This is one among a collection of videos and essays from women who contribute to NASA‘s mission. They are part of the agency’s efforts to create a collaborative and supportive community of women at the agency, inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to encourage openness and accountability at NASA.

In my capacity as a NASA employee and a Huntsville, Ala., community volunteer, I have dedicated myself to the Hispanic community. This motivation springs from my own heritage – devotion to family, history and culture – and from my professional NASA values, which include cultural diversity and awareness. It’s my passion to help Hispanic people in the state of Alabama and around the world; I feels it is most important to help open doors for children and young people, to let them see the opportunities they have to continue their education and develop rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. I believe we should start training and developing the minds of these students to their full potential at an early age, because all children, regardless of their race, deserve the opportunity to succeed.

I have tried to expand awareness of the Hispanic community in Alabama and the needs of our Hispanic youth, seeking to procure grants and build new opportunities for them, from inspiring speaking engagements and hands-on NASA activities to full summer internships. Whenever possible, I participate in public events at NASA and the surrounding community, and have spoken to students – in English and in Spanish – across the area, the state and the nation. I conduct recruiting trips for NASA, and have served as a member of NASA’s Corporate Recruitment Team. Since 2003, I have encouraged scores of students to pursue careers with NASA.

At NASA, we sponsor and co-sponsor events to serve underprivileged and socially disadvantaged Hispanic students, with the goal of raising student awareness, inspiration, community leadership involvement and, in many cases, scholarships for gifted students.

I strive to coalesce the diverse multicultural Hispanic communities, and in particular seek to be an exemplary role model for young Hispanic women. Above all else, I want these students – all of them – to take pride in their lives, to celebrate their accomplishments in education with their families and their communities, and to take their place and find limitless success in the world they will inherit.