Ellen Ochoa

Keynote Speaker for WonderWomenTech Virtual Summit 2020
2020-09-19
Join us for Wonder Women Tech’s first-ever 4-day Virtual Summit on Wednesday, September 16th – Saturday, September 19th, 2020. This summit is designed to offer thoughtful conversations, impactful solutions, empowering talks, and the opportunity to hear from some of the most inspirational speakers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math).
Entering its sixth year, Wonder Women Tech typically draws thousands of diverse people to attend presentations, coding classes, and career development workshops to spotlight women, diversity in tech, and the pioneers leading the way for technology innovation.
2019 was a groundbreaking year for Wonder Women Tech with the first-ever all deaf main stage panel, a Smart Cities Fest, and a multi-lingual panel. This year we are embracing the unprecedented COVID-19 landscape, as interactive experiences and inspiring speakers are now accessible for everyone, no matter where you are located, from students to professionals, including those with disabilities. Our Wonder Women Tech Virtual Summit offers:

Main Stage with over 150 Speakers

Amplify Stage featuring BIPOC first-time speakers and fresh voices

Ignite Stage featuring pre-recorded talks from women in STEAM

Empower Talks aggregated from previous WWT Conference Speakers

Virtual Career Fair

Resume Review Lounge Hosted by the Los Angeles Times

Fireside Chat with Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Former Astronaut and first Hispanic Woman in Space

Fireside Chat with Barbara Whye, Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Intel

Keynote Speech from Dr. Lisa Coleman, Senior VP for Global Inclusion and Strategic

Innovation, for NYU

“Nevertheless” Movie Screening and Q&A with Emmy-Award winning filmmaker, Sarah Moshman

Virtual Mentor Magic Sessions Sponsored and Hosted by DiscordApp

Interview Bootcamp Sessions with Woz-U

College Student Hangout & High School Sessions

Virtual Art Gallery

Musical Performances by Ryck Jane, Aliza Hava, and Billboard Top Recording Artist, Laura Angelini

Ticket Scholarships

And more!

The Virtual Summit will bring you several days of experiences designed to innovate, inspire, and ignite you! Your ticket gives you access to the Virtual Summit sessions for TWO WEEKS! So you can check out all the sessions your heart desires live and at your leisure.

Clinton Foundation Bridge Builders Series
2020-10-06
Join us on October 6 at 6:30 p.m. CDT for Bridge Builders: An Inspiring Conversation with Dr. Ellen Ochoa.
Ellen Ochoa was the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX from 2013 until her retirement in May 2018. She became the first Latina to go to space when she flew on a nine-day mission aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993, and has flown in space four times, logging nearly 1,000 hours. Dr. Ochoa currently serves on several boards including as Chair of the National Science Board, and as a director for Service Corporation International, Mutual of America, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
The conversation will be moderated by Maria Echaveste, who served as Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for President Clinton from 1998 to 2001.
Bridge Builders is sponsored by Coulson Oil.
Link to conversation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD5rVXx2QG8

Hauser Visiting Leader, Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School
2020-10-26 - 2020-10-29
Hauser Leaders Program

The Hauser Leaders Program at Harvard Kennedy School hosts a unique portfolio of high-profile leaders and practitioners from across public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Hauser Leaders spend their time on campus advising students and engaging with faculty during richly-programmed visits throughout the academic year. By teaching skill-building and leadership development workshops, engaging key external stakeholders, and advising students and alumni, Hauser Leaders enact the Center for Public Leadership’s mission to develop principled, effective public leaders who make positive change in the world. Hauser Leaders also influence Harvard curriculum by speaking in the classroom, engaging in research and case development, and sharing expertise with lead faculty.
https://cpl.hks.harvard.edu/hauser-leaders-program

