HHF’s President and CEO, Antonio Tijerino spoke at the NASA’s ¡Latinos Stem up! panel hosted by NASA’s Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Alliance (HOLA). The importance of Hispanic representation in STEM education and STEM careers was discussed by those in attendance.

Other panelists included Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, Deputy Center Director, NASA Glenn Research Center, Sandra Alba Cauffman Deputy Director, Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters, Dr. Yaireska Collado- Vega, Physical Scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Marile Colon Robles, Education Outreach Coordinator, NASA Langley Research Center, Dr. Carolina Aguirre, Director, Reaching Rural STEM Students University of New Mexico.

NASA will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by airing the ¡Latinos STEM Up! live on NASA Television and the agency’s website at 10 a.m. EDT.

Opening remarks were delivered via video by Dr. Ellen Ochoa, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and the first Hispanic woman in space. Elvis Cordova, former acting under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture moderated the panel. Closing remarks were delivered by acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation inspires, prepares, positions and connects Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities including in tech. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles with satellite offices in Miami, New York, Silicon Valley, and now Mexico City. Learn more at www.hispanicheritage.org.