These Hispanic and Latina Changemakers are Making Waves in STEM
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! At Girls Who Code we want to uplift Hispanic and Latina voices and stories this month (and every month tbh!) That’s why we want to hold a space to shine a light on marginalized voices in tech. Join us as we host a celebratory panel featuring Hispanic and Latina leaders who are making waves in the STEM space…live on from our IG!
Now, let’s meet our panelists:
Dr. Jessica Esquivel is a trailblazing physicist, movement builder, and co-founder of Oyanova Enterprises, which is dedicated to reshaping STEAM education through culturally sensitive, community-driven programming. As one of the few Afrolatine queer women in physics, she champions equitable access to STEAM fields for marginalized communities while prioritizing mental health and representation. Jessica is also an If/Then Ambassador and a former TEDx speaker. With expertise in particle physics, science communication, and equity in STEAM consulting, Jessica is committed to creating transformative, inclusive spaces where Black and Brown individuals can thrive.
Dr. Daisy Rosas Vargas is a first-generation Mexican-American and indigenous (Mexica) chemist, educator, and science communicator. She holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from UC San Diego and a PhD from Indiana University. Daisy is dedicated to making science accessible through initiatives like “Chemists in the Kitchen” and “Drawing with Dr. Daisy.” She advocates for underrepresented students in higher education and works to create more inclusive paths in STEM. She is also an Assistant Administrator for Latinas in STEM.
Jocelyn Mata is a Girls Who Code Leadership Academy fellow and a first-generation senior at California State University, Northridge, majoring in Geophysics and Computer Science. She currently serves as the Vice Regional Student Representative 1 (VRSR1) for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Region 2. Jocelyn has also participated in the NASA Solar System Ambassador Program and aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering, with the goal of working for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Our panel will be moderated by Girls Who Code AAC Member Dissy Vargas. Dissy is a graduate student at West Texas A&M University, pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics. She has been actively involved with Girls Who Code since high school, participating in initiatives such as the Summer Immersion Program, first as a student and later as a teaching assistant. Dissy was also part of the inaugural class of the Leadership Academy. As a proud first-generation college student and Latina, she is passionate about advancing her career in STEM.
Want to join in? Catch us tomorrow as we go live on our Instagram this Thursday at 12:30 PM EST on 10/10.
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