Announcing our Spring 2020 Hauser Leaders

January 27, 2020

Cambridge, MA: The Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is pleased to announce the appointment of eight Hauser Leaders for the spring 2020 semester.
“These experienced leaders—from the U.S. and around the globe—bring wisdom grounded in years of changemaking and working across difference. This perspective will be immensely valuable to our students, many of whom are beginning their careers as public servants during a particularly complex and volatile time,” said Amb. Wendy R. Sherman, director of the Center for Public Leadership and a professor of the practice at Harvard Kennedy School.
Standing at the heart of the Center for Public Leadership’s community of scholarship and learning, Hauser Leaders contribute in vital ways to the academic life of Harvard, participating in faculty-led research and case development, classroom lectures, and in some cases, independent study and research. Hauser Leaders bring tangible learning to students through workshops, field experiences, coaching meetings, and public events.
Please visit our events page for a schedule of Hauser Leader public events. Full bios for our spring, 2020 Hauser Leaders can be found here.
https://cpl.hks.harvard.edu/news/announcing-our-spring-2020-hauser-leaders

Science Teachers Association of Texas CAST Conference
2020-11-06
Everyone agrees – the magic of CAST is found in the variety and quality of its outstanding workshops and featured sessions. While the format will be a little different this year, the science and pedagogy content delivered by educators and partners will be as outstanding as ever.

Old Dominion University - Virtual Speaking Event
2020-12-01 15:00 UTC
The webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is requested to receive a Zoom link.
Time: 3 p.m. EDT
Register [HERE]

Postman Galaxy Keynote Speaker
2021-02-04
It’s not often one gets to learn firsthand from a person who’s seen Earth from outer space. With Postman Galaxy set to lift off this February 2-4, 2021, we’re excited to announce that a trailblazing astronaut will be joining us when we launch our global, virtual API conference that’s free for anyone to experience.
The first Latina ever go to space, former NASA astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa knows what it means to explore, innovate, and collaborate to reach new heights. As a Postman Galaxy keynote speaker, she’ll be the star of a rare and wide-ranging Q&A.
“To me it wasn’t just about being in space,” Ochoa has said of her singular achievements. “It was about being part of a team…about scientific discovery, about learning what humans can do in space.”
During a groundbreaking career spanning 30 years at NASA, Dr. Ochoa was also the first Hispanic director—and only the second female director—of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. There, she led the human space flight enterprise for the United States from 2013 to 2018. Where will she lead us during her special appearance at Postman Galaxy? Join us to find out.
Register for Postman Galaxy today to witness this pathmaker, who continues to advocate for women, minorities, and technology, when she speaks to the world’s community of API enthusiasts.
In total, Dr. Ochoa spent nearly a thousand hours in space from 1993 (when she made history aboard the space shuttle Discovery’s nine-day mission) to 2002. We look forward to spending time with her—and a full lineup of inspiring presenters—during Postman Galaxy this February.

Australian Institute of Sports World Class to World Best conference:
2021-02-23 08:00 - 2021-02-24 17:00
World Class to World Best (WC2WB) is Australia’s premium high performance sport conference.
This conference brings together CEOs, high performance coaches, directors, managers and performance support personnel. It provides a unique opportunity to connect, share and collaborate across Australia’s high performance sporting system.

*This is an invitation only event. If you would like to register your interest to attend, please email wc2wb@ausport.gov.au

SXSW EDU: Panel on The STEM Future is Female 2.0 Leading & Empowering
2021-03-11 12:30 - 13:00

Academy of Our Lady of Peace Women’s Symposium
2021-03-12
Join the Seventh Annual OLPWS on Friday, March 12, 2021
The 7th Annual OLP Women’s Symposium theme of “Watch Her Rise: Lessons in Perseverance and Reinvention” takes an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities, as well as life stages, of today’s woman. Open to the public, from high school students to seasoned business professionals, the 2021 Women’s Symposium features a series of workshops, lectures, and highly curated panels with prominent leaders in their industries. The half-day, nonprofit event will leave attendees with tangible advice, lessons learned, and inspiration for what’s next in their lives.
Proceeds benefit the education of the next generation of female leaders, including through high school scholarships and classroom tools.

2021 Keynote: Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Veteran astronaut, First Latina to go to space, Former Director of Johnson Space Center

Dr. Ellen Ochoa is the first Latina ever to go to space. She’s also only the second female Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center—where she led the human space flight enterprise for the nation from 2013 to 2018. Ochoa is a trailblazer like no other.
As an in-demand speaker, she touches on resonant issues that have defined her historic career: What can we learn about change, innovation, and the culture of teams from her time at the upper reaches of NASA’s leadership? And what can we do—really do—to ensure that more women and minorities find a place within STEM fields?

