Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Women Trailblazers in STEM

SWENext Influencer Isabella T. highlights Hispanic women in STEM who are spearheading technological advances, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation.
SWENext Hispanic Heritage Month graphic
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What does it mean to be Hispanic? Well, most people would define it as speaking Spanish as your mother tongue.

However, to me, Hispanic heritage is defined by the values instilled in us: a strong sense of honor and the importance of community, perseverance, and resourcefulness. Growing up as a Brazilian with Argentinian roots, these values were deeply ingrained in me from a young age.

In the field of STEM, Hispanic women navigate unique challenges, which is why it is essential to recognize and celebrate their remarkable achievements and resilience. Their perseverance in overcoming gender and racial inequalities not only paves the way for future generations, but also enriches the entire STEM community.

To honor the women who fought against stereotypes and barriers to pave the way for me and countless others in engineering, I’d like to highlight a few of the brilliant women that inspire me:

1. Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina woman to go to space. An American electrical engineer, former astronaut, and former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, she has worked on four Space Shuttle missions, including serving as a commander on one. Now a chair of the National Science Board, Ochoa continues to advocate for and inspire women interested in STEM.

2. María Blasco

María Blasco is a Spanish molecular biologist who currently directs the Spanish National Cancer Research Center. Her research, published in over 200 scientific articles, has been crucial for groundbreaking progress in cancer research. Blasco actively supports women in science and fights for changes to bridge the gender gap in research leadership.

3. Ángela Nieto

Ángela Nieto is a Spanish developmental biochemist and professor at the Institute of Neuroscience in San Juan de Alicante. Her research in cancer treatment earned her the highest honor from the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science program.

4. Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski

Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski is a Cuban American theoretical physicist. At age 16, she built and flew her own plane, and by 17, she had graduated as the first MIT freshman selected for an internship at NASA. Her exceptional talent has earned her recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 All Star and a role model for girls worldwide.

5. Laura I. Gomez

Laura I. Gomez is a Mexican computer scientist. After being one of the only Latinas at Google, YouTube, and Twitter and experiencing discrimination in the tech world, she founded Atipica, a recruiting software startup that uses artificial and human intelligence to help companies make bias-free hiring decisions.


These remarkable women represent the strength and spirit of Hispanic values as they conquer the world of STEM. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us honor and be inspired by their contributions and achievements, continuing to break barriers and expanding the female presence in STEM.

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Author

  • Isabella T.

    Isabella T. is a SWENexter from Brazil aspiring to become an industrial engineer, attracted to the field for its integration of mathematics, physics, and social sciences. She founded her school’s SWENext Club to inspire and increase female participation in STEM from a young age. Additionally, Isabella serves as her school’s Digital Learning Leader and tutors younger students, donating her profits to a philanthropic school in São Paulo.

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