Phenomenal Woman Magazine

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OCT 2023

LISTEN TO THE CALL AND SAVE THE FARM – THE BENEFITS OF MORTGAGE PROTECTION INSURANCE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHORTER DAYS

DIANA CENTENO-GOMEZ Chief, Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch, NASA Glenn Research Center

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Shelley M. Shockley Managing Editor Writers Shelley M. Shockley Marsha Walker Eastwood Brittany Garrett Rhonda Crowder

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From the Editor: Shelley M. Shockley | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHORTER DAYS Summer is quickly coming to a close, and if you're like me, you're not ready. Summer 2023 was filled with challenges, causing me to miss the cycling season. The temperatures were mild for summer, yet soggy, but at the end of the day, I'm grateful for the opportunity to pen this column.

Finding the words today is hard because, in many ways, I'm a private person, but I believe it's essential for me to share this experience with the hope of helping someone else.

On May 19, 2023, I had a heart attack. It was sudden and unexpected, and thankfully, it wasn't fatal. I thought I was fine, but there were flags - a family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and blood pressure. I work on having a clean diet and working out three days a week to help lower those numbers. Over the past three to five years, I have dropped a significant amount of weight, and I felt good about myself, so this was a shock.

It is still something that I am coming to terms with, and I must admit I haven't taken it as seriously as I should. I hope that this column will help open my eyes to the unspeakable joy that should be in my life right now.

My attack presented like heartburn, yet I had never experienced that. “Dr. Google” suggested this diagnosis. I listened to the steps to alleviate the “heartburn” and went to sleep. The next day, I felt better but had lingering discomfort in my shoulder and neck. After napping on and off all day, when it came time to retire for the night, I didn't feel comfortable going to sleep, so I went to the Emergency Room.

The doctor on duty administered an electrocardiogram before delivering the news that I had experienced a heart attack and needed to be admitted into the cardiac intensive care unit. Hearing intensive care was frightening, but I was calm throughout my hospital stay because it was nothing like expected. I didn't have to be shocked or have my chest cracked open.

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Thankfully, I had a stent placed in my artery to open it, and this non-invasive procedure, cardio angioplasty, was quick and painless. The entry point was my wrist; today, there are no signs of the procedure.

So, why do I share this, and why is the title of this column “Take Advantage of Shorter Days?” I share because I want each of you to listen to your body, and when something unusual is happening, don't rely on Google. Go to the doctor at the first signs of discomfort. Also, share your experience to help enlighten other women because we do not have typical symptoms.

You should take advantage of the shorter days as a way to rest, renew, and relax. Too often, women take on the burdens of the world and don't make time for themselves. I know I have done this, and I still struggle with saying no.

Take time to read this edition of Phenomenal Woman and celebrate the success of Diana Centeno-Gomez, Chief of the Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Armed with a love for math and a bachelor's degree in math, Centeno-Gomez left Puerto Rico to further her education. Confident in her ability to read and understand English, her second language, she had less confidence in her ability to speak English. Through perseverance and connections, she would not only succeed but thrive in a field that is not always welcoming to women. Today, she pays that forward in the work she does in Cleveland's Hispanic community.

Centeno-Gomez is the focus of our cover story, so please take a moment to meet her.

Many Americans are facing financial instability during these uncertain economic times, and columnist Marsha Eastwood breaks down the benefits of mortgage protection insurance. The advice she offers comes from her learned experience and could be the information you need to overcome a challenge. If you're not in need, share the column with someone who can benefit.

Most importantly, take time to experience the changes in seasons while enjoying a warm beverage, the company of friends and family, or a great book.

Be safe, and I look forward to meeting you here before the close of 2023.

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COVER DIANA CENTENO-GOMEZ Chief, Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch, NASA Glenn Research Center As a young girl growing up on the island of Puerto Rico, Diana Centeno-Gomez, Chief of the Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch at the NASA's Glenn Research Center, was good at math and science, much like most women who choose to study STEM subjects. This high aptitude in math and sciences often leads them to Centeno-Gomez's conclusion: "I thought that will be the career I will follow.” When choosing this path, young girls run into the four aforementioned barriers, but CentenoGomez had a living, breathing role model in her home - her mom, an elementary school science teacher.

