Joan Marie was born on November 21, 1990 in Puerto Rico. At a young age, she displayed a keen interest in science and the stars, which was fueled by her parents' encouragement. Despite her parents not attending college themselves, they recognized her passion and bought her a telescope to gaze at the night sky.
Upon moving from Puerto Rico to Orlando, Florida as a child, Joan Marie excelled in school, particularly in the field of science. In high school, she was a member of the Science Management team, where she honed her skills and deepened her love for STEM subjects.
After high school, Joan Marie attended Towson University with the intention of studying medicine. However, she soon realized that her true calling lay in engineering. She made the courageous decision to change her major and pursue her passion for space engineering.
Following her undergraduate studies, Joan Marie furthered her education by attending the Naval Postgraduate School, where she delved deeper into her field of expertise and expanded her knowledge.
Joan Marie is best known online as Your Female Engineer, where she uses her platform to advocate for girls and minorities to enter the STEM and space engineering fields. Her engaging content has garnered her a significant following of over 100,000 Instagram followers, whom she educates and updates on her life and career.
Despite facing challenges such as being diagnosed with ADHD, Joan Marie has persevered and excelled in her field. She courageously shares her struggles with her audience, shedding light on the difficulties faced by individuals working in STEM with such conditions.
Joan Marie's dedication and passion for her work have earned her recognition as a prominent female engineer. Alongside trailblazers like Patricia Bath and Marissa Mayer, she stands as a shining example of women making strides in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering.
Through her advocacy, Joan Marie continues to inspire and empower young girls and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in STEM, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the field of space engineering.
Joan Marie's journey from a curious child in Puerto Rico to a successful space engineer at NASA is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for breaking barriers in the world of STEM. Her impact goes far beyond her impressive online presence, as she continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the engineering field, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.