STEM She Leads: Mapping Futures with Sandra Flores‑Castillo

By Jenny Pham posted 29 days ago

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STEM She Leads: Mapping Futures with Sandra Flores‑Castillo

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

My interest in STEM began in high school, when I participated in MnDOT’s Phoenix Internship Program. It was my first exposure to a professional work environment and to the real-world impact of science, engineering, and transportation. Working at the Materials and Road Research Lab showed me that STEM careers aren’t just technical, they’re deeply connected to public service.

As I continued through MnDOT’s Career Pathway Programs, especially Seeds and MnROW, I discovered my passion for mapping, GIS, and photogrammetry. Seeing how data, imagery, and spatial analysis directly support Minnesota’s infrastructure and communities inspired me to keep learning and ultimately pursue a long-term career in geospatial science.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career that you are most proud of?

One of the moments I’m most proud of was my senior capstone project at the University of Minnesota, titled “Including Unincorporated Communities into the Zoning Database.” It was a real-world GIS initiative that directly connected my academic work with community needs and confirmed that I had found my place in the geospatial field.

Another major milestone was being recognized with the 2025 Emerging Professional Award from the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium. Receiving that award was incredibly meaningful because it reflected not only my technical work, but also my commitment to mentorship, outreach, and service within the geospatial community.

Professionally, earning a full-time role as a Photogrammetric Technician at MnDOT stands out as a defining achievement. Beginning my journey as a high school intern and growing into a role that supports statewide transportation and infrastructure planning represents years of persistence, growth, and belief in myself, and it’s a journey I’m deeply proud of.

Have you faced any challenges or barriers as a woman in STEM? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes - as a first-generation college graduate and Hispanic woman in STEM, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in geospatial careers. That lack of representation made it difficult at times to envision myself belonging in the field.

I overcame those challenges through mentorship, perseverance, and self-belief. Mentors at MnDOT, including supervisors, colleagues, program managers, and my GIS mentor, Emily Knish-Anderson, along with my SWAT mentor, Jessica Oh, helped me see that my background is a strength, not a barrier. Working in environments that encouraged learning through mistakes also helped me gain confidence and grow technically without fear of failure.

How has your personal life (e.g., family, hobbies, or other commitments) influenced your career in STEM?

My personal life has played a major role in shaping my career path. Being a first-generation college student motivated me to seek out opportunities that provided structure, mentorship, and real-world experience, like MnDOT’s Career Pathway Programs. My family has always emphasized hard work and resilience, which pushed me to keep going even when my path changed, such as when I switched majors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of my technical work, my passion for mentorship, outreach, and storytelling has influenced how I show up in my career. Through initiatives like Get Kids into Survey, student outreach, and STEM education, I’ve found purpose in helping others see themselves in STEM the way I once hoped to. That connection between my personal values and professional work is what keeps me motivated and grounded.

Have you mentored or inspired others to pursue STEM careers?

Yes - mentoring and inspiring others is a very important part of my work. I’m an ambassador for the Get Kids into Survey initiative, where I engage with students to introduce them to geospatial careers like surveying, GIS, and photogrammetry. I also participate in classroom visits, student outreach events, and professional presentations where I share my journey and show students that STEM careers are accessible, creative, and impactful.

I try to be open about my own path, including the challenges and changes along the way, so students understand that there isn’t just one “right” path into STEM. Representation matters, and I hope that by sharing my story, especially with young women and Hispanic students, I can help them see themselves thriving in these fields.

Were you mentored by a women in STEM to pursue STEM careers?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by several incredible women in STEM throughout my journey. My GIS mentor, Emily Knish-Anderson, played a key role in supporting my growth and encouraging me to explore opportunities in geospatial science. I’ve also been supported by my SWAT mentor, Jessica Oh, who helped me build confidence, leadership skills, and a stronger sense of belonging within MnDOT.

Their guidance showed me what was possible and reinforced that my voice and perspective matter. Seeing women lead, mentor, and advocate for others made a lasting impact on my career and inspired me to pay that support forward.

What advice would you give to young women considering a future in STEM?

My advice is to believe that you belong, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning, curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn are just as important as technical skills.

Seek out mentors, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of my biggest growth moments came from learning through challenges. Most importantly, remember that your background, identity, and experiences are strengths that bring new perspectives to STEM.

What are your current goals or projects in your field?

Currently, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a Photogrammetric Technician by deepening my technical expertise in photogrammetry and remote sensing. I’m working toward pursuing additional certifications, including the ASPRS Technologist certification, to strengthen my professional skill set.

Beyond technical growth, I’m committed to expanding my involvement in STEM mentorship, student outreach, and education, and I hope to step into roles that blend technical work with leadership, outreach, and storytelling within the geospatial community.

How do you see the role of women in STEM evolving in the future?

I see the role of women in STEM continuing to expand, not just in numbers, but in influence. Women are increasingly leading projects, shaping innovation, mentoring future generations, and redefining what leadership looks like in technical fields.

As representation grows, I believe more young women will see STEM as a place where they belong. Creating inclusive, supportive environments where diverse voices are valued will be key to sustaining that progress.

My journey hasn’t been a straight line, and that’s something I’m proud of. From starting as a high school intern to becoming a Photogrammetric Technician, every experience - even the unexpected detours - helped shape who I am today.

As a first-generation college graduate and Hispanic woman in STEM, I’m passionate about using my story to open doors for others. My goal is to continue building a career that combines geospatial science, public service, mentorship, and community impact, while helping future generations see that there is space for them in STEM.