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHORTER DAYS Shelley M. Shockley

06 LISTEN TO THE CALL AND SAVE THE

FARM THE BENEFITS OF MORTGAGE PROTECTION INSURANCE

Marsha Walker Eastwood

08 BW ANNOUNCES

OF NORTHEAST OHIO DRONE SAFETY PLATFORM

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Ursuline’s Undergraduate Nursing Program Ranked 6th in Ohio in US News 2024 Best Colleges

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LISTEN TO THE CALL AND SAVE THE FARM THE BENEFITS OF MORTGAGE PROTECTION INSURANCE How many times have you been called out of the blue by an unknown solicitor trying to sell you something, and how many times have you By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, very unceremoniously BsEd, MSHSVC cut them off in midPWM Contributing Writer sentence by ending the call?

On many occasions, the call may have been one providing valuable insight and advice. After all, if you don't listen, you really have no idea what, if anything, is being sold, and if it is an actual product solicitation, you could be missing out on something extremely beneficial.

In other words, not all calls from strangers are bad calls, and some may even be lifesaving. If you think outside the box, think of them as an alternative to the “As Seen on TV” ads. Unlike shopping the impulse aisles at your local big box store, you can access valuable and timely advice explained in detail without feeling pressured. You can ask questions, get details, and make sound financial decisions.

If Jake from State Farm called you about car insurance, would you lend him an ear? If Flo called you from Progressive, would you give her the time of day? Probably not because their products are well-known, thanks to heavy advertising on television, but what if you got a call from a mortgage protection underwriter attempting to explain a policy that could protect your home? Chances are you would immediately say, “Not interested, or I already have enough insurance, or when I die, my house will be paid for.”

The question then becomes, are you not interested because you don't know what it is? Are you not interested because you think it is the same as your life insurance coverage? If you answered yes to any of those scenarios, then there is a good possibility that you don't know the particulars of a mortgage insurance policy.

For most homeowners, their home is their most valuable asset, and they would do almost anything to protect it.

When you purchase a home, your lender requires that you p u r c h a s e h o m e o w n e r s ' i n s u ra n c e . A s t a n d a r d homeowner's insurance policy provides coverage to repair or replace your home and its contents in the event of damage. That usually includes damage resulting from fire, smoke, theft, vandalism or damage caused by a weather event such as lightning, wind, or hail. Other covered damage could come from external forces like a falling tree.

That coverage includes your heating and cooling systems, along with kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing, and other possessions. Coverage for outbuildings on your 6 ▒ OCTOBER 2023

property, such as a garage, barn, or shed, along with outdoor grills or fireplaces, swing sets, walls, or fences, is also included. A swimming pool or other recreational equipment may also be covered, but those higher-risk items may require additional liability coverage. In addition, you're typically covered for living expenses if you need to find alternate lodging while your home is rebuilt.

Liability coverage is typically included as well. That means you'll be reimbursed for medical expenses and legal fees if people who are not living in your home are injured on your property. It's essential to understand the details of your policy and how much coverage you can expect in the event of a claim.

Some lenders only require sufficient homeowners' insurance coverage to pay off your mortgage, but in most cases, that will not be nearly enough to rebuild your home and replace everything in it. It's also important to consider that rebuilding costs may increase.

Improvements or additions to be made to your home, increased labor or material costs, and changes to zoning requirements might require more coverage. For all these reasons, you may want to consider a replacement cost homeowner's insurance policy rather than an actual cashvalue policy. The former provides coverage to make repairs or replace your home and its contents at current costs. A cash value policy factors in depreciation due to age, wear and tear, and other factors.

