Latina In America Podcast

Latina Voices in Action: Carmen M. Mercado, Engineer – Turning Difference into Strength

What happens when you learn that being different is actually your strength? In this episode of our mini-series Latina Voices in Action, engineer Carmen M. Mercado shares her journey as a Latina in engineering and tech. From designing radar systems to leading as a product manager, Carmen talks about growth, confidence, and the power of community. She is also co-chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention and explains why finding your familia matters in STEM and in life. In this episode, Carmen shares:How she transformed being the only Latina in the room into a professional advantageWhy embracing your story and perspective can be your greatest strengthHow connecting with your familia of mentors and peers drives successSHPESHPE National ConventionAbout Carmen M. Mercado:Co-Chair of the 2025 SHPE National Convention (largest U.S. gathering of Hispanic STEM professionals, Philadelphia, Oct 29–Nov 1).The U.S. faces a historic engineering shortage; Latinas hold

Dr. Dorothy De Dios Milner, Veterinarian: Mentorship, Persistence, and Pet Health

Join the conversation with Dr. Dorothy De Dios Milner, Veterinarian, as she shares her inspiring journey into veterinary medicine, including the challenges, mentors, persistence, and support system that empowered her to build a successful career. She also gives practical tips for keeping pets healthy, happy, and thriving—perfect for pet parents, curious learners, and anyone interested in careers, perseverance, and achieving their goals.We Cover:Growing up between two cultures: How her upbringing shaped her perspective and curiosity.Finding her path: The steps she took from undergraduate studies in biology to choosing veterinary medicine.Navigating education: How she prepared for veterinary school, including gaining volunteer hours, clinical experience, and mentorship.Overcoming financial challenges: Scholarships, work, loans, and a strong support system that made her education possible.Clinical rotations: Insights from emergency medicine, surgery, shelter medicine, and more, plus how these experiences shaped her approach to care.Practical advice for pet parents: Tips on preventive care, noticing changes in pets, and planning for emergencies.Representation and mentorship: The importance of diversity in veterinary medicine and guidance for students exploring this career path.Don't miss this engaging conversation on veterinary medicine, persistence in pursuing your dreams, and practical advice for pet care!Connect with Dr. Dorothy:Instagram: @drdorothy.vet.med  Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America

New Season: Celebrating Us and the Hispanic Heritage Month

In this season of Latina in America, Rosie welcomes a new chapter celebrating Latinas shaping the future in STEM, business, and culture. From scientists to entrepreneurs and artists, you will hear how curiosity opens doors, how identity creates opportunity, and how determination transforms barriers into stepping stones.This episode also highlights Hispanic Heritage Month with a special bilingual segment in Spanish, reflecting on the history, contributions, and pride of the Hispanic community in the United States.Whether you are a returning listener or joining for the first time—bienvenida(o), welcome! Each episode is designed to inspire, empower, and remind us of the impact of sharing our stories.Connect with me:Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America

From the South Bronx to Science Missions: Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio on Curiosity, Representation, and STEM

What do a curious child, a multilingual woman leading communications on a starship, and a Puerto Rican character going to college on TV have in common? For Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio, these moments opened the path from the South Bronx to a life in science.In this episode of Latina In America, we explore what’s possible when curiosity, representation, and determination come together. Dr. Gonzalez-Serricchio is a Puerto Rican scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Caltech. She is an accomplished researcher, analog astronaut, STEM educator, and author whose journey has taken her from the South Bronx to space analog missions and research stations in the Arctic. She’s changing the world through education, community science, and storytelling.Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador and part of The Explorers Club’s 2024 class of "Fifty People Changing the World." A passionate advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDIB), she holds advisory roles with SparkReach Leadership and STEAM Superheroes—encouraging the next generation, girls, and students from underrepresented communities.Topics Covered:How a curious girl from the South Bronx turned her imagination into a life in scienceThe power of representation in science and mediaLearning differencesMultilingual woman leading a team — and opening doors for the futureFrom the South Bronx to Caltech: Her remarkable path to a Ph.D. in Molecular GeneticsHow Dr. Gonzalez is turning science education into a community missionScientific expeditions — Conducting science missions in extreme environments, including the ArcticThe stories we tell can inspire the innovators of tomorrowScience education for communities and classroomsHow Dr. Gonzalez is mentoring the next generation and making sure everyone belongs in scienceHer bilingual children’s book, Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The SoilRelated Links:Dr. Gonzalez’s WebsiteSTEAM SuperheroesInstagram @real_dr.gLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidyl-gonzalez-serricchio/Fifty People Changing the World 2024- Dr. Gonzalez-SerrichioSoil & Nematode Citizen Science About Dr. Gonzalez: https://draidylgonzalez.com/rsvp-2-1-1YouTube - https://youtu.be/j5P8sTc7Iho?si=77AzO_8rIH5E-p2WBook: Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The Soil Connect with me:Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America  Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America

Brenda Santellano, MD: Advancing Medicine, Cancer Research & Patient Care

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brenda Santellano, MD, a physician and clinical oncology researcher dedicated to advancing cancer research and patient care. In this episode, she shares insights on current breakthroughs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.Here’s what we cover:Her journey in medicine and clinical oncology researchThe impact of her latest findings on skin, colorectal, and gastrointestinal cancersThe importance of cancer screening and early detectionAdvances in technology that are improving diagnosisWhat drives her passion for patient care and medical innovationDon't miss this insightful discussion on the future of cancer research and the power of early detection!Connnect with Dr. Brenda Santellano:Instagram @dr.brennda Connect with me:Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America  Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram: @LatinaInAmericaOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree: Latina In America