Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: NASA Astronaut Dr. José Hernández Shares His 5-Ingredient Recipe for Success at CRLA’s Tardeada

From the fields of the Central Valley to the stars, Dr. José Hernández's journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and pride we celebrate this Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Born in the Central Valley and raised as a migrant farmworker, 2025 Tardeada Honoree Dr. José Hernández, CEO, Tierra Luna Engineering and former NASA astronaut, turned his childhood dreams into reality guided by his parents' wisdom. His father told him, "The same work ethic you put out picking fruits and vegetables with your siblings, your mom and dad, Saturdays and Sundays, seven days a week during the summer, he pointed to my books on the kitchen table and said, 'Pon ese esfuerzo aqui.' Put that effort here." 

Listen as Dr. Hernández shares his five-ingredient golden recipe for success, offering a roadmap to success for dreamers across generations. 

We're proud to celebrate stories like Dr. Hernández's that reflect the contributions and achievements of our communities. We invite you, too, to reflect on the achievements and contributions of Hispanic communities and to keep reaching for the stars.