The First Hispanic Woman to Go to Space - Dr. Ellen Ochoa

National Hispanic Heritage Month

• Celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th in the United States
• Recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans
• Started in 1968 as a week-long event, expanded to a month in 1988
• Acknowledges the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans
• Supported by various influential figures, including Jennifer Lopez and Sonia Sotomayor

Ellen Ochoa's Background

• Born in Los Angeles to Mexican-American parents
• Academic career at San Diego State and Stanford University
• Spent 30 years at NASA, became an astronaut and went into space four times
• Later became the director of Johnson Space Center
• Personified the American dream through her journey

Inspiration from Sally Ride

• Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, inspired Ellen Ochoa
• Shared commonalities with Sally Ride, such as being a woman and studying physics at Stanford University
• Sally Ride's achievements made Ellen Ochoa consider pursuing a career in space
• Sally Ride's flight in 1983 was a significant milestone for women in space
• Ellen Ochoa needed to see these commonalities to believe she could achieve similar feats

Studying Global Warming

• Ellen Ochoa studied global warming from space
• Space provided a unique perspective to understand the problem fully
• Conducted research on the Earth's atmosphere and the issue of ozone depletion
• Ochoa's interest in space was driven by the ability to conduct research not possible on Earth's surface
• The mission she flew into space for the first time focused on studying the ozone hole

Impact and Legacy

• Ellen Ochoa's exemplary work led to promotions, including being the Director of the Johnson Space Center
• Schools bearing her name have been established in California, Texas, and Oklahoma
• Ochoa has inspired and encouraged a new generation, particularly Hispanic students, to pursue careers in science and engineering
• Currently retired and living in Idaho, Ochoa continues to stay connected to the industry she dedicated her career to
• She had a fulfilling career, balancing family and work, and being able to inspire Hispanic kids across the country.