As a child, Dr. Ellen Ochoa didn’t see many people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who looked like her.  And there were no female astronauts at NASA to look up to. 

Decades later, Ochoa became the first Latina to travel to space and went on to fly four space missions. On October 13, she will bring that story of curiosity and discovery to Southwest Michigan for a free community event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. 

“An Evening with Dr. Ellen Ochoa” will take place at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum in Portage, with a keynote conversation at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required by October 1, and space is limited. 

The evening will begin with a welcome from El Concilio’s Ballet Folklorico Kalamazoo at 5:40 p.m., followed by the keynote conversation with Ochoa. The theme of the visit, “Look Closer. Ask Why. Try Again. Discover More,” reflects the qualities that have defined Ochoa’s career and the event’s broader goal of encouraging curiosity and persistence among people of all ages. 

After joining NASA in 1988, Ochoa advanced from research engineer to astronaut to director of Johnson Space Center. She has been recognized with NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal, and in 2024, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.  

Ochoa’s story, though, is about more than breaking barriers in space exploration. Throughout her career, she has mentored and advocated for women and people from groups underrepresented in STEM. She has spoken about the importance of young people having role models who help them envision possibilities they might not otherwise consider. 

“That is part of what makes bringing Dr. Ochoa to Kalamazoo so meaningful,” said Maria Newhouse, director of corporate and foundation relations at Kalamazoo College. “We want young people across our community, particularly girls, young women and young people of color, who have historically been underrepresented in STEM, to see the possibilities in her story. And we want everyone who walks through that door, kids and adults alike, to leave a little more curious about the world than they were when they arrived.” 

Event Details

• What: An Evening with NASA Astronaut Ellen Ochoa 
• When: Tuesday, October 13 
• Doors open: 5 p.m. 
• Program: 5:40 p.m. 
• Keynote: 6 p.m. 
• Where: Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum, 6151 Portage Road, Portage.
• Cost: Free. 
• Registration: https://forms.gle/AabGChUfiFANgg4TA.