2021 AUTM Annual Meeting - Virtual Event
2021-03-15 00:00 - 2021-03-18 23:59 | San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
2021 AUTM Annual Meeting – Virtual Event
Keynote Featuring Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic woman ever to go to space. She’s also a brilliant inventor and only the second female Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center—where she led the human space flight enterprise for the nation from 2013 to 2018. Ochoa is a trailblazer like no other. Speaking at the AUTM 2020 Annual meeting, Ochoa will talk about the resonant issues that have defined her historic career: What can we learn about change, innovation, and the culture of teams from her time at the upper reaches of NASA’s leadership. And what we can do—really do—to ensure that more women and minorities find a place within STEM fields.
Top Reasons to Attend:

The world may have stopped, but your professional development doesn’t have to.
Education and networking from the comfort of your own couch.
Loads of partnering opportunities.
The programming is tops in the industry.
It’s a great value — in fact it’s a great year for the whole office to attend.
It’s an important investment in your future.

Register Here – https://autm.net/2021-annual-meeting/registration

Oktane21 - Conference
2021-04-08
The event will kick off with a real-world documentary that explores what it’s like to build an identity platform at one of the fastest-growing tech companies during one of the hardest years in modern history.
Oktane21 is a space to unite. To forge and deepen our connections — to each other and to the people who increasingly rely on our technology in their lives. To understand where we’re going and how to get there, so we can keep building the experiences that connect with people and transform our world.
This is a completely free, virtual conference, accessible from anywhere. The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance to us. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the future of how people, technology, and identity intersect.

Oregon State University Engineering Expo/Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
2021-06-04
Upcoming Event – Jun 2021

Formstack Practically Genius 2021 - Virtual Conference
2021-10-05 - 2021-10-06
Formstack Practically Genius 2021 – Virtual Conference
October 5th, 2021
View site info and register [HERE]

East Los Angeles Community College Racial Equity & Social Justice Town Hall with Dr. Ellen Ochoa
2021-11-19 12:00 - 13:00
Join us Friday, Novemeber 19th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. for a Racial Equity & Social Justice Town Hall with Dr. Ellen Ochoa titled Factors Influencing the Academic Success Among Students of Color in STEM.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa, former astronaut and Director of the Johnson Space Center, will touch on resonant issues that have defined her historic career as the first Hispanic female astronaut. Through a dialogue, she will discuss the importance of a science, technology, engineering and math education, and encourage students of color to pursue technical fields as a way to close equity gaps in STEM fields.
http://elac.edu/Explore/Events/2021/Fall/Racial-Equity-Social-Justice-Town-Hall-with-Dr-Ell

Defying Gravity, Championing Gender Equity: Ellen Ochoa, Space and Leadership Pioneer
2022-03-08
A global International Women’s Day event
“What everyone in the astronaut corps shares in common is not gender or ethnic background, but motivation, perseverance, and desire—the desire to participate in a voyage of discovery.”
— Ellen Ochoa
Ellen Ochoa is a history-making astronaut, a brilliant inventor, a gifted corporate leader who left her mark on the culture of NASA, a role model for women executives, a hero of the Latinx community, and an advocate for women and minorities in engineering, scientific and technical fields.
An active astronaut since 1991, Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the shuttle Discover in 1993. In total, she has flown in space four times, logging nearly 1,000 hours, leading onboard scientific activities, and serving as flight engineer during the launch, rendezvous, and entry phases of the mission.
In 2013, Ochoa was named the 11th Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, becoming the first Latinx and the second female director to hold this prestigious position.
Ellen will join this global CREW Network-hosted event live to share her story, and discuss innovation, the culture of teams, perseverance, and facing and overcoming bias. This International Women’s Day event is complimentary and open to all.

