The Two STEM Women That are Taking Over Space
By: Amanda R.
In the past decade, there have been two extraordinary women who have overcome their struggles and paved the way for other STEM women. They have embraced and honored their backgrounds by including them in their work and inspiring millions of people from back home, as well as, in the United States to pursue a STEM education. As Women’s History Month comes to an end, let’s celebrate these two STEM women for their achievements and contribution to our society.
Katya Echazarreta
Born in Mexico, Dr. Katya Echazarreta and her family moved to the United States when she was only 8 years old. Like many immigrant students, Dr. Echazarreta did not know English, which caused her great hardship. However, with hard work and determination, Dr. Echazarreta became fluent in English in only
@katvoltage on Instagram
two years – very impressive! From a young age, Dr. Echazarreta became interested in STEM topics like math, space, astronomy, and physics. After graduating from Eastlake High School, Dr. Echazarreta went on to study Electrical Engineering at San Diego City College. Three years into her degree, she transferred to UCLA where she received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. During her time at UCLA, Dr. Echazarreta interned at NASA JPL where she would then later be hired as a full-time electrical engineer and work on five NASA missions. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree. However, she has received an honorary degree for her humanitarian and technological contributions. On June 4th, 2022, Dr. Echazarreta became the first Mexican-born woman to go to space! Not only does Dr. Echazarreta’s story serves as an inspiration to not only women but also to bilingual STEM students.
Diana Trujillo
Born and raised in Colombia, Diana Trujillo, immigrated to the United States at the age of 17 to
@fromcalitomar on Instagram
pursue her dream of working at NASA. Trujillo enrolled in an English As A Second Language course while also working full-time to support her education at a community college. She then went off to receive her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Her ambition and diligent studies paid off when she was hired at NASA as the Technical Group Supervisor for Sequence Planning and Execution, as well as, a Tactical Mission Lead for the Mars Perseverance rover mission. Not only has Trujillo contributed to the Mars Curiosity rover mission, but she also co-created and hosted #JuntosPerseveramos, NASA’s first-ever Spanish live broadcast of a landing! Trujillo was also a recipient of the STEM Awards from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in 2021!
From moving to a different country and learning a whole new language, Dr. Katya Echazarreta and Diana Trujillo have made space for other STEM bilingual women. Their contributions serve as representation to the entire Latin community and remind us that no matter our background, what languages we speak, or the number of people who look like us in the room, we all have a place in the STEM world. To read more information about these star women, click here for Dr. Katya Echazarreta and here for Diana Trujillo.
Edited by: Alexis S.
