“For me, representation is key. I want people from different backgrounds, different experiences, and different races and ethnicities to see themselves at this agency and across federal government, which is supposed to be representative of the American population. Especially for little girls like me — I grew up poor, the daughter of a former migrant worker. I grew up working in the fields, picking fruits and vegetables during weekends and school breaks.
“I’m the first one in my family to get a four-year degree. I didn’t do it because it was what I was expected to do so or because it was the obvious next step. I was able to go because I had teachers and advisors who saw potential even when I couldn’t. I was a first generation college student and now, I have nieces and nephews who have obtained or are in the process of obtaining their education.
“It’s not only about opening doors, it’s about opening minds — giving people a vision of the possibilities that are out there. Because now you’re broadening that thinking. You’re helping them question their status quo and helping them to see a different version of themselves. When you meet someone who is doing something different but yet, you can relate to them because of what they look like or their background, it makes a huge difference.”
— Maria Santos, Executive Officer of the Office of the Chief Scientist, NASA Headquarters
Image Credit: NASA / Aubrey Gemignani
Interviewer: NASA / Thalia Patrinos