José M. Hernández Keynote Speaker, Virtual Event Speaker

Engineer & Former NASA Astronaut

As a leadership speaker, José M. Hernández is renowned as a former NASA astronaut who overcame extraordinary odds to achieve his dream of spaceflight. Best known for his journey from migrant farmworker to space explorer, he flew aboard STS-128 on the Space Shuttle Discovery, contributing to missions supporting the International Space Station

“With determination, hard work, and belief in yourself, even the most impossible dreams can become reality”.

Book José M. Hernández

Fee Range (Guide Only)

Over £20.000

Speaking Topics

Perseverance & Resilience
From Farmworker to Astronaut
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Leadership & Teamwork
Goal Setting & Achieving Dreams
Turning Failure into Success
Inspiration from Space Exploration

Languages

He presents in English and Spanish.

How he presents

His speeches inspire perseverance, resilience, and educational advancement, delivering impactful, story-driven keynotes that resonate with diverse audiences, from students to corporate leaders.

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In Detail

Hernández grew up in a migrant farming family, travelling seasonally between California and Mexico. He pursued electrical engineering at the University of the Pacific and later earned a master’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he contributed to advanced imaging technologies, including innovations that improved early breast cancer detection. His path to NASA was defined by persistence, he was rejected 11 times before finally being selected in 2004. In 2009, he achieved his lifelong dream by traveling to space as a mission specialist. His life story also reached wide audiences through the film A Million Miles Away, further cementing his influence as a cultural and educational figure.

What he offers you

José Hernández is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and, STEM advocate. Drawing from personal experience, he provides practical insights on how to stay focused, embrace challenges, and pursue ambitious goals despite setbacks.

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Curious about what this speaker or our other experts can bring to your next event? We’re here to help you find the perfect fit to inspire, inform, and engage your audience.

Give us a call on +44 (0)1628 601 400 or send us an email to hello@speakers.co.uk to find out how we can help make your event an outstanding success.

Please contact us for information on speaker fees and booking availability.

How to book

Ready to secure an exceptional speaker for your upcoming event? Our booking process is designed to be simple and efficient, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Simply phone or email us to take the next step. Let’s make your event a success together.