As you can see, homeowner's insurance protects a 'thing'albeit a possibly expensive thing, but it does not protect the true asset, which is the homeowner's ability to create income to pay for the home and to protect his family against the loss of a home and more. Mortgage protection does just that- it protects the homeowner's ability to pay for the home in death and life.

The main reason that many people are attracted to mortgage protection insurance policies is because, unlike typical life insurance policies, they include far more options, which can include a decreasing term policy that sets up an income stream that can help with the cost of keeping you in your home, and there is the “guaranteed acceptance” option. What this means to a homeowner applying for a quote is that they don't require a medical examination or health screening that might exclude those who are sick or work in risky jobs.

Enhanced policy options are available for smokers or individuals who have been diagnosed with a critical illness more than two years prior to applying for mortgage protection insurance. In terms of coverage, in the event of your death, the policy pays off your mortgage balance or the portion of the balance you choose to insure for a fixed amount of time. You also have the option to include accidental death rather than death from natural causes, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

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When it comes to disability if you become critically ill or are injured and unable to work, the policy may cover your monthly mortgage payments, allowing more protection for you and your family. If you become unemployed, similarly, your mortgage payments may be covered if you suffer a job loss your mortgage payments may be covered. Still, the policy may only cover a certain number of payments and not the entire balance, but every additional piece of help can make an enormous difference in your family budget and your stress level.

Many policies offer the option to refund your mortgage protection insurance premiums if the coverage isn't used by the time you pay off the loan. In addition, as long as you pay your premiums, your mortgage protection insurance follows you in the event that your lender sells your loan, you refinance the loan elsewhere and your beneficiary(s) can still use the money for whatever they choose as a tax benefit. It can assist with final expense costs, cover unforeseen expenses, and more.

of society these days, telesales have become the most efficient way to conduct business. Conducting business over the phone affords both the underwriter and the potential client a modicum of comfort and safety. The underwriter has your best interest at heart, and he or she realizes many of your objections may center around budgetary concerns or even the feeling of being overinsured. Think of it this way.

There are numerous medical specialties that address a variety of needs. A podiatrist can't help you with your heart problem.

The mortgage protection insurance underwriter on the phone is a specialist in that particular area of insurance. They are not calling from a call center.

They focus on you and you alone, so you have their undivided attention.

The ability to remain in your home is a top priority. Nothing is more peaceful than knowing your mortgage protection insurance can allow you to do that and allow your family to maintain their current lifestyle when you pass away.

Your objections are understandable, but keep in mind protecting your home and your family should be at the top of your list of priorities. I know from personal experience the importance of listening and taking heed. Forty years ago I moved into what I thought would be the home of my dreams.

Shortly after moving in, my then-husband received a couple of those calls. As soon as mortgage protection insurance was mentioned, he immediately told the caller he didn't need what he was selling and terminated the call. Forty years ago, he was in good health and thought he was invincible. In 1996, he died from pneumonia and cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange. In 1998, my kids and I lost our home of 24 years because he refused to listen and ask questions about insurance that could have saved our “farm.”

Now, back to the phone call…Things have changed a lot since before the Covid-19 pandemic, and given the state

So, if you think it is something that will never happen, I was the classic example of everything is fine. <

Now that you understand what is covered, here is what you need to know about what it doesn't cover. A mortgage protection insurance policy does not cover additional costs of homeownership, such as property taxes, homeowners' insurance required by the lender, or HOA fees. It does not cover non-mortgage debt.

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BW Announces Launch Of Northeast Ohio Drone Safety Platform The digital data-sharing system aims to enhance uncrewed aerial flight safety and drive economic growth by positioning Northeast Ohio, and eventually all of Ohio, as a leader in the drone industry.

By: Chelsea Treboniak

Transformative centralized information hub NEOFIX is an Authoritative Supplemental Data Service Provider (ASDSP) that provides the operators of drones, which are also known as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), with essential information for informed decisions, operational efficiency and risk mitigation.

Baldwin Wallace University's Technology Partnerships Initiative, in collaboration with ATA, LLC, has launched the Northeast Ohio Flight Information Exchange (NEOFIX).

