Born on August 18, 1982, in Marripón, Lambayeque, Peru, Irma Aracely Quispe Neira grew up captivated by the wonders of outer space. This fascination began when she was just six years old. In 1988, while watching a replay of the historic Apollo 11 mission, she saw Neil Armstrong walk on the Moon, a moment that forever changed her life, planting the seed of her career.
© Aracely Quispe Neira, Latina PowerhouseAlthough her childhood interests were diverse—she earned a black belt in karate and toured South America and the United States due to her athletic achievements—her true passion was the cosmos; her journey in science began with a degree in Computer Science and Systems Engineering from Cesar Vallejo University. At 21, Aracely took a leap of faith and moved to the U.S. to pursue a degree in Space Technology Engineering at Prince George's Community College.
There, a professor recognized her drive and passion for NASA and encouraged her to specialize in Astronautical or Aerospace Engineering. Irma went on to study at Capitol Technology University (CapTechU), where she focused on the construction, operation, and management of spacecraft—bringing her one step closer to her childhood dream.
"I look at that little girl who once dreamed, just like so many girls across Latin America today, and I want to tell her: you did it. If I had to walk this path again, I wouldn't change a thing."
© @aracelyquispenIn 2011, Aracely joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center team, contributing to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. Three years later, she was promoted to team leader and became a flight director. Her expertise and leadership led her to play a critical role in the James Webb Space Telescope project—one of history's most ambitious space observatories, involving over 3,000 scientists across 14 countries.
Today, the young girl who once dreamed from her living room in Peru is a NASA scientist, a speaker for both NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and an international role model.
Aracely Quispe Neira is not only the first Latina woman to lead three successful NASA missions as a Flight and Space Operations Director, but she's one of the most accomplished women we can think of, holding seven academic degrees—each a milestone in her journey of excellence.
"Perseverance—and sports—have been key in keeping me physically and mentally strong. To move forward, you must overcome fear."
© LinkedInHer list of honors is just as impressive. In 2015 and 2021, NASA's Superior Science Committee named her a "Role Model for Peru at NASA." In 2023, the Peruvian government awarded her the title of Commander in the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services—an honor granted to only 90 women in over seven decades. That same year, she also received NASA's Outstanding Achievement Award.
A pioneer, a scientist, and a beacon of perseverance, Irma Quispe Neira proves that dreams launched from humble beginnings can reach the stars.
