Hispanic Star: Ellen Ochoa

Read about the first Latina in space, Ellen Ochoa, one of the most groundbreaking, iconic Hispanic and Latinx heroes that have shaped our culture and the world, in this gripping biography written by Claudia Romo Edelman and Nathalie Alonso, with black-and-white illustrations by Manuel Gutierrez, perfect for fans of the Who Was and She Persisted series.

Meet award-winning engineer and veteran astronaut Ellen Ochoa—once just a girl from Los Angeles, California. The granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Ellen would pursue a career in physics at a young age and go on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. In 1993, Ellen became the first Latina in space. As a retired astronaut, she became the first Hispanic and second female director of the Johnson Space Center, has been an advocate for women and minorities in STEM fields, and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been undeniable forces in shaping its future.