The digital data-sharing system is designed to enhance drone safety, starting in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

The centralized NEOFIX hub enhances collaboration, communication and safety for operators, public safety agencies, government entities, UAS Service Suppliers (USS) and the public. NEOFIX also offers access to safety advisories, weather assessments, local infrastructure details, topography insights and real-time updates.

NEOFIX provides real-time awareness of ground policies, infrastructure and activities that may impact flight operations, enabling state and local public safety agencies, government entities, drone pilots and the public to provide crucial information, promote transparency and ensure a high level of safety and accountability in drone operations.

As a shared governance model and authoritative source for clearer, higher-quality information that is critical for drone pilots, NEOFIX is an essential component for building a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system. It provides a situational awareness of the ground that is sent to service suppliers for the drone industry that are currently developing UTM systems.

Filling the gaps, unlocking potential

These commercial UTM systems are designed to operate like air traffic control in the close reaches of the airspace.

They will soon be used for drones to fly greater distances beyond the visual line of sight of their operators.

"Our goal with NEOFIX is to create a centralized hub for flight information that empowers responsible drone use and enhances situational awareness for both operators and public safety," said Stuart Mendel of Baldwin Wallace University's Technology Partnerships Initiative.

"By filling the gap between traditional aviation charts and street maps, NEOFIX unlocks economic prospects and positions Cleveland and Cuyahoga County as drone industry pioneers, prioritizing public safety and the rights of citizens and harnessing drones for advanced emergency response."

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“NEOFIX represents a transformative platform that empowers drone operators with comprehensive information, ensures safe integration, and fosters the growth and advancement of the drone industry in a costeffective manner," said John Eberhardt, chief technology officer of ATA. "By embracing NEOFIX, operators gain critical data, promote regulatory compliance, and enhance drone safety.”

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Cuyahoga County leading the way With support from Cuyahoga County District 2 Councilman Dale Miller, Baldwin Wallace secured $225,000 in funding for the inaugural year of NEOFIX from the federal COVID19 stimulus package, which was part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This financial support sets the stage for the successful launch and implementation of the program and positions Northeast Ohio for private investment in infrastructure, education and jobs as the industry continues to expand in the region and eventually to the entire state.

NEOFIX helps to improve the safety and efficiency of using drones in various industries to drive this economic growth.

For example, drones are used in construction to inspect buildings and bridges, reducing the need for workers to perform these tasks that are often dangerous, timeconsuming and expensive by traditional methods. Drones fly over farmland, helping farmers survey their fields more quickly. First responders deploy drones to conduct search and rescue operations, deliver medical supplies and other emergency response missions.

Additionally, NEOFIX provides environmental benefits by creating infrastructure to support drone services in Northeast Ohio that reduce the need for larger ground transportation vehicles for deliveries. Drones are also powered by electricity or hydrogen, which are cleaner energy sources. And when integrated with sensor information, drones strengthen the area's resilience

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against severe weather conditions and climate events, fostering a safer and more sustainable community.

Publicly owned and cooperatively managed NEOFIX is a publicly owned digital service with data in the public domain, such as take-off and landing areas, critical infrastructure, local guidance and rules, and existing sensors. It uses an open interface for authorized users to publish key information.

A user group with representatives from state and local government and public safety agencies, service suppliers, and critical infrastructure providers will govern the system and identify the types of information that can be properly and consistently described and published. Private industry partners, including Critical Ops, LLC, an Ohio-based integration consulting firm, are helping guide and shape sustainable NEOFIX operations in Ohio.

“Government data provides a common operating picture, benefiting operators and industries. As information integrators, we facilitate the flow of data to end users as public digital services,” Eberhardt said. “Our model helps lower operating costs for operators, governments and industries while addressing their needs For more information about NEOFIX and public access to the system, please visit NEOFIX at bw-centers-techpartnerships.org/neofix.

