Latina Voices in Action: Carmen M. Mercado, Engineer – Turning Difference into Strength

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What happens when you learn that being different is actually your strength? In this episode of our mini-series Latina Voices in Action, engineer Carmen M. Mercado shares her journey as a Latina in engineering and tech. From designing radar systems to leading as a product manager, Carmen talks about growth, confidence, and the power of community. She is also co-chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention and explains why finding your familia matters in STEM and in life. In this episode, Carmen shares: * How she transformed being the only Latina in the room into a professional advantage * Why embracing your story and perspective can be your greatest strength * How connecting with your familia of mentors and peers drives success * SHPE [https://shpe.org/] * SHPE National Convention [https://shpe.org/engage/events/national-convention/] About Carmen M. Mercado: * Co-Chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention (largest U.S. gathering of Hispanic STEM professionals, Philadelphia, Oct 29–Nov 1). * The U.S. faces a historic engineering shortage; Latinas hold <3% of STEM roles. Carmen leads SHPE efforts recruiting and mentoring women in STEM/STEAM and was the youngest systems lead at Raytheon. Contact Carmen: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-m-mercado-125a1ba0/] * Article: Engineering Equity and Building Belonging [https://drexel.edu/engineering/news-events/news/archive/2025/April/carmen-melissa-mercado-alumna-comcast/] Stay in Touch: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our Show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/life100podcast] Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com [https://latina-in-america.simplecast.com/] Instagram - Rosie and Guests [https://www.instagram.com/rosie_and_guests] Other Show: Life 100 Podcast [https://www.life100today.com/] Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26 [https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g28834390/best-spanish-podcasts/] Linktree: Rosie and Guests [https://linktr.ee/Rosie_And_Guests]

From the South Bronx to Science Missions: Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio on Curiosity, Representation, and STEM

What do a curious child, a multilingual woman leading communications on a starship, and a Puerto Rican character going to college on TV have in common? For Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio, these moments opened the path from the South Bronx to a life in science. In this episode of Latina In America, we explore what’s possible when curiosity, representation, and determination come together. Dr. Gonzalez-Serricchio is a Puerto Rican scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Caltech. She is an accomplished researcher, analog astronaut, STEM educator, and author whose journey has taken her from the South Bronx to space analog missions and research stations in the Arctic. She’s changing the world through education, community science, and storytelling. Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador and part of The Explorers Club’s 2024 class of "Fifty People Changing the World." A passionate advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDIB), she holds advisory roles with SparkReach Leadership and STEAM Superheroes—encouraging the next generation, girls, and students from underrepresented communities. Topics Covered: * How a curious girl from the South Bronx turned her imagination into a life in science * The power of representation in science and media * Learning differences * Multilingual woman leading a team — and opening doors for the future * From the South Bronx to Caltech: Her remarkable path to a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics * How Dr. Gonzalez is turning science education into a community mission * Scientific expeditions — Conducting science missions in extreme environments, including the Arctic * The stories we tell can inspire the innovators of tomorrow * Science education for communities and classrooms * How Dr. Gonzalez is mentoring the next generation and making sure everyone belongs in science * Her bilingual children’s book, Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The Soil Related Links: * Dr. Gonzalez’s Website [https://draidylgonzalez.com/] * STEAM Superheroes [https://steamsuperheroes.org/] * Instagram @real_dr.g [https://www.instagram.com/real_dr.g/?hl=en] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidyl-gonzalez-serricchio/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidyl-gonzalez-serricchio/] * Fifty People Changing the World 2024- Dr. Gonzalez-Serrichio [https://50.explorers.org/community/aidyl-gonzalez-serricchio/] * Soil & Nematode Citizen Science [https://home.soilsciencelab.com/] About Dr. Gonzalez: https://draidylgonzalez.com/rsvp-2-1-1 [https://draidylgonzalez.com/rsvp-2-1-1] YouTube - https://youtu.be/j5P8sTc7Iho?si=77AzO_8rIH5E-p2W [https://youtu.be/j5P8sTc7Iho?si=77AzO_8rIH5E-p2W] Book: Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The Soil Connect with me: Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com [https://latina-in-america.simplecast.com/] Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica [https://www.instagram.com/latinainamerica/] Other Show: Life 100 Podcast [https://www.life100today.com/] Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26 [https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g28834390/best-spanish-podcasts/] Linktree: Latina In America [https://linktr.ee/LatinaInAmerica] Stay in Touch: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our Show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/life100podcast] Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com [https://latina-in-america.simplecast.com/] Instagram - Rosie and Guests [https://www.instagram.com/rosie_and_guests] Other Show: Life 100 Podcast [https://www.life100today.com/] Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26 [https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g28834390/best-spanish-podcasts/] Linktree: Rosie and Guests [https://linktr.ee/Rosie_And_Guests]

14 de jun de 202521 min

Latina Voices in Action: Carmen M. Mercado, Engineer – Turning Difference into Strength

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