Valeria Ramirez is a Computer Information Systems major focusing on cybersecurity at Victor Valley College. As part of her Wikipedia assignment, Valeria created the new Wikipedia article for Mexican aerospace engineer Ali Guarneros Luna.
1. Why was it important that Wikipedia have an article about Ali Guarneros Luna and why did you choose to create it?
Ali Guarneros Luna is both inspiring and noteworthy. Her story is nothing short of remarkable – her upbringing and the obstacles she overcame to achieve her success are deeply moving. As a Chicana, a woman of Mexican-American descent, I found her story resonated with me on a personal level.
My own parents faced significant challenges when they immigrated to the United States at a young age, working hard to support themselves and their families. Luna’s journey reminded me of their struggles and resilience, as well as the sacrifices they made to build a better future. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and determination, which is so inspiring to women of all ages and backgrounds, but especially to Latina women like me. What makes her even more admirable is her role at NASA, an organization that has always been a source of fascination and inspiration for me. Learning about her involvement in various groundbreaking projects was truly astonishing. It’s not every day you hear about a Latina woman contributing so significantly to the field of aerospace engineering and space exploration.
Her achievements highlight the importance of representation and show that women of diverse backgrounds can succeed in STEM fields. For these reasons, I felt compelled to give her the recognition she deserves by ensuring her story is shared widely. She serves as a powerful role model for anyone with big dreams, but especially for Latinas aspiring to make a difference in fields like science, technology, engineering, and beyond.
2. What did you especially want to get right about the article?
I wanted to get her story right and get all of her information in the correct chronological order so that no part of her story was lost. I wanted to accurately portray her struggles, where she came from, and how she took it upon herself to succeed and become an influential figure in NASA and aerospace engineering. In telling her story, I wanted to make sure that her achievements did not overshadow her struggles, but rather were shown as integral to who she is and what she has accomplished. By doing so, I hoped to provide an honest and inspiring portrayal of a woman who serves as a role model, particularly for Latina women and others who aspire to break barriers in STEM fields.
3. Wikipedia has significant gaps in its coverage of women of color in its biographies. How was adding this biography meaningful to you?
Adding a biography of a diverse woman in STEM was deeply meaningful to me because I have a genuine passion for STEM and a strong desire to see greater representation within the field. Writing Ali Guarneros Luna’s biography felt like more than just a project – it was an opportunity to bring her inspiring story to light and to help close the gaps in coverage that exist for women of color on platforms like Wikipedia. It’s no secret that women, especially women of color, are underrepresented in STEM fields and often overlooked in historical and contemporary records. Being able to contribute to changing that narrative, even in a small way, was an honor. Ali Guarneros Luna’s achievements are remarkable, and her journey is one that deserves to be widely known. Highlighting her story was also personally fulfilling. It allowed me to celebrate a Latina woman who has made significant contributions to NASA and aerospace engineering. Knowing that my work could help ensure her legacy is recognized and inspire others to pursue their passions in STEM makes this accomplishment something I’m truly proud of.
4. How would you describe the power of Wikipedia in shaping people’s awareness and understanding of notable figures like Ali Guarneros Luna?
Wikipedia serves as one of the most widely accessed sources of information in the world. Typically, the first source for a person to read up about a topic or person at a glance is Wikipedia. Its accessibility and collaborative nature make it a critical platform for documenting stories that might otherwise be overlooked, particularly those of underrepresented groups. By including biographies of individuals like Luna, Wikipedia not only preserves their legacies but also broadens the public’s perception of who can succeed in fields like STEM. For many, Wikipedia is a starting point for learning about influential figures, and having accurate, detailed information about women of color like Luna ensures that their contributions are recognized and celebrated. In Luna’s case, her biography showcases her incredible journey, overcoming challenges to excel at NASA and in aerospace engineering. By bringing her story to light, it does its job by making the information gap smaller. Wikipedia contributes to greater representation and inspires future generations to aim high, pursue their passions, and break barriers.
5. How did you feel about this assignment compared to a traditional assignment?
To be honest, at first this assignment was intimidating. I did not know what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it. I enjoyed learning the process and what actually went into Wikipedia. Knowing now the guidelines and effort that one must put into making a Wikipedia page, I appreciate the process a lot more. An assignment that contributes to a live encyclopedia makes all the difference from a traditional assignment, because what you are working on feels like it matters and it is amazing to see the final product.
6. What was your favorite part of editing Wikipedia?
My favorite part of editing Wikipedia was when I was able to see it all come together. It was amazing seeing peer reviews, and then going back into the editing process. Though it was time-consuming, it was worth it. I got to see how a list of information started to look like a biography, then see it go live.
7. Will you continue to edit?
Yes! I will continue to edit. I plan to keep up to date with the other accomplishments Ali Guarneros Luna makes, and I would love to keep editing the article and seeing her biography grow. I would like to edit other starting biographies, as well.
Valeria’s work on Wikipedia is part of a larger Wiki Education initiative sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, which supports the creation of new biographies of diverse people in STEM on Wikipedia.
Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.
