Becoming a Latina Engineer at NASA - Zaida Hernandez
In high school, I followed my interests! I loved computer modeling and I was good at math, which led to taking all of the engineering...
LATINO COMMUNITY STAGE
Role Models
Matter
Latinos Reaching New Heights in the Space Industry - Benneth Perez
This is the story of a first-generation graduate whose first job was at a flea market selling candy and over the years came to become a...
The Latina Momgineer - Michelle Tovar-Mora.
Hola Familia, my name is Michelle Tovar-Mora, a first-generation Latina who proudly earned a Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in...
Our Family Dream: My Path to Pharmacy School as a First-Generation College Student. – Clarisa C.
I am the eldest daughter of two immigrant parents who left their country for a better life. As the oldest daughter, I was assigned many...
Soy Fuerte. Soy Capaz. Soy Latina. - Aeriell GradLifeGrind
Growing up, I was really inquisitive; and I have always been curious about why people do what they do, feel how they feel, and make sense...
Contributing to Our Community Through Medicine - Jose Parra
My interest in medicine began back in my senior year of high school. I was taking an anatomy & physiology course to fulfill my science...
To Undocumented, Latinx, & Underrepresented Students Considering a Career in Science -Pia R. Salazar
Life as an Undocumented American is much like a career in scientific research - both have taught me not to be scared of the unknown and...
Becoming a Doctora: Finding Strength in Mi Familia, Mi Cultura, y mi Comunidad. - Mayra Gaona
My story starts before I was born. My parents’ immigration journey to the U.S. forms part of me. It shaped me into the mujer I am today.
Innovating the Field of Cancer Research as a First-Gen Scientist Against Socio-Economic Adversities.
There is clear evidence that higher educational attainment leads to better outcomes. My parents valued the importance of an education....
Choosing the Pursuit of Curiosity, Independence, and Astrophysics - Diana Blanco
From an early age, I realized that my home life was less than ideal. After immigrating from Mexico to the United States, my family’s...
An Uncommon Breed: A contribution to the World Through Chemical Engineering - Mario Gutierrez
As a first generation Mexican American, raised by a single mother, I have found that my ultimate passion and purpose is to improve the...
The Unplanned Science Journey of a Latina Professor - Dr. Romero-Olivares
I am a profesora, but I didn’t think I could ever become one. In high school I was lost in not knowing what school was for or what my...
I Dare to Become an Astrophysicist: You Can Too. - Roberto A. Tejada
I am a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, a first-generation university student, and Princeton University...
Honoring My Family and Community through Education - Julia Cordero
My academic journey always comes back to my relationship with my family. Both of my parents were discouraged at different points in their...
I Challenge You: Own this, and Own a Career in STEM - Vicente Robles
My passion for engineering stems from my father's excitement for the subject. During my childhood he taught me to see science as...
From International Student to Latina Scientist in the Biotech Industry - Dr. Perez-Paramo
I immigrated to the US from Mexico as a Fulbright scholar to pursue my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine. I...
HerStory: Becoming a Doctora while Living on the Cusp of Two Worlds - Maria Zepeda
My parents came to “El Norte” to find a better future like many other families do. In fact, my mother crossed the border undocumented and...
Learning To Pursue Challenges - Dr. Ramirez-Carrozzi
There they were front and center talking pictures, jumping up with joy, and cheering for me as I walked to the center of the stage. I was...
An Unplanned Route to Become An Engineer - Leo Soto
I thought I had more time, but I didn’t. By the time high school approached, I hadn’t filled out any college applications or financial...
Becoming a Doctor Against All Odds - Lidya Salim
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. The road has not been easy, but I am proud to say I am months away from...
Potential of Graduation in STEM Education for Minority Students - Stephanie Taboada
My name is Stephanie Taboada. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering at Stony Brook University and two advanced...
From Shy Student to Award-winning Professor - Dr. Silveyra
As aspiring students, we often ask ourselves important questions about finding our passions and future careers choices. As a shy student...
Venturing Into the Extremes - Ivan Moreno
My grandfather has always dreamed of having his children become grade-school teachers. He enjoyed seeing the process of learning and he...
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Mentorship, Confidence & Planning Ahead - Carmen Estrada
Tu Puedes. You CAN. The phrase that reminds many of us, Latinx students, that the current hurdle we are facing will be overcome. Choosing...
Building Dreams: From La Escuelita to Profesora - Dr. G. Flores
You’re going to pursue and earn a PhD someday. You’re also going to write a book and become a professor at a top university. If someone...
The Value of Liking School - Dr. C Unzueta
My patients call me doctora. I’m still not used to it, but I love it. I like the idea of improving their health and easing their...
Become the Best of Us: Unlock Your True Potential - Eben Ortiz
I would first like to say that I am definitely not the same person I was four years ago. During this time, I’ve had a lot of...
Breaking Generational Cycles; How My Stubbornness Led Me to STEM. - Kryztal Peña
The obstacles I faced throughout my life were unfortunately chosen before I was born; however, they taught me to be resilient. Before I...
My Path Toward Theoretical Physics - Alan Salcedo
Exploration: In the first fifteen years of my life in Juarez, Mexico, I did not show any particular talents or deep interests for...
"Si Se Puede" From Farmworker to Doctora - Dr. Alanis
Maggie is my mom and my role model. She has pushed me harder than anyone I know. She has given me the world and I knew as a mother I...
From Undocumented in Santa Ana to the Ivy League - Dr. Gloria Montiel
I was born in Coacoyula de Alvarez, a rural pueblito in Guerrero, Mexico. Growing up, my streets didn’t have pavement. There were some...
Achieving Educational Success Through Familia, Comunidad, y Cultura - Dr. Ruth M. López
My father did not understand why I left home to get a degree he had never heard of. There were plenty of college options in my hometown...
Why I love problem solving and teamwork - Braulio Reyes
I was a little embarrassed at first to not start off at a four-year university like many of my friends in high school, but I can honestly...
Discovering My Thirst for Challenges - Cynde Mercado
I am a water engineer. I’m extremely proud of the hard work it has taken to get here. To be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to college...
Opportunity’s Keeper: My Journey into Oceanography - Gabriela Negrete-García
My interest in the ocean began the day I took my first trip to the sea at six-years-old. I remember waking up early to gather seashells...
Persevering into Med School with Good Friends, Great Mentors, and the Love of Familia - Melissa Gonz
When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was, “doctor.” As a five year old, I was inspired by the stories my...
Determination Beyond Adversity - Dr. E. Chavez
Our family lived in a small town in Mexico with a population of three hundred people where everyone knew each other. In order to get...
The Gifts Our Parents Give Us - Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas
My educational journey is grounded by the value of “hard work” that my parents taught me and the consejos they shared. My parents were...
Finding My Passions Through Coding - Sonia Camacho
It was my mother who sat me down and encouraged me to an “intro to engineering” course rather than a pottery class. Although I was...
Falling in Love with Biochemistry... ...Slowly - Dr. Zurita-Lopez
I am Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Cal State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Aside from teaching, I’m also a principal...