Rose Ferreira’s life story reads like a tale of resilience against impossible odds. Born in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the Dominican Republic, she grew up facing abuse, scarcity, and rigid gender expectations. At 16, she immigrated to the United States, only to endure nearly three years of homelessness on the streets of New York. Despite health crises, language barriers, and constant setbacks, she fought her way into higher education, earning a degree in astronomy and eventually landing a coveted role at NASA. Her path, however, was anything but smooth, marked by triumphs, setbacks, and renewed purpose.
Growing up in poverty and resisting expectations in the Dominican Republic
Ferreira’s childhood in the Dominican Republic was marked by hunger, financial insecurity, and a household that prioritised strict gender roles over curiosity. In her community, girls were expected to marry early and dedicate themselves to domestic life rather than pursue studies or careers. Ferreira’s love for the night sky and scientific exploration clashed with these expectations. Her questions about space and her refusal to follow traditional paths often earned her punishment, leading others to brand her as “malcriada” or rebellious and poorly raised. Yet these early struggles planted the seeds of resilience that would carry her through far greater challenges ahead.At 16, Ferreira’s immigration to the United States was meant to open doors to new opportunities, but instead it brought years of hardship. After leaving an abusive marriage, she had no family support and nowhere to live. For nearly three years, she survived under a bridge on 96th Street in Manhattan, vulnerable to cold nights, hunger, and fear. Unable to speak English and lacking formal education, she faced constant rejection when searching for work. Her turning point came from a small newspaper advert for a home health aide course, which allowed her to train, secure employment, and save enough money to rent her own apartment. This marked her slow but determined climb out of homelessness.
Struggling through cancer, accidents, and academic hurdles
Ferreira’s journey into education was anything but straightforward. After earning her GED, she enrolled at Hunter College in New York, but her academic foundation was weak, and professors advised her to abandon science in favour of “easier” subjects. Refusing to give up, she pressed forward with her dream. In 2016, her path was shaken by a cervical cancer diagnosis, followed by a devastating car accident in 2017 that left her in recovery for months. These health crises delayed her education, yet she remained steadfast. Eventually, she transferred to Arizona State University, where she completed her degree in astronomy and planetary sciences, a milestone that represented both personal victory and survival.
Breaking into NASA and contributing to space science
With her degree in hand, Ferreira’s perseverance paid off when she secured internships at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. There, she contributed to important research projects, including aspects of the James Webb Space Telescope, and engaged with efforts to make space science more inclusive. Her work earned her recognition beyond NASA: she became a Brooke Owens Fellow, was honoured as a Young Hispanic Leader at the White House in 2024, and was frequently invited to speak about diversity in STEM. These achievements seemed to mark the fulfilment of her childhood dream, but they also brought her into the spotlight at a time when NASA’s culture was shifting.
Termination amid setbacks and changing institutional priorities
Despite her accomplishments, Ferreira’s NASA career ended abruptly in early 2025. After returning from medical leave, she was informed of her termination. Her dismissal followed months of turbulence, including the temporary removal of her profile from NASA’s public site as the agency scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes under political scrutiny. The news was devastating for Ferreira, who had fought so hard to reach this stage, only to be reminded of how fragile progress can be for women and minorities in science.
Advocacy for diversity and mentoring the next generation
Rather than retreat after her termination, Ferreira chose to turn her experience into a platform for change. She has since dedicated herself to STEM outreach, mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds and advocating for policies that make the sciences more accessible. Through public speaking, writing, and grassroots initiatives, she works to ensure that young people, especially women, immigrants, and minorities, have opportunities she struggled so long to secure. Her journey has made her a symbol of both the barriers that persist in science and the determination needed to overcome them.