness.
Your life experiences shape who you are and can be a powerful asset in problem solving and innovation.
Use your point of view to bring something new to the table.
Also, don't do it alone.
Getting involved in organizations like SHPE helped me find my voice and thrive in my career.
Finding your familia is the key to success.
That familia includes mentors, peers, and support networks who can guide and help you grow as you navigate your life and career.