Welcome to the official NHCFAE Podcast — where aviation, space, and community come together.
We are the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, supporting, and advancing Hispanic and underrepresented professionals in aviation and aerospace.
Through education, mentorship, and outreach, we inspire the next generation of aviation leaders and highlight the diverse voices shaping the industry.
Stay Connected
Website: www.nhcfae.org
Email: dopa@nhcfae.org
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NHCFAE Career Series | Lucia Tran: Engineering, Aviation & Breaking Barriers
In this episode, we sit down with Lucia Tran, a Mechanical Engineer to hear about her journey into engineering and aviation.
From discovering aviation through a college drone course to becoming a design engineer supporting the National Airspace System, Lucia shares how perseverance, education, and mentorship helped shape her career. She also reflects on her experience as a first-generation college student and Hispanic woman in engineering and why representation and mentorship matter for the next generation of STEM professionals.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about engineering, aviation, overcoming challenges, and creating opportunities for those who come next.
Learn more about the National Hispanic Coalition for Aviation Excellence (NHCFAE) and our mission to support aviation and aerospace professionals.
#NHCFAE #AviationCareers #WomenInSTEM #HispanicsInAviation #MechanicalEngineering #STEM #Aviation #Engineering #CareerSeries #WomenInAviation #LatinasInSTEM
13 Jul 2026
The Journey of Brazil’s Inspiring Woman Pilot
What does it take to overcome unimaginable loss and continue pursuing your dreams?
In this inspiring episode of the NHCFAE Career Series Podcast, National Vice President Karen Perez sits down with Taína Nogueira Rodrigues, a Brazilian commercial pilot whose journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and purpose.
After losing her father—also a pilot—in a tragic aviation accident, Taína stepped away from flying before finding the strength to return and honor his legacy. Today, she is pursuing advanced flight training in the United States, earning FAA certifications, receiving multiple aviation scholarships, mentoring future pilots, and inspiring women around the world to pursue careers in aviation.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Growing up in a family of pilots in Brazil
Overcoming grief and finding purpose
Transitioning from Brazilian aviation to the FAA system
Aviation scholarships that helped make her dream possible
The importance of mentorship and the 99s leadership program
Women in aviation and increasing representation
Her dream of flying seaplanes to serve remote communities in Alaska
Advice for aspiring pilots around the world
Whether you’re an aspiring aviator, aviation professional, student, or simply looking for a story of perseverance, this conversation is sure to inspire you.
Subscribe for more inspiring aviation stories from the National Hispanic Coalition for Aviation Excellence (NHCFAE).
Learn more about NHCFAE:
https://nhcfae.org (https://nhcfae.org/)
Listen on your favorite podcast platform:
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
Follow NHCFAE for scholarship opportunities, career resources, mentorship, and aviation leadership content.
#WomenInAviation #Pilot #Aviation #Mentorship #Scholarships #Brazil #FAA #CommercialPilot #AviationCareer #Leadership #NHCFAE #CareerSeries #LatinasInAviation #WomenWhoFly #FuturePilot
6 Jul 2026
How a Dominican Air Traffic Controller Is Inspiring the Next Generation
Welcome to another episode of the NHCFAE Career Series Podcast!
In this inspiring bilingual episode, Karen Perez sits down with Olga Isabel Pérez, an accomplished Air Traffic Controller, journalist, STEM advocate, and aviation innovator from the Dominican Republic.
Olga shares her remarkable journey from walking into an airport looking for her first job to becoming an air traffic controller, launching the educational aviation reality show Quiero Ser Piloto, promoting STEM careers across Latin America, and developing SARA, an AI-powered aviation information assistant designed to improve access to critical aeronautical information.
In this episode we discuss:
Becoming an Air Traffic Controller
Aviation careers beyond being a pilot
Journalism and aviation outreach
Women in STEM and leadership
Teamwork inside the control tower
Artificial Intelligence in aviation
Mentorship and educational opportunities
Inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals
Whether you’re a student, aviation enthusiast, STEM professional, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation demonstrates how passion, perseverance, and service can create lasting impact.
Learn more about NHCFAE and our scholarship, mentorship, and professional development opportunities:
https://nhcfae.org (https://nhcfae.org/)
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Like, Comment & Subscribe to help us continue sharing inspiring stories from aviation professionals across the world.
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