Episode 02: S4H Citizen Astronaut 01: Weaving Together Space Democratization, Fashion, & Legislation

🎙️ Episode Description

In this vibrant and deeply personal episode, host Aisha is joined by electrical engineer, citizen astronaut, and activist Katya Echazarreta to talk space, reform, and showing up fully – even in pink camo.

They dive into Katya’s historic spaceflight, her work pushing space policy in Mexico, and how fashion and storytelling can drive cultural change. From childhood dreams to housing insecurity, this episode is a reminder that resilience comes in many forms—and that you don’t need to come from privilege or wear a lab coat to belong in space.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to do everything just to survive, this one will speak to you.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Becoming Citizen Astronaut #1

Katya reflects on being Space for Humanity’s first astronaut and what it means to lead the way.

02:31 – From NASA to Nation-Changer

We explore her move from engineering into politics, activism, and changing Mexico’s space future.

08:12 – Coping by Doing Too Much

How growing up with instability wired Katya and Aisha to hustle non-stop—and what they’re learning about rest.

19:00 – “I Remember and I’m Sorry”

A deeply emotional story about returning to the teacher who once kicked Katya out of class—and how healing can surprise us.

27:31 – Fashion as a Tool for Activism

Clothes as conversation starters: Katya talks using style, storytelling, and representation to open new doors.

42:36 – Choosing the Right Partner

Aisha and Katya open up about love, legacy, and why the right relationship can be the most powerful life decision of all.

👤 Guest Bio

Katya Echazarreta is an electrical engineer, activist, speaker, and model. In 2022, she became the first Mexican-born woman in space as part of Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program. She is the founder of Fundación Espacial, a nonprofit providing access to space-related education and training for underserved communities. Katya has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, and uses fashion as a platform to promote inclusion in STEAM. She is passionate about reforming global space policy and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

🔗 Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katvoltage/

Fundación Espacial: https://www.fundacionespacial.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyaechazarreta/

Vogue Feature: https://www.katechazarreta.com/press