Latina In America Podcast

From Soil to the Stars with Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez. Her Journey from the Bronx to Alzheimer’s Research, and Her First Zero-G Experience to Prepare for Future Microgravity Research. About Dr. G:Website: https://draidylgonzalez.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_dr.g/Space for Humanity:Website: https://spaceforhumanity.org/Zero-G 2026 Cohort: https://spaceforhumanity.org/blog/menteesinzerog-zj3d7-rx2yxTimestamps:0:00 “I’m ready, willing, and able to solve this disease” 0:39 Host intro and episode setup1:04 How it happened: applying, reaching round two, becoming an alternate2:39 Why she wants a larger platform (research access for all) 3:08 Two days later she’s headed to France, carrying her mother’s ashes and a data device 3:34 Meeting the cohort and Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke4:29 First moments of weightlessness 5:03 “Go in zero G” as a lesson in perspective5:24 Practicing her research settings in the corner6:33 Interconnection: “we are so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for” 6:51 Charlie Duke: “This is not a simulation. This is real.” 7:50 “When opportunity comes, you grab it” 8:02 Origin story: the Bronx, Operation Bootstrap, the cockroach question9:22 “There is space for everybody” 10:12 Representation as hugs; the December 1st YouTube channel 11:04 The phone call, her “robot mode” checklist, what she packed 12:41 Meeting the cohort; offering access to each other 13:15 Training day: body expectations, suits, GoPros 14:53 The physics: how a plane creates zero-G 15:46 Three experiences: zero-G, lunar and Mars-style gravity 16:19 The “smack” of pulling out of the parabola, plus bruises17:13 Her Alzheimer’s “why” and her family history 18:27 After the flight: “We did it… but this is just the beginning” 19:06 What Space for Humanity is and how to apply 20:44 Seeing Earth from altitude: “further away than ever from the Bronx” 21:54 Community support system and lifting others22:59 Lava tube biomats and why diversity matters 24:33 Alzheimer’s research: environment, epigenetics, gene expression 26:10 The “two deaths” of Alzheimer’s26:33 Wrap-up: “From Dr. G to zero G”  Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram - Rosie and GuestsOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree and Contact Us: Rosie and Guests

¿Qué se siente cuando miras un escenario, un laboratorio, una página o un quirófano y te reconoces ahí, no como sorpresa, sino como alguien que pertenece? En este episodio de 2026 celebramos los momentos que nos movieron por dentro: los avances en ciencia, las palabras que se convirtieron en herencia, la medicina que se vuelve más humana y los escenarios más grandes del mundo que ahora también cuentan nuestra historia. Pero más allá de los logros, hablamos de algo igual de poderoso: documentar el camino. Porque hay una diferencia entre abrir una puerta y dejarla abierta. Este episodio incluye un poema original sobre valentía, legado y el acto generoso de decirle a quien viene detrás:  Este Espacio También Es Tuyo By Rosie   Hay quienes llegaron a cuartos vacíos.  Y en lugar de rendirse, encendieron la luz.  No había mapa. No había guía.  Solo el peso valiente de decir soy capaz.  Entraron a laboratorios, a escenarios, a páginas, a quirófanos.  A cumbres. A idiomas prestados y en cada umbral se cruzaron con miedo.  Dejaron sus huellas grabadas en el prado.  Así que documenta tu historia.  No la guardes.  Es brújula, es herencia, es puerta abierta.  Lo que tú recorres hoy con esfuerzo, mañana será una ruta cierta. Porque el acto más grande no es solo llegar,  es voltear, tender la mano y decir “Ven. Este espacio también es tuyo y hay más por construir.”  Stay in Touch:   Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram - Rosie and GuestsOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree and Contact Us: Rosie and Guests

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 <3% of STEM roles. Carmen leads SHPE efforts recruiting and mentoring women in STEM/STEAM and was the youngest systems lead at Raytheon.Contact Carmen:LinkedInArticle: Engineering Equity and Building Belonging  Stay in Touch:☕ Buy Me a Coffee To Support our ShowWebsite: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.comInstagram - Rosie and GuestsOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree and Contact Us: Rosie and Guests

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 - Rosie and GuestsOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree and Contact Us: Rosie and Guests

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 - Rosie and GuestsOther Show: Life 100 PodcastArticle: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26Linktree and Contact Us: Rosie and Guests