Founder president of the Costa Rican chapter of the Society of Women in Space Exploration

After returning from my internship at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), I became increasingly aware of the disparity in opportunities available to students pursuing careers in space exploration between the United States and Central America, particularly Costa Rica. Recognizing this gap, I connected with Bianca Vásquez, who founded SWISE (Society of Women in Space Exploration) in the United States, and went on to found the first SWISE chapter outside of the U.S., established in Costa Rica. My work focused on shaping the chapter’s structure and expanding access to information and opportunities for its members through educational talks, mentorship, and guidance on applying to internships and academic programs. Through this effort, we created a space where students could connect with other Central Americans already working in the field, fostering a supportive community that made careers in space science more accessible and attainable.