Aerospace Engineer, Comedian & STEM Education Advocate; Director of ENGR[x] at Texas A&M University; Creator of "Rocket Science and Salsa"; NASA Alumna

College Station, TX, USA
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Shayla Rivera Biography

Shayla Rivera is an aerospace engineer, comedian, motivational speaker, and educator known for her work in STEM education, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. Rivera earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University, with additional coursework in psychology. After graduation, she joined McDonnell Douglas Space Systems at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where she contributed to the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs for five years.

During her tenure at NASA, Rivera discovered that humor was an effective tool for managing the diverse personalities within the program. This realization led her to a career in motivational speaking and stand-up comedy. Rivera became a regular performer at comedy clubs nationwide and created the one-woman show "Rocket Science and Salsa," directed by Debbie Allen, which earned her a Best Lead Actress nomination from the NAACP Theater Awards. She has appeared on "The Dennis Miller Show," "The Roseanne Show," and "The Martin Short Show," and was featured in "Paul Rodriguez Latin All Stars" and the Comedy Central special "Comedy Rehab" with Paul Rodriguez.

Rivera has performed and headlined on entertainment programs for Univision, Galavision, HBO Latino, and on "The Latino Comedy Jam" for Telemundo. Her stand-up comedy special, "Shayla Rivera: It's Not Rocket Science," premiered on HBO Latino and is available on HBO Max. She has also been featured on NBC's Today Show. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Rivera has spoken and performed for a wide range of audiences, including Fortune 500 companies, national and regional organizations, and educational institutions from elementary schools to colleges.

In academia, Rivera serves as director of the ENGR[x] program and professor of practice with the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. She has delivered a TEDx talk at Texas A&M University. Her recognitions include the Mario Moreno Cantinflas Award from the city of Los Angeles for representing the Latino community with humor, the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service Participation, and the Award for Excellence in Public Speaking by the Latino Speakers Bureau. Rivera also received the John J. Koldus Faculty and Staff Achievement Award from the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University.

Rivera's career spans roles as a NASA engineer, corporate trainer, television and radio host, actor, writer, producer, and professor. She uses humor to address topics such as leadership, communication, stress management, and personal growth. As a breast cancer survivor, Rivera shares her experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, emphasizing awareness, adaptability, and reclaiming joy. Her work continues to inspire audiences through laughter and insight.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/26/2026.

Shayla Rivera Speaking Topics

  • Unleashing the Power of Our Story

    When we seek to reignite the leader within, the advice is often to chase something new—a new skill, a new strategy, a new recipe for success. We are told to set goals, look ahead, and leave the past behind. Our stories, we’re warned, are burdens that hold us back, reminders of mistakes, disappointments, or struggle. But the truth is the opposite: it is by turning toward our stories, exactly as they are, that we unlock our deepest source of wisdom and resilience. Within our lived experiences lie the very gifts that shaped us—evidence of courage, moments of triumph, and lessons that cannot be taught in any classroom. By revisiting our stories with fresh eyes—with acceptance, compassion, and even humor—we uncover the raw material of authentic leadership. Our stories remind us not only of what we have endured, but of what we are capable of creating. There is beauty, resilience, and power woven into every chapter, and it is from these truths that we can once again find inspiration to lead with clarity, presence, and purpose.

  • ABC - Awareness Begins Change

    Shayla Rivera believes, indeed knows, that anyone can accomplish anything they would like to. “In fact, they already are” she says. Her knowledge springs from the evidence she has found through her own life experiences. There is only one wonderful requirement for living unlimited possibilities and that is, know what you believe. “The one thing I have learned is that it is the external sources in our lives, namely our upbringing and conditioning, that continues to determine and influence our lives and our achievements,” she says. The biggest impediment to positive change is our lack of clarity about what we truly believe. What we have to do is realize that we are on auto pilot about what we continually choose to do and believe. Indeed, our beliefs are not ours at all, they are simply a result of our conditioning. They stay around because we have decided to agree to keep them. Once we become aware that we are in control we can begin to change our direction. Then make choices that aim at the desired results for our lives.” Shayla uses her own life story to help her audiences laugh their way to inspiration.

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Shayla Rivera Videos

Diversity & Inclusion: Celebrate Diversity - Shayla Rivera - YouTube

Diversity & Inclusion: Celebrate Diversity - Shayla Rivera - YouTube

Shayla Rivera is an Aerospace Engineer and former Rocket Scientist with NASA turned salesperson corporate trainer and now Int'l Keynote ...

Shayla Rivera is the Woman in the Arena

Shayla Rivera is the Woman in the Arena

Comedian Shayla Rivera has a new special Comedy Chingonas premiering on HBO in October just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month. She also has a...

Shayla Rivera at TAMU Develop & Thrive 2020

Shayla Rivera at TAMU Develop & Thrive 2020

Shayla Rivera inspired and motivated as the keynote speaker at the Division of Enrollment & Academic Services 2020 Develop & Thrive Workshop and...

  • How do I book Shayla Rivera to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Shayla Rivera speak about?

  • Where does Shayla Rivera travel from?

    Shayla Rivera generally travels from College Station, TX, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Shayla Rivera is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Unleashing the Power of Our Story, ABC - Awareness Begins Change, Empowerment STEM / STEAM, Personal Improvement, Humor and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The estimated speaking fee range to book Shayla Rivera for your event is available upon request. Shayla Rivera generally travels from College Station, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Amelia Rose Earhart, Olga Custodio, Linda Alvarado, Sylvia Acevedo and Fran Hauser. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Shayla Rivera for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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