Source: BW

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Ursuline’s Undergraduate Nursing Program Ranked 6th in Ohio in US News 2024 Best Colleges

The 2024 US News Best Colleges ranked Ursuline College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing as 6th in Ohio, tied with Ohio University. Nationally, the College leaped 64 notches in the rankings to tie with multiple schools at the 183rd spot, up from 247th in the previous year.

“Our dedicated faculty and staff help our students become some of Northeast Ohio’s most sought-after BSN-educated nurses,” states Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean of Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We have 100% job placement rate among our graduates after they receive their licensure to become registered nurses.

During the May licensure exam, we had a 100% pass rate for these young alumni.”

Last spring, US News ranked the College’s master of science in nursing 34th in the nation. It will welcome its first cohort for new nurse anesthesia track within its doctor of nursing practice degree program in January 2024, pending approval by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

At the first of the year, the College will also add a new part-time option for its second degree in nursing program or accelerated BSN for people who already hold an undergraduate degree. Other new health care offerings include a p h y s i c i a n a s s i s t a n t p r o g ra m , a bachelor’s degree completion program for respiratory therapists, and a bachelor’s in nutrition.

In the 2024 Best College’s Midwest Regional Universities category, the College ranked 12th in the state and 83rd overall.

“Our nursing program rests on a 75year history of leadership in the field,” notes Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD. “The new rankings testify to the efforts of today’s faculty and students as they work to advance the profession with dedicated skill and compassion.”

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Ursuline Nursing Dean Assumes Chair of National League for Nursing Patricia A. Sharpnack DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor of Ursuline College's Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions was named chair of the National League for Nursing (NLN) during the organization's annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland last weekend.

“I'm proud to represent an organization dedicated to ensuring that nurses have access to the best education and tools to meet the growing health care needs of our nation,” states Dr. Sharpnack, who will continue to serve as dean during her two-year tenure in this volunteer position.

“Nurses and nursing care are only as good as the people who educated them,” she continues. “As this country's premier professional organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education, the NLNoffers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 faculty, deans, directors, and senior administrators in nursing programs across the spectrum of higher education.”

“This role highlights Dean Sharpnack's vision and leadership on a national level,” states Ursuline President Sister Christine De Vinne, PhD, OSU. “With her as dean, the College has been named an NLN Center of Excellence in nursing education. Our pass rate for the Next Generation NCLEX is 93%. We have a 100% post licensure employment rate. Our rankings are also on the rise with our MSN program named 34th in the nation by US News Best Graduate Schools –up over 25 spots from last year--while our undergraduate nursing is ranked 6th in the state.”

Sister Chris continues, “We're looking forward to her sharing her ideas and energy with the country in this new position while casting the spotlight on Ursuline and Cleveland as an epicenter for the best health care in the land.”

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PHOTOS: JASON GARRETT

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A passion for math leads Diana Centeno-Gomez from Puerto Rico to NASA “I would like to be remembered as someone who was not afraid to do what she wanted to do, and as someone who took risks along the way in order to achieve her goals.” — Sally Ride

BY SHELLEY SHOCKLEY PWM MANAGING EDITOR

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he call for a diverse and equitable society has crescendoed in the last three years, with the cry ringing loud in the area of STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine) careers. While the number of women pursuing degrees and careers in these areas continues to rise, the gap between women and men remains. Women are still disproportionately underrepresented.

A 2023 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professional Education Unit study found that women comprise 28 percent of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields globally. In the U.S., that figure drops to 24 percent of the STEM workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2021, women made up 77.6 percent of 21.2 million healthcare and social assistance workers.

While women are making strides in seeking STEMM careers, many barriers remain, including unconscious bias, stereotypes, work-life imbalance, and a lack of role models. The MIT report said of the four primary barriers, “Stereotypes: Many individuals still associate STEM fields with masculine qualities, leading to stereotypes that can discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM education and careers; Lack of role models: Women remain underrepresented in STEM leadership positions, which makes it harder for girls and women to find role models and mentors in the field; Unconscious bias: Unconscious biases in hiring, promotion, and grant funding can disadvantage women and lead to their disproportionately low representation in STEM; and Worklife balance imbalance: STEM careers can be demanding, and some women may opt-out or choose to work parttime to handle family responsibilities, which can impact career advancement.”

