Ada Monzon

-profit community-based organization that inspires to protect our natural world, increase resilience and educate about the universe through STEM education. Ada recently received a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from the University of Puerto Rico, which is the highest distinction awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their field and to society. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, with a Physics concentration at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus, and a Master’s degree in Meteorology at Florida State University, Ada Monzón joined the U.S. National Weather Service Forecast Office in San Juan, where she became a Forecaster and the Warning and Preparedness Meteorologist. Then, she became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, before moving to local television and beginning her career as a broadcast meteorologist in 1997. (WLII-TV), and until 2019, she was WIPR TV's Chief Meteorologist. She has developed the Meteorological Communication Laboratory, a partnership between WAPA TV and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, to provide mentorship and internship opportunities to students in the Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Program. She is also a board member of the Caribbean Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems, board member of AMS Fellow Committee, an affiliate member of the PR NASA Space Grant Consortium, and member of the American Alliance of Museums, National Science Teacher Association and American Association for the Advancement of Science. She is one of five experts of the Governor’s first Climate Change Commission of Puerto Rico. She is a professional speaker, influencer, spokesperson for community campaigns and brands, and producer of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education programs and disaster mitigation educational campaigns. Ada Monzon is widely recognized for her successful social media networks with over 2 million combined followers. She is Puerto Rico’s most visible meteorologist, anchoring weather and science related stories. Ada broadcasted live the three most important scientific events of recent history in Puerto Rico: the most devastating hurricanes, the strongest earthquake and the collapse of the Arecibo Observatory. She is also a space reporter with live broadcast transmissions and received Emmy-award coverage for the NASA Artemis mission. Her standout service and commitment during 2017 provided invaluable reassurance as the commonwealth prepared for the most devastating disaster in the island's modern history. She closely followed Irma as it passed through the Caribbean and then brought not only essential weather information, but helped the population prepare and remain calm throughout Hurricane Maria—one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters on record. Ada is a strong advocate of space education and hurricane preparedness and mitigation, and has dedicated her 33-year career to forecasting, public education, awareness, and safety. She is the Principal Investigator for the NASA Teams II Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions grant. She is proud to be a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador and a NASA Social Alumni. She was the most-searched person of the year, according to Google's 2017 and 2020 Year in Search data for Puerto Rico. Monzón has a decorated award history, and holds membership in numerous professional weather, climate, and science organizations. Among her awards are: Silver Circle Emmy Award, four Emmy Awards, four American Meteorological Society Awards: Broadcast Meteorology Award, Joanne Simpson Award, Charles Anderson Award, and Excellence in Science Reporting by a Broadcast Meteorologist