09/14/2026
For Day 1 of our countdown to Raíces Week, we close our journey by celebrating a woman who is continuing to make history and showing a new generation of Latinas that there is no limit to where our raíces can take us:
~KATYA ECHAZARRETA~
Katya Echazarreta is a Mexican-American electrical engineer, science communicator, citizen astronaut, and advocate for women and Latinas in STEM. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in the United States, Katya developed a passion for science and space from a young age. She went on to study electrical engineering, work on five NASA missions, and pursue opportunities to make STEM more accessible to young people.
In 2022, Katya made history by becoming the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space. At just 26 years old, she carried more than her own dream with her; she represented the countless young girls who have been told that careers in science, engineering, and space are out of reach. Her journey has continued beyond that historic flight as she works to inspire and create opportunities for the next generation.
Today, Katya is also a mother. Her journey shows that being a woman does not mean choosing between the dreams we have for ourselves and the future we want to create for our families. She has spoken about carrying her identity, her roots, her mother, and her baby with her as she continues pursuing her dreams. Her story reminds us that the future we work toward is not only for ourselves, but for the generations that come after us
Her impact today:
Katya Echazarreta represents a new generation of Latina women who are creating their own paths while opening doors for those who come after them. As an engineer, astronaut, advocate, and mother, she reminds us that our raíces can travel with us wherever we go;and that reaching new heights can inspire our children and future generations to dream even bigger.
Nuestras raíces nos recuerdan de dónde venimos, pero nuestros sueños nos muestran hasta dónde podemos llegar.
Stayed tuned for the events we have this week😉
WomenInSTEM LaFuerzaDeNuestraHistoria