Legends of Space Special Event
2022-03-18 - 2022-03-19 | Lausanne, Switzerland
BOOK TICKETS NOW only through @ticketmasterch live on stage 18 & 19 March 2022 @swisstech.convention.center Lausanne Switzerland. legendsofspacelive.com

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Girls of Promise Conference
2022-04-21
Ellen Ochoa was the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX from 2013 until her retirement in May 2018. She became the first Latina woman to go to space when she flew on a nine-day mission aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993. She has flown in space four times, logging nearly 1,000 hours. She currently serves on several boards including as Vice Chair of the National Science Board, and as chair of the Nomination Evaluation Committee for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Prior to her astronaut career, Dr. Ochoa was a research engineer and holds three patents for optical systems. She received a B.S. in Physics from San Diego State University, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. She is honored to have six schools named for her and has been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame, and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

RNASA dinner and National Space Trophy Award
2022-04-29
The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. Each year since 1987, the Foundation has presented the National Space Trophy and other awards honoring those who have contributed to our nation’s space program at a gala event in April in Houston, Texas.

Alturas Institute Conversations with Exceptional Women
2022-09-08
The Alturas Institute will present the annual “Conversations with Exceptional Women” conference on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum. This year’s theme is “On the Shoulders of Giants.”

According to the organization’s website, “CWEW is the Alturas Institute’s signature event for the promotion of gender equality. We gather women from across the nation, from various sectors, disciplines and industries to engage in relaxed, casual and stimulating conversations about issues confronting women and the world.”

In addition to the promotion of gender equality, the Idaho Falls-based institute also promotes the Constitution and civic education. They host events throughout Idaho.
According to the Facebook event for the conference, this year’s speakers include “foreign affairs specialist Fiona Hill (best known for being a witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial); award-winning writer, human-rights and war crimes educator and adviser Janine di Giovanni; CIA’s Senior Analytic Service member Gina Bennett; political activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams; former astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Barbara Morgan; award-winning feature film producer Christine Walker; Grammy-award winning conductor Amy Andersson; prize-winning Yale historian Joanne Freeman; and author and professor of political science at Occidental College Caroline Heldman.”

Columbia Memorial Space Center Book Signing
2022-10-14 | Downey, CA, 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, United States
In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we will be having engineer and former astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa at the Space Center for a book signing event.
Celebrate your little scientists at the Columbia Memorial Space Center with astronaut, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space. Enjoy a bilingual story time, Q&A session, book signing, and engaging STEM activities. Free Q&A session and story time starts at 6:15 with book signing to follow.
FREE and open to the public!

West Texas A&M: An Evening with Ellen Ochoa
2022-10-17
Oct 17, 2022 – West Texas A&M: An Evening with Ellen Ochoa

ASCEND Conference Opening Panel on Partnering for Innovation in Cislunar Exploration
2022-10-24
2022 ASCEND to Kick Off with NASA, The Aerospace Corporation, SpaceX, U.S. Space Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Broad, Bold Perspectives from Inspired Visionaries Lead the Three-Day Event in Las Vegas
August 30, 2022 – Reston, Va. – ASCEND, the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future faster, today announced its agenda for the 2022 ASCEND apex event, 24-26 October at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, and online. Details are available at ascend.events. Early-bird registration rates are available through midnight, Friday, 9 September; space is limited. Journalists around the world are invited to cover 2022 ASCEND; press passes are available for credentialed media by request.
Powered by AIAA, 2022 ASCEND will open on Monday, 24 October, with perspectives from:

Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, U.S. Space Force
James Free, Associate Administrator, Exploration Systems Development, NASA
Pam Melroy, Deputy Administrator, NASA
Todd Nygren, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Technology Group, The Aerospace Corporation
Ellen Ochoa, Astronaut; former Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX
Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA

The three-day program is packed with speakers from leading space organizations and adjacent industries including Axiom Space, Barclays Capital, Maxar Technologies, MIT, NASA, and SpaceX, among others. During the more than 147 sessions across 16 space domain topics, speakers and attendees will tackle important issues and explore exciting opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond, including:

