For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2024
Contact: Deborah Martinez, dtmartinez@GreatMindsInSTEM.org, 202-422-2445
Director of Constituent Services
Great Minds in Stem (GMiS)
GMiS Congratulates Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Los Angeles, May 6, 2024 – Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), a leading organization dedicated to advancing STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine/Health) education and careers, is pleased to congratulate Dr. Ellen Ochoa for being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was presented to her by President Joseph Biden in ceremonies at the White House May 3.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Dr. Ochoa is a member of GMiS’s HENAAC Hall of Fame (HENAAC: Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Ceremony). She is the first Hispanic woman in space and the first Hispanic and the second woman to serve as director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the home of Mission Control. She has flown in space four times and logged nearly 1,000 hours in orbit, a feat achieved by few space explorers. She earned a doctorate in electrical engineering.
Dr. Ochoa continues to inspire young generations of scientists nationwide.
Dr. Juan Rivera, chairman of the GMiS board of directors noted, “GMiS is honored to be associated with Dr. Ellen Ochoa whose lifetime of achievement as an engineer and space traveler has been an example for us all.”
Great Minds in STEM is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping America technologically strong by promoting STEMM education and careers, with a special emphasis on underserved communities. Founded in 1989, GMiS has been at the forefront of efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in STEMM fields. Through its various programs and initiatives, GMiS has inspired countless students, provided scholarships, and facilitated connections between students and industry leaders.
For further information, please contact Ms. Deborah Martinez, Director of Constituent Relations at GMiS.
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