GeoLatinas beyond earth sciences: for an equitable, inclusive, and diverse planetary and space science

Abstract

GeoLatinas in Space is an initiative that fosters scientific literacy in an inclusive environment. For decades access to space-related formation has been precluded to social advantage groups. Minorities have faced low visibility of role models in leadership positions, language barriers, lack of access to resources and information, and ultimately non-inclusive working spaces, resulting in an even more challenging environment. In light of current and historical social challenges that minorities face, GeoLatinas’ visionary purpose offers a platform that aims to empower Latinas in Earth and Planetary sciences. Our community intends to create an inclusive, safe space for scientists from different backgrounds to converge. The new space race is growing exponentially, and occupations in space are becoming more and more relevant. The technology revolution is already here, but it is still centered and constrained by linguistic restrictions. As the new space race gets underway, a need for scientifically competent individuals from other fields will also arise. To promote literacy and communication in planetary sciences, GeoLatinas in Space has established a community that encourages information sharing, makes it approachable, and assures that it is evenly circulated in multiple languages. By providing and expanding accessibility to space literacy content and encouraging the creation of professional profiles dedicated to space projects and the cosmos, our goal and efforts are focused on closing knowledge gaps in developing nations, particularly Latin America. By showing that space jobs are feasible today and accessible to those who are interested in pursuing them, we engage a broader audience and work to inspire younger generations.