Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

From Janitor’s Kid to NASA Leader

Rosa Avalos‑Warren, born in Lima, Peru, rose from a janitor’s family to become NASA’s Near Space Network launch‑vehicles and robotics director. Her story underscores how curiosity, relentless self‑advocacy and strategic use of scholarships can bridge socioeconomic gaps to elite aerospace careers. From middle‑school fascination with math to an Excel‑driven hunt for funding, Avalos‑Warren earned a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering at Virginia Tech and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rice University. She has since contributed to more than 30 NASA missions, including the International Space Station, Commercial Crew and Artemis programs, overseeing continuous communication links between rockets and Earth. She recalls cleaning office spaces where engineers worked, noting that early exposure to professionals sparked her ambition. Avalos‑Warren emphasizes teamwork across national and international teams, stressing that diverse expertise—from communications to navigation—is essential for mission success. Her trajectory illustrates the power of proactive mentorship and institutional support in diversifying STEM leadership, offering a compelling model for aspiring engineers from under‑represented backgrounds.