As a young girl growing up on the island of Puerto Rico, Diana Centeno-Gomez, Chief of the Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch at the NASA's Glenn Research

Center, was good at math and science, much like most women who choose to study STEM subjects. This high aptitude in math and sciences often leads them to Centeno-Gomez's conclusion: "I thought that will be the career I will follow.” When choosing this path, young girls run into the four aforementioned barriers, but CentenoGomez had a living, breathing role model in her home - her mom, an elementary school science teacher.

Role models are a vital component when making choices in life, particularly as it relates to math and science. More than 50 years ago, a draw-a-scientist (DAST) study was conducted in the US and Canada to gauge the perception of elementary school students. The study found that of the 5,000 participants, only twenty-eight drew a female.

Conducted in the 1950s, the study reflected the mindset of the world. The study was recreated in 2018, and it's clear that the idea of women in these careers improved, but the inherent bias is still prevalent. In 2018, 24 percent of the respondents drew a female scientist, but it is also further proof that the acceptance of women in the STEMM fields continues to be an uphill battle.

Centeno-Gomez's mom was a role model for her and their entire family. She proudly recalls that her mother was the first member of her family to attend college. Seeing her success, her siblings, cousins, and children followed in her footsteps.

While education was important in her family, and she enjoyed and excelled in math and science, CentenoGomez said watching her mother work provided the inspiration she needed to believe she could pursue a career in STEM. “I remember her taking me to work. I think I was off that day, and she took me to school. When she started teaching, I was in awe of how good of a teacher she was and how good she was at explaining the concepts to her students.” In that instance, she saw her Mom as more than her mother, but as a great teacher and someone she wanted to emulate, thinking, “I would like to be that good.”

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While she was proud of her mother, she didn't want to be a teacher, but she knew that her love for math and science could become a career. In high school, she began to realize a path for her passion. In a geometry class, the students were required to purchase a notebook to record their work. With the excitement of a young teenager, she recalled, “We could draw all the pictures of the different geometry structures and also write all the algorithms, the results, and the questions. I always liked math, but that was one class I really enjoyed.” The impact of this class was evident because she kept the notebook throughout college: "It was so detailed, and it showed all the work that she made us do, but also what she was trying to teach us.”

The experience in this high school geometry class led her to pursue a degree in math. Centeno-Gomez attended the University of Puerto Rico, earning a bachelor's degree with honors in math.

After graduating, Centeno-Gomez decided she wanted to continue her education and visited the campus library to research schools. When making this decision, she recalls telling her mother that she was going to get her master's and, “I'm gonna go, you know, somewhere outside of Puerto Rico.” She recalls this as a transition because leaving home would require her to rely on her knowledge 18 ▒ OCTOBER 2023

of English. She explained, “We take English from kindergarten to high school. It's one other class like math, physics, or Spanish.” With this foundation, she had confidence in her ability to read and write, but “the speaking part, not so much.”

She limited her research to universities with math programs while also looking for schools in areas where she had friends and family. These criteria led her to New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she was accepted to begin her graduate studies.

Centeno-Gomez was excited about her new journey, but when her family dropped her off and left, she said, “I did feel a little bit isolated.” Despite her doubts about her English speaking skills, she said people responded to her questions and understood her. She was assigned to graduate housing, and her roommate was from Greece, which presented another communication challenge. The roommates communicated as best they could, and when they encountered difficulties understanding one another, they used verbal cues. During this time, Centeno-Gomez realized that as an international student, the university provided programs to help acclimate her roommate. Still, as a US citizen, there were no programs for her, even though English was her second language.

To overcome this barrier, Centeno-Gomez pushed herself, and as she walked around campus, she saw the Office of Minority Affairs, introduced herself, and found the assistance she needed. The office was not designed for graduate students, but she was fortunate to meet a Puerto Rican Counselor from New York who became a good friend. She said after that first week, she met new people and joined organizations like the Society of Hispanic Engineers and the Latin Student Association.

