Joan is a dynamic keynote speaker who brings the energy of a rocket launch and the heart of a mentor to every stage. Drawing from her journey from Puerto Rico to NASA, she delivers talks that are equal parts technical credibility, personal storytelling, and actionable inspiration.

Whether she's speaking to a room of aerospace engineers, university students, or corporate leaders, Joan has a rare ability to connect across industries and backgrounds, leaving audiences genuinely fired up to act.

Book Joan to Speak
6*
Keynote Topics
10+
Missions Launched to Space
15+
Years in STEM
3
Languages

Signature Talks

Joan delivers 6* signature keynote talks covering space exploration, diversity in STEM, resilience, and professional growth. Each talk can be tailored to your audience and delivered virtually or in-person.

01
Navigating the Universe: A History of Science Exploration Missions
Joan takes audiences on a compelling journey through the evolution of science exploration missions, from the earliest robotic explorers to the sophisticated deep-space observatories redefining our understanding of the universe today.
✦ Perfect For
Educational Conferences · Universities · Corporate Innovation Events · Space & Science Outreach · Women in STEM Events
02
Space for Everyone: The Importance of Diversity in Space
Joan explores why the future of space exploration depends on who gets to participate in it — examining the tangible link between diversity, technical excellence, and resilient teams.
✦ Perfect For
STEM & Aerospace Conferences · Corporate DEI Initiatives · Universities · Executive Retreats
03
Minorities in STEM: Closing the Skills Gap
As a Latina engineer in aerospace, Joan brings a unique perspective on the skills gap and the untapped potential within underrepresented communities to close it.
✦ Perfect For
Corporate Leaders · STEM Conferences · Universities · DEI Initiatives
04
Reaching for the Stars: Achieving Cosmic Success Through Hardships
Joan shares her journey through aerospace and space industries, revealing how resilience, determination, and perseverance can turn challenges into opportunities.
✦ Perfect For
STEM & Aerospace Conferences · Corporate Leadership · Universities · Executive Retreats
05
Humanizing the STEM Profession: A Guide Through Failure
Joan shines a light on the human side of STEM, sharing candid stories of challenges, setbacks, and failures — demonstrating that failure is a critical part of growth.
✦ Perfect For
STEM & Aerospace Conferences · Leadership Programs · Universities · DEI Initiatives
06
How to Build Your Professional Brand in Aerospace
Joan shares actionable strategies for standing out in the competitive aerospace industry — building credibility, networking effectively, and communicating expertise that opens doors.
✦ Perfect For
STEM & Aerospace Conferences · Early to Mid-Career Professionals · University Students · Women in STEM
* Every keynote topic can be fully tailored to your event, audience, industry, and goals. Joan works closely with organizers to ensure maximum impact.
Featured Panel Appearance
Mining Industry Roundtable — Sandvik
Sandvik Panel With Students Speaking On Stage

Joan was invited to moderate a high-level industry roundtable with Sandvik, exploring how the mining sector can close its growing talent gap.

The event highlights Joan's reach beyond aerospace, demonstrating her ability to lead meaningful conversations across engineering disciplines.

Details
Panel Moderator
Mining & Engineering Industry
Talent Gap & Workforce Development
In Partnership with Sandvik
↗ Read the Full Story

Featured In

Joan's story and mission have been covered by leading publications worldwide.

Time for Kids
Real Talk with Joan Melendez Misner
"Engineers need amazing science communicators to break it all down for people who are not in the sciences or engineering world."
IFLScience
IFLScience Meets: NASA Engineer Joan Melendez Misner On Inspiring The Next Generation's Involvement In STEM
"My piece of advice is to Network to Get Work."
Yahoo! Life
Latinx Women Pioneering the Future of Aerospace Engineering
"I was the first one in my family to graduate with a college degree... I never really thought engineering was for me."
Remezcla
NASA Aerospace Engineer Shares Her Journey & Explains why "Not Even the Sky's the Limit"
"When she was living in the mountains in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, she had the perfect view of the stars."
NPR
One rocket engineer's quest to make STEM more diverse, one TikTok at a time
"You don't wake up as a kid, and say 'I just want to work on launch stuff.' It was a long road."
Yahoo! Life
Meet the millennial engineer inspiring a new, more diverse generation of scientists
"Growing up, I didn't have a lot of role models... there was not a lot of scientists that looked like me."

Ready to book Joan for your event?

Whether virtual or in-person, Joan tailors every talk to your audience. Reach out with your event details, theme, and audience — and let's make it unforgettable.

Get In Touch →