Katya Echazaretta’s father, uncle, and grandfather all studied electrical engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Johns Hopkins University, laying the groundwork for Katya to go from being an engineer to a public figure and saying yes to becoming a Barbie.
After graduating from UCLA herself, Katya, the first Mexican-born female astronaut, went on to intern at NASA JPL.
She transitioned to a full-time engineer on five NASA missions before pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
The nonprofit Space for Humanity sponsored Katya for her first space travel mission in 2022.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2025, Mattel has unveiled a Barbie modeled after astronaut Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space. The doll wears the flight suit she donned during her first mission on STS-56 in 1993.
Ochoa logged 1,000 hours in space across four missions. Her journey demonstrates the far-reaching impact of dreams.
Franklin Chang-Díaz, NASA’s first Hispanic-American astronaut, is tied for the world record of most orbital spaceflights. He logged more than 1,500 hours in space over seven shuttle flights.
In 2023, NASA appointed veteran astronaut Joe Acaba as chief of the Astronaut Office.
A decorated veteran of multiple spaceflights, as well as a former U.S. Marine and educator, Acaba is the first person of Hispanic heritage to be selected to lead the office.
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio holds one of the records for the longest single spaceflight by an American. His mission aboard the International Space Station lasted 371 days. Before becoming an astronaut, Rubio was a physician, flight surgeon, and helicopter pilot.
Last week, the University of Alabama in Huntsville welcomed Rubio for inspiring conversations on the future of space with students and the UAH community.
The National Museum of the American Latino has invited the public to find out how they can help raise awareness and support for the museum.
The California Museum has announced three upcoming events to help you enjoy the beauty and history of Hispanic and Latinx cultures.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, LULAC is spotlighting iconic voices starting with Sara García, the face of Abuelita chocolate.
Meanwhile, legendary Hispanic designers are being honored in Times Square and across the nation as Women’s Wear Daily builds on a partnership with one of the largest out-of-home media companies for a billboard campaign in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
According to the press release, this initiative underscores the commitment of both organizations to promoting creativity within the fashion industry.
The campaign officially launched in New York City’s Times Square and is now running nationwide throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from September 15 to October 15.
A series of billboards will showcase iconic Hispanic fashion designers featured in WWD’s historic 115th Anniversary Issue, recognized as “Newsmakers, Originals, and Legends.”
This celebration highlights their significant impact on global fashion.
The campaign features Oscar de la Renta, a titan of American fashion known for his elegant and timeless designs that redefined luxury; Manolo Blahnik, the visionary footwear designer celebrated for his exquisite craftsmanship and iconic silhouettes; and Narciso Rodriguez, renowned for his minimalist aesthetic and architectural precision, making him a master of modern design.
The campaign aligns with the 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” by spotlighting the achievements of these legendary designers and their enduring influence on culture today.
This is the face of a woman who kept a promise she made at 7 years old.
Esta es una mujer que cumplió una promesa que hizo a los 7 años. pic.twitter.com/J3H488QrLF
— Ing. Kat Echazarreta (@katvoltage) June 5, 2022
#PhotoOfTheDay: High Above the World
NASA astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz works with a grapple fixture during a June 2002 spacewalk outside of the International Space Station.
He became the first Hispanic American to fly in space.https://t.co/0ZxX5Wb1tw pic.twitter.com/bhSPUcLIbA
— Knowledge Zone (@KnowledgeZoneIn) September 15, 2025
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NASA astronaut Frank Rubio holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American. His mission aboard the International Space Station lasted 371 days. Before becoming an astronaut, Rubio was a physician, flight surgeon, and helicopter pilot. #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/wTab0Hcmvo
— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) September 15, 2025
Make history with the National Museum of the American Latino this #HispanicHeritageMonth and beyond!
Learn how you can help raise awareness and support for our museum at https://t.co/X58yYx3qxy.#SmithsonianHHM pic.twitter.com/QiRTNTkkvb
— National Museum of the American Latino (@USLatinoMuseum) September 15, 2025
¡Celebremos! Hispanic Heritage Month begins today. 🎉 At the California Museum, we have three upcoming events to help you enjoy the beauty and history of Hispanic & Latinx cultures—check out the flyers! Tickets are available now at the link in bio. pic.twitter.com/BPhJ45EUGx
— California Museum (@TheCAMuseum) September 15, 2025
For Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting iconic voices of our history — starting with Sara García, Mexico’s “eternal grandmother” and the face of Abuelita chocolate. Who should we cover next? Drop your recommendations below. pic.twitter.com/IXFiiUcaWt
— LULAC (@LULAC) September 16, 2025
From Times Square to cities nationwide, WWD and @OUTFRONTMEDIAUS are honoring legendary Hispanic designers this National Hispanic Heritage Month, kicking off today in NYC.
The inspiring series of billboards will showcase legendary Hispanic fashion designers @OscardelaRenta,… pic.twitter.com/OkMK2NkeYb
— WWD (@wwd) September 15, 2025
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