Her involvement with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the National Black Engineers would lead her to NASA. Annually, the groups would come together to host career fairs, and during her second year of studies, she attended a career fair and sat in on a presentation about NASA. At the conclusion of the presentation, she asked the representative about opportunities they might have for her, explaining that she would be graduating in a few months. After explaining what career paths were available, he asked for her resume and said he would share it with his colleagues.

The representative kept his word, and as the fall semester was ending, Centeno-Gomez received a call that a division of NASA was interested in her and would send her an application. Preparing to return home for Christmas break, she completed the application and sent it to NASA before leaving.

A few months later, she received an offer letter from the human resources department outlining the job title and salary, but it didn't offer details of the position.

Centeno-Gomez thought the title and salary were good. Still, she was concerned about her responsibilities, so she called NASA seeking clarity, only to find that the human resources department didn't have the needed information. They referred her to her supervisor, and after learning that the position supported the NASA wind tunnels through software development and analyzing data, she accepted the job.

After finalizing the details of her start date, CentenoGomez looked at a map to see precisely where Cleveland was located. After finding Cleveland, she said, “How bad could it be.”It was now time to overcome the “work-life balance” barrier. While in graduate school, her fiancé was in college back home in Puerto Rico, so once she graduated and accepted the position with NASA, she had a whirlwind couple of months to return home, get married, and prepare to move to Cleveland.

PHOTO: NASA

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Continue

Her future husband was on board with the move even though he still had a semester of classes to complete before graduation. An added bonus with accepting this position was NASA's commitment to recruiting from Puerto Rico, a practice they started in 1976, so in 1983, when Centeno-Gomez was hired, she joined a community of engineers with similar backgrounds. To ensure new hires were comfortable, “someone would meet them at the airport and help them find housing.”

The housing was easy because they all started out in the same apartment complex. The sense of community, she said, made the transition easier, and after she and her husband got her settled in the apartment, she didn't feel alone.

“

Systems Branch and Mission Operations Manager for the Space Communications and Navigation (SCAN)Testbed Project.

As the Chief of the Smart Sensing and Electronics Systems Branch, Centeno-Gomez oversees the research, development, and demonstration of technology for sensors, electronics, and nanotechnology for extreme

We are targeting Venus because the previous missions that have gone to Venus have only lasted for a maximum of two hours, and our silicon carbide electronics have been demonstrated to last for sixty days at 500 degrees centigrade.

Centeno-Gomez has served in many capacities over the forty years she has worked for NASA, including Deputy Branch Chief of the Aeronautics and Ground Based

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This community was helpful to her as an employee. Still, when her husband returned after finishing his degree, the couple was invited to a gathering to get to know people in the Hispanic community, which helped her husband make connections in his field of politics and social services. Her husband worked as the executive director of the Puerto Rican governor's office in Cleveland, on the congressional staff of Dennis Kucinich, and at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C). Centeno-Gomez said his work helped to form the foundation for the community work she continues today.

environment space and aeronautics applications. She explained her work in layman's terms and compared it to a thermometer. She said, Let's assume a sensor is something that detects and gathers information like a thermometer. It determines what temperature your body is at, silicon carbide electronics provides the intelligence or “smart.”

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Centeno-Gomez explained, “The sensor already has some intelligence, but with the silicon carbide electronics when we combine them, we have intelligent systems that allow you to gather more data quicker.” The goal, she said, for the sensors and electronics is to characterize the conditions of a planet, and the target is Venus. “We are targeting Venus because the previous missions that have gone to Venus have only lasted for a maximum of two hours, and our silicon carbide electronics have been demonstrated to last for sixty days at 500 degrees centigrade.”

With the more extended demonstration, she said, “We'll be able to gather more data and provide a more accurate characteristic of the planet, the atmosphere, and the actual surface of the planet.”

