Sheila Lopez facts for kids
Sheila Lopez (born around 1974) is an amazing American electrical engineer. She is also a strong supporter of LGBT rights. She helped start a special group called PFLAG for Native Americans in Phoenix, Arizona. She is still the president of this group today.
Sheila Lopez helps people understand and support their LGBT family and friends. She works to make sure everyone feels welcome and respected.
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Sheila Lopez's Journey
Early Life and Education
Sheila Lopez was born around 1974 in Winslow, Arizona. Her mother was from the Navajo tribe in Greasewood, Arizona. Her father was Mexican and from Winslow. Sheila's grandfather on her mother's side was a traditional medicine man.
Sheila went to college and studied electrical engineering. She earned her degree from Northern Arizona University. This is a field where people design and build things that use electricity.
Working as an Engineer
After college, Sheila started working at HP Inc.. She was a manufacturing engineer. This means she helped make sure products were built correctly. She worked on software testing and making computer chips.
Later, Sheila joined Intel, another big technology company. At Intel, she helps manage programs for veterans and for the LGBTQ community.
Standing Up for Others
Sheila joined PFLAG in 2009. She did this after her two oldest children shared something important about themselves. PFLAG is a group that supports LGBTQ people and their families.
In June 2011, Sheila helped create the Native PFLAG group. This group helps Native American tribes in Arizona. It gives support to LGBTQ Native Americans and their families.
Sheila has received special awards for her work. In 2015, she got a VH1 Trailblazer Honor for her activism. This award celebrates people who make a big difference.
In 2019, Sheila organized a special event. It was the first pow wow for the Native LGBT and two-spirit community in Phoenix. A pow wow is a traditional gathering for Native American people. It was a wonderful way to celebrate their culture and identity.
Also in 2019, she won the Blazing Flame award from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. This award recognizes Native American leaders in science and engineering.
