Shayla Rivera: Aerospace Engineer
STEM keynote speaker, stand-up comedian, and emcee Shayla Rivera delivers engaging talks that make science accessible, advance inclusion, and inspire behavioral change through humor and storytelling.
Quick Facts:
- Combines STEM expertise with professional stand-up comedy
- Speaker on diversity, equity, inclusion, and STEM careers
- Designs interactive, research-based talks and workshops
- Experienced conference emcee and event host
- Formats: Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, and Event Emcee
- Audiences: Corporate teams, educators, conference attendees, and organizations focused on inclusion, innovation, and STEM engagement
- Outcomes:
- Make complex ideas accessible and actionable through storytelling
- Build more inclusive, innovative workplace cultures
- Shift mindsets and behaviors using humor and practical tools
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
ABC - Awareness Begins Change
Storytelling from her own life experiences, Shayla Rivera unveils the powerful knowledge behind believing that you are in control to open the door to unlimited possibilities. She will open your audience’s eyes to no longer being constrained to their circumstances and/or upbringing but to empower themselves to have the courage to change
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Celebrate Diversity
Diversity is a ‘hot button’ topic in America right now. This subject is often approached from the perspective of fear about our differences instead of from the opportunities brought forth by the same. Fearing what we don’t understand only promotes limitations in our growth.
Once we learn to celebrate what makes us different from one another than we will welcome and celebrate one another. What we must remember is that the very strength of our nation is reflected on the writing of our National Seal, “E Pluribus Unum” – Out of Many, One.
Resilience, Endurance and just Showing Up
A great quote we have all heard is, “Don’t look so much at how far you have yet to go, instead look at how far you have already come.”
Our culture has made resilience into something that we must develop and strengthen. Yet resilience is something we possess and can only display. We demonstrate resilience every day by the mere act of showing up, what we do not do however, is acknowledge and give ourselves credit for what we have already gone through. Yet we are not here just to endure but to recognize the immense ability of the human spirit to remain even after much has happened.
When we endure, we are simply tolerate something while often grinding our teeth. When we see the true strength of our spirit, we recognize our resilience. Endurance is of the world, resilience is of the spirit. Showing up is the first step, being present is the modality that can bring peace. The only way to strengthen our resilience is to recognize it.
Empowerment STEM / STEAM
“I was a typical young girl, conflicted with insecurities and shyness. Yet in possession of a challenge driven determination that has not quit to this day,” she says. Shayla understands the importance of the voices that either encourage or discourage and has always chosen to be a source of belief and inspiration.
“Truth is, if I could do anything, anyone else also can.” Helping young women believe in themselves and their potential in STEM & STEAM fields is a driving force in Shayla’s purpose. She travels around the globe encouraging girls to see the truth of their potential. And speaks to women to help them remember the incredible strength of their nature.
“I have never met a woman who was not fierce in some way, even though they could not see it. All I want to do is remind them of just how amazing we truly are.”
Entertainment:
Comedian
Shayla Rivera is a Puerto Rican/American stand-up comedian who uses observational and self-deprecating humor to point out that the truth is the funniest thing out there. Rivera’s material is intended for mature audiences as she reports her observations of the common experiences in our everyday life.
Her point of view comes from being herself, a woman, a Latino, a mother, a rocket scientist, a mystic, etc., “You know, a typical human being”, she says. She will often base her humor on observations of our cultural differences and refers often to her childhood experiences in Puerto Rico and the culture shock of moving into the American Culture at the tender age of 17.
Rivera enjoys a fan base that crosses age groups, genders, and cultures; she is respected in the comedy community as a great comedian to watch and work with.
Talent Short Bio
Shayla Rivera blends STEM expertise with stand-up comedy to create highly engaging, memorable presentations. Trained in science and skilled as a storyteller, Shayla uses her life story to dismantle barriers and spark curiosity. Her sessions make technical ideas accessible and actionable while infusing humor to keep audiences energized and receptive.
Shayla speaks on equity, diversity, inclusion, STEM careers, and the power of narrative to change behavior. She designs talks and workshops that combine research, interactive exercises, and laughter to help attendees adopt new mindsets and practical habits.
Shayla’s experience as an emcee and performer also makes her a natural host for conferences and hybrid events, keeping agendas lively and transitions seamless.
Her approach works well for corporate diversity initiatives, education summits, and conferences that want a speaker who both educates and entertains. Attendees walk away with fresh perspectives and concrete steps to make workplaces more inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
Videos
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Additional tips and takeaways
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Fee Range Information
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