As a Hispanic woman in a largely male-dominated profession, Centeno-Gomez has not encountered the unconscious bias in hiring and promotion. She credits NASA with its recruitment of Puerto Ricans and other Latin Americans. Additionally, she said, “NASA does a very good job of on-the-job training.” She did notice fewer women as she progressed in her career and has found herself in rooms where there weren't any other women.

Centeno-Gomez says she is shy but has learned to push herself and speak up when needed because “People will listen to you, and I think that goes back to having a background in math where you are analytical. I like to have the data, so if you're prepared and know what you're talking about, I think people will listen.”

As Centeno-Gomez advanced in her career, traveling became the norm, and when asked how she managed to keep a functioning career and family, she said, “It starts with choosing the right partner.” Her first call to travel came when her daughter was four and a half months old, and while her husband had to take over, she said, “It was a little easier for my husband because my mother-in-law was here.”

Another convenience Centeno-Gomez had that many women don't is daycare at work and Flex-time, allowing her to come in early so she could leave to attend her daughter's sporting events or other activities. Ultimately, she said, “I think I made a good decision in the partner I chose, and I think he did the same. We tried to balance our careers and what needed to be done, and like I mentioned, we were always involved in the community.”

Looking back over her career, she said she has loved working for NASA, and there are two events that she calls highlights. The first, she said, was being a part of the International Space Station, which NASA Glenn developed the International Space Station power system, and “I work in the International Space Station, and I know some 22 ▒ OCTOBER 2023

of our work is still functioning.” The second significant incident came after the Columbia accident. She said, “Once we returned to flight, they were looking for people at the different NASA centers to support the Shuttle program. My division chief came to me and said they were looking for someone. Will you consider it? I looked at the job description and said I don't think that's me.”

The chief thought otherwise and asked her to talk to the person on the job. She spoke with the engineer holding the position and received his assurance that she could do the job. Despite her skepticism about her abilities, she ultimately took the position that would allow her to support the Space Shuttle Program for the last 5 years of the program and attend several Space Shuttle launches in person. She happily recalls, “I was in all of the work and everything that went into getting our purge, vent and drain system ready for a launch, and now I'm making sure the mission is successful.”

When Centeno-Gomez isn't developing new technology at NASA, she is active in community outreach and the Greater Cleveland Hispanic community. She is a board member of the Hispanic Roundtable and LATINA, Inc. She has been recognized for her work with honors that include the NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal, the Women of Color in STEM Technology All Star Award, and the Great Minds in STEM Luminary Award, to name a few.

In her leisure time, Centeno-Gomez is a season ticket holder at Playhouse Square and enjoys attending the Broadway series. A season ticket holder for Dance Cleveland, she also attends their performances. She and her husband enjoyed attending concerts, and she now enjoys traveling to California to visit her daughter.

As a strong supporter of her community and advancing others within the community, Centeno-Gomez recalled a recent conversation with some students where she advised, “As women of color, as Latina women, we need to support each other. We need to strategize with each other, not compete. I'm not strategizing how to compete with you but strategizing how I can help you.” The key, she said, is to reach the goal and move forward together. <

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Diana Centeno-Gomez Phenomenal Facts BS Math, Cum Laude Universidad de Puerto Rico MS Applied Math Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute MS Computer Information Science Cleveland State University Space Studies Program Certificate International Space University Alumni Leadership Cleveland2009 Selected to the 2020 class of 100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know program Awarded the Space Flight Awareness (SFA) Honoree Award Worked for the Department of Education, The White House Initiative for Hispanic Excellence in Education Actively involved in the Greater Cleveland Hispanic community.

Board member of the Hispanic Roundtable, LATINA, Inc. Past Board service: Domestic Violence Center, St. Luke's Foundation Women of Achievement by the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) Hispanic Women of the Year by NACOPRW Received Community Service Award

by Region IV of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

SHE STEM TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

Inducted into Kaleidoscope Magazine Cuarenta/Cuarenta Club in 2005 www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 23

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