2021 STEM Hero Honorees

Ms. Liliana Alvarado-Ortiz joined the National Reconnaissance Office in the Fall of 2020.  In just under a year at the Survivability Assurance Office, she’s not only exceeded expectations, she’s obliterated them. Her superiors cite her incredible combination of expert technical leadership prowess, team-building focus, and program management realism as qualities that have made her a key leader.

In a very short time, Ms. Alvarado-Ortiz rose to Deputy Program Manager for a technically demanding software development program charged with delivering space situational awareness and decision support – capabilities critical to the nation’s space defense.  She’s solidified her reputation as a rising leader in the NRO’s mission to design, build, launch and maintain America’s intelligence satellites.  The combination of this national defense need and the technical demands of this program make her achievements truly unique amongst her peers in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

In addition to her professional duties, Ms. Alvarado Ortiz makes time to serve as Chairperson for the NRO’s Hispanic Advisory Network, where she’s responsible for promoting diversity, equal opportunity and cultural awareness throughout the Intelligence Community.