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In the exciting world of aerospace engineering, Diana Trujillo stands out as an idol for many. Her dreams, hard work, resilience and belief in her ability have made her a leading figure in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Join us as we explore the fascinating journey and remarkable contributions of this visionary engineer.

The Beginning 

Diana Trujillo’s story began in Colombia, where she nurtured a dream of working for NASA. In her childhood she used to see her mother trying to fix things if they broke out with whatever resources they had at home, instead of replacing them right away. It sparked an interest in her to pursue engineering for her career. 

Steadfast Trujillo, at the age of 17, immigrated to the United States to make her dreams come true with only $300 to her name and very limited English speaking skills. Whilst studying English as a second language, Trujillo worked full-time  alongside pursuing her education. She started at Miami-Dade Community College before moving on to the University of Florida and then to the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Breaking Barriers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Trujillo’s career at NASA began in 2008 when she joined JPL. Over the years, she has held several critical roles, including Mission Lead and Deputy Project System Engineer for the Mars Curiosity rover. Her technical expertise and leadership skills have been instrumental in the success of multiple NASA missions, notably the Mars Perseverance rover, where she currently serves as the Robotic Arm System Lead and Flight Director.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion in STEM

Beyond her engineering prowess, Trujillo was highly passionate about making STEM fields more inclusive. She co-created and hosted #JuntosPerseveramos, NASA’s first ever Spanish-language live broadcast of a planetary landing, for Perseverance’s arrival on Mars. This broadcast attracted millions of viewers worldwide, bringing the excitement and opportunities of space exploration to a broader audience. She provides regular updates on the Perseverance mission in both English and Spanish via video series and social media, ensuring that language is not a barrier in accessing scientific knowledge.

“The more hers there are, the more engineers and scientists that are Latin are out there, the more chances we have for those kids to have la chispa – where they say I want to be that.” – Diana Trujillo

She also serves on the executive team of the Brooke Owens Fellowship, a programme dedicated to supporting women and minorities in aerospace. Notably, she is a board member of the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Children’s Center at Caltech, using her knowledge and inspiring story to further promote STEM education for the next generation.

Trujillo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed.

In October 2021, she, along with two other Latina engineers from JPL, was honoured with a STEM Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. This recognition celebrated her significant role in the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission and her ongoing efforts to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers.

In 2021, she was named one of “Los 22 Más” (the 22 Colombians who best represent Colombia) and was awarded the Cruz de Boyacá, Colombia’s highest civilian honour, by the President of Colombia.

Diana Trujillo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of diverse voices in STEM. Through her technical expertise, advocacy, and tireless dedication, she is reshaping the future of space exploration and inspiring countless individuals around the world. Her story is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all those who dream of reaching for the stars.

Written by Natalie Brabben for Spring ACT