Diana Trujillo

Diana Trujillo is a Colombian-American aerospace engineer and one of NASA's most prominent figures. She is known for her significant contributions to space exploration, particularly through her work with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Trujillo serves as the Flight Director for the Mars Perseverance Rover mission, a key role in overseeing operations that involve collecting samples and searching for signs of past life on Mars.

Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, Trujillo moved to the United States with limited English skills and only $300 to her name. Her journey from cleaning houses to fund her education to becoming a NASA engineer is a testament to her resilience and determination. She studied aerospace engineering at the University of Florida and the University of Maryland, where she earned her degree. Trujillo's passion for space exploration and her trailblazing efforts have made her an inspirational figure, especially for women and Latinas in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Trujillo is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the aerospace industry. She has been featured in various media outlets and recognized for her leadership, including being named one of "Time" magazine's Most Influential People of 2021. She has worked on several high-profile NASA missions, including the Mars Curiosity Rover. Additionally, she hosted NASA's first-ever Spanish-language broadcast of a planetary landing during Perseverance’s landing in 2021, broadening access to scientific discovery for Spanish-speaking audiences.

Throughout her career, Trujillo has focused on fostering a greater understanding of space exploration and encouraging future generations to pursue careers in STEM.