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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
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.
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.
“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.”
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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.
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.
Shayla Rivera is a remarkable fusion of intellect, humor, and inspiration. Transitioning from a successful career as a NASA aerospace engineer to becoming an international keynote speaker, comedian, and educator, she exemplifies the power of adaptability and passion. Her journey from the technical corridors of NASA to the dynamic stages of motivational speaking and comedy showcases her unique ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Rivera’s early fascination with science and machinery led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, complemented by a minor in Psychology, at Texas A&M University. Her tenure at NASA’s Johnson Space Center involved significant contributions to the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. However, her intrinsic curiosity about human behavior and communication propelled her into roles in technical sales and corporate training, where she discovered her innate talent for public speaking and comedy.
Rivera’s transition into stand-up comedy was both serendipitous and transformative. Encouraged by peers during her corporate training sessions, she ventured into comedy workshops, leading to performances at renowned comedy clubs nationwide. Her one-woman show, “Rocket Science and Salsa,” directed by Debbie Allen, earned her a “Best Lead Actress” nomination from the NAACP Theater Awards. Beyond the stage, Rivera has hosted the 13-episode TV series “You’re Not The Man I Married” for Lifetime Real Women Network and appeared on platforms like HBO Latino and Comedy Central.
In academia, Rivera serves as the Director of the ENGR[x] program and Professor of Practice at Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering. Her role emphasizes equipping engineering students with professional skills beyond technical knowledge, preparing them for holistic success in their careers.
Rivera’s keynote presentations are a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on topics like leadership, diversity, STEM education, and personal growth. Her “ABC – Awareness Begins Change” keynote, for instance, delves into the power of self-awareness in driving personal and professional transformation. Her ability to intertwine her rich professional background with relatable storytelling makes her a sought-after speaker for corporations, educational institutions, and conferences worldwide.
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A: Presented accessibly — scalable depth depending on the audience.
A: HR, L&D, STEM educators, and product teams.
A: Toolkits, curriculum suggestions, and quick-start guides.
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