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Inspiring Today’s Youth To Reach For The Stars with A MILLION MILES AWAY
Friday, September 22, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Presented by José Hernández, Retired NASA Astronaut, President & CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering, Author, and California Farmer
Moderated by Dr. Maria Armstrong, Executive Director, Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents
Sponsored by Prime Video, in association with ALAS
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Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in mid-September and Prime Video is excited to bring the real-life subject of the upcoming film A MILLION MILES AWAY to edWeb! Join us on September 22 for Inspiring Today’s Youth To Reach For The Stars with A MILLION MILES AWAY, a special conversation with Retired NASA Astronaut/Engineer/Author/Farmer José Hernández as he gives his best advice to educators on how to support and inspire kids to reach for their dreams, particularly in STEM fields. He also offers details and tips to students (class participation is encouraged!) on how to persevere against the odds and reach for their greatest goals.
Launching on September 15 exclusively on Prime Video, A MILLION MILES AWAY is inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández. The film follows José’s decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream. Check out the film and then tune in for this inspiring and informative edWebinar. Viewers also receive a free downloadable Space career guide!
Teachers are invited to view this edWebinar with their students. Students must view with their teacher, and are not permitted to log in on their own.
*Want to screen the film for your class before the conversation but don’t have Prime Video access at school? Reach out to [email protected].
About the Presenter
José Hernández is a governor-appointed University of California Regent, and President & Chief Executive Officer at Tierra Luna Engineering, LLC. Dr. Hernández worked at NASA from 2001 to 2011, as an astronaut, legislative analyst, branch chief and materials research engineer. Prior, Dr. Hernández worked for 17 years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography system for earlier detection of breast cancer and worked with the State Department and the Department of Energy on nuclear non-proliferation efforts. He is a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens, Latinos in Science and Engineering, and Space for Humanity. Via his José Hernández Reaching for the Stars Foundation, he dedicates himself to encouraging youth, primarily in underrepresented areas, to consider careers in STEAM fields. José has come full circle and now owns a vineyard in Lodi, CA and produces his own wines under the Tierra Luna Cellars label.
About the Moderator
Maria Armstrong, Ed.D. has been a beacon of inspiration throughout her remarkable career. In 2020, she assumed the role of Executive Director of the esteemed Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. Prior to this Dr. Armstrong served as a Superintendent and has amassed a wealth of experience during her 28-year career. Dr. Armstrong’s journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. As a young single mother, she overcame obstacles and achieved her GED, followed by a bachelor’s degree in business, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and a Doctorate degree in organizational leadership. Dr. Armstrong’s impactful contributions extend beyond her administrative roles. She has enriched the educational community through more than 50 vodcasts, webinars, and as a contributing author of educational articles and books. Her unwavering dedication to all children, with a particular emphasis on Latino youth, makes her a true advocate for diversity and inclusivity.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Inspire Learning & Engagement community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] is a forward-thinking organization committed to fostering educational equity for all students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds. ALAS members are driven by a shared mission to inform, inspire, and positively influence education communities nationwide. ALAS strives to personally and professionally empower its members through interactive events, discovery webinar sessions, and robust listening and learning networks.