Space Traffic Management and Coordination
Sustainable Space Exploration
Outpacing the Space Threat
Using Space to Protect Our Planet
A Competitive and Burgeoning Space Economy
Developing the Space Workforce of Tomorrow
The Future of Cislunar and Lunar Exploration

2022 ASCEND attendees will experience the energy of presentations by our planet’s off-world pioneers, including Fortune 500 executives, established space agency leaders, government and military officials, professional and citizen astronauts, “new space” companies, international organizations, university professors and students, and start-up CEOs. In addition to the opening speakers, 2022 ASCEND will feature over 250 speakers, including:

Bill Beckman, Director, NASA Programs, The Boeing Company
Steve “Bucky” Butow, Director, Space Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Mark Daley, Deputy Director, Office of Space Commerce, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
Paula Grisanti, CEO, National Stem Cell Foundation
John Guiney, Vice President, Fleet Operations Management, OneWeb
Fiona Harrison, Harold A. Rosen Professor of Physics; Kent and Joyce Kresa Leadership Chair, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology
Amy Hopkins, President, Capella Space Federal
Kathleen Howell, Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University
Moriba Jah, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Privateer Space
Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, USAF (Ret.), Deputy Director, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Steve Jurczyk, Co-Founder and CEO, Quantum Space LLC
Bhavya Lal, Associate Administrator, Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA
Joe Landon, Vice President, Advanced Programs Development, Lockheed Martin
Mark Mozena, Vice President, Government Affairs, Planet
Kursten O’Neill, Vice President, Dream Chaser Crew Program, Sierra Space
Jim Reuter, Associate Administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA
Andrew Rush, President and COO, Redwire Space
Janice Starzyk, Vice President, Government Operations, Virgin Orbit
Erika Wagner, Senior Director, Emerging Market Development, Blue Origin
Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

The 2022 ASCEND program also includes unique features to engage attendees, including:

The Diverse Dozen returns. This year’s cadre of young people from 10 countries will shape the dialogue around space safety, security, and sustainability under the leadership of astrodynamicist Moriba Jah, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Privateer Space.
The Cyber Star Wargame will explore the implications of cybersecurity on the projection of space power.
The MICRO session tabletop exercise, “Defending Earth! What Can We Do to Stop an Asteroid Threat?” will walk through an asteroid threat scenario, following the META session, “Asteroids: Time Capsules and Terror.” It’s based in part on the Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise conducted earlier in 2022.
Breakout workshop sessions will collect feedback to help NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate identify gaps and plan future investments.

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, RebeccaG@aiaa.org, 804.397.5270
About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Museum of Discovery and Science: A Free Virtual Evening with Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa
2022-11-07
Free Virtual Evening with Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa
November 7, 2022 • 6 p.m. (EDT)
Spend an out-of-this world FREE virtual evening with one of America’s trailblazers, veteran astronaut and former Space Center Director, Dr. Ellen Ochoa. Dr. Ochoa, the first Latina in space, has charted a dazzling and inspirational career path. Enjoy a live presentation, question & answer session and a streaming of the IMAX Documentary, The Search for Life in Space.
6 p.m. – Presentation by Dr. Ellen Ochoa
7 p.m. – Virtual/Streaming viewing of the IMAX Documentary, The Search for Life in Space.
Cost: Free
A unique Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the event.

Intrepid Museum Unstoppable Women Leadership Symposium
2022-11-15 | New York, 3 W 51st St, New York, NY, 10019, United States

Val Verde Unified School District Annual Family Engagement Symposium
2022-12-07

Honoree at Palm Springs Air Museum
2023-02-18 17:30 - 21:00
Honoree at Palm Springs Air Museum: Women in Aviation: Quest for Excellence:
Saturday, February 18, 2023 – Doors open at 5:30 PM; Dinner at 7 PM
Theme: Women In Aviation: Quest for Excellence
Dress: Black Tie or Military Uniform
Celebrity Emcee: Joe Mantegna
Entertainment: The Elite Show Band
Event Chairs: Lisa Bell and Marguerita Maassen-Gilbertson

