Ellen Ochoa: From the Space Race to NASA’s First Latina Astronaut

What does it take to become an astronaut—and stay focused when the stakes are that high?In this conversation, I sit down with Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut in NASA’s history. We talk about the early influences that shaped her path, from growing up during the space race to pursuing science when few women—especially Latinas—were visible in the field.Ellen walks through the realities of astronaut training, what it feels like during launch when the G-forces hit, and the discipline required to work in space where teamwork and preparation matter more than anything else.We also talk about the barriers she faced, how she balanced family life with the demands of NASA missions, and why she continues to focus on STEM education and inspiring young people especially girls and Latinas—to see themselves in science and exploration.This episode isn’t just about space.It’s about persistence, preparation, and expanding who gets to imagine themselves there