In our first episode of the NHCFAE Career Series, President Oscar Torres sits down with Karen Perez, Aerospace Engineer and Vice President of NHCFAE.
From childhood flights between New York and the Dominican Republic to licensing commercial space launches for companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab, Karen shares her remarkable journey in aerospace engineering — one built on passion, perseverance, and purpose.
💬 Highlights in this episode:
Karen’s path from biochemistry to aerospace engineering!
What it’s like to license private rocket launches for the FAA!
Breaking barriers as a Latina in STEM and overcoming imposter syndrome!
The importance of mentorship, representation, and community through NHCFAE!
Empowering advice for future generations pursuing aviation and space careers!
🛰️ Karen reminds us that “there’s no feat too big for you.” Her story embodies what it means to learn, lead, and lift others in the pursuit of excellence.
🎧 Watch and subscribe to hear more inspiring career stories from our NHCFAE Familia — where we empower, connect, and celebrate aviation and aerospace professionals from all walks of life.
🔗 Learn more about us: https://www.nhcfae.org
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