Alamo Colleges District MOSAICO Gala supporting AlamoPROMISE students
2023-04-12 18:00 | 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209, San Antonio, Texas 78209, San Antonio, TX, 78209, United States
In-person Event: RSVP’s for admittance to the event will be sent to sponsors and ticket holders by email the week of the event. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner. The evening will highlight the rich talent and diversity of the students and programs from each of our five Alamo Colleges. Proceeds from MOSAICO will support AlamoPROMISE last-dollar scholarships and programs.
In order to deliver on this promise of a college education for all, the Alamo College’s District needs the continued support of our community. The program was initially made possible by contributions from the city and county, as well as generous businesses and individuals. San Antonians have shown themselves to be a generous and giving community in supporting those in need. You can help up continue to make our PROMISE a reality by becoming a sponsor and/or attending the Mosaico gala.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this special opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students in our community.
We look forward to seeing you at the Inaugural Mosaico Gala.

Women in Neuroscience Opportunity! Benefit Dinner and Panel:
2023-04-13
Onion Creek Golf Club Austin, TX Golf outing | Monday, April 3, 2023 Dinner | Thursday, April 13, 2023
Golf Outing Schedule of Events: 9:00 AM Registration 10:00 AM Shotgun Start
Dinner Schedule of Events: 6:00 PM Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM Seated Dinner and Program

Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology: An Evening with Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
2023-04-20 | Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, MO, United States
The program

Ellen Ochoa—inventor, astronaut, and space center director—is a pioneer like no other. She made history as the first Latina to go to space, blazing a trail for other marginalized kids who dream of the stars. There were few minorities in leadership when she joined NASA—so she changed that, becoming the first Hispanic and second female director of the Johnson Space Center.

Dr. Ochoa earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from San Diego State University and a master’s degree and doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Prior to her selection as an astronaut in 1990, she was a research engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and NASA Ames Research Center, where she investigated optical systems for performing information processing. She is a co-inventor on three patents and author of several technical papers. She flew in space four times aboard the Space Shuttle, logging nearly 1,000 hours in orbit.
The lecture will be in person at the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri.
Registration will open March 9, 2023.

Dedication of Ellen Ochoa Pavilion at SDSU:
2023-05-05
Two prominent figures in San Diego State University history — veteran astronaut Ellen Ochoa and mathematician Charles B. Bell Jr., — will be honored this spring in the renaming of the West Commons and East Commons buildings.
Ellen Ochoa
With the naming of the Ellen Ochoa Pavilion, SDSU honors Ochoa’s exceptional work expanding scientific understanding, breaking barriers in a historically male-led industry, and her continued support of students and the university.
A role model for girls and underrepresented minorities who aspire to have careers in science, technology, engineering and math, Ochoa inspires students around the world to pursue their dreams and overcome potential barriers to their success. Ochoa continues to support the students at her alma mater, leaving a legacy that will positively impact the lives of students at SDSU for years to come.
Ochoa grew up in La Mesa, attended Grossmont High School and graduated from SDSU in 1980. At SDSU, she was a member of the Marching Aztecs and spent five years in the SDSU Wind Ensemble. She then went on to Stanford University to receive master’s and doctoral degrees and launch her research career. She holds three patents in her research specialty, optics.
She later joined NASA in 1988 and was selected for the astronaut corps two years later. In 1993, she flew on her first mission, becoming the first Latina in space. She flew on four shuttle missions with a total of more than 978 hours in orbit and was on the first shuttle flight to dock with the International Space Station.
Ochoa capped a 30-year career with NASA by serving as director of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Supervising a workforce of 10,000, Ochoa was the first Hispanic director of the Johnson Space Center and only its second female leader.
In 1995, Ochoa was recognized by SDSU as Distinguished Alumna of the Year and in October 2019 she received an honorary Doctor of Science degree at a special SDSU ceremony in recognition of her role in space exploration and her commitment to the education of young people across the country.
“As a Latina, a scientist and a leader, Ellen is a pioneer who has made incredible contributions to her field, our university, and young minds around the world,” said de la Torre. “The Ellen Ochoa Pavilion will serve as a physical reminder for students of all backgrounds to break through barriers and ‘reach for the stars.’ SDSU is so proud to honor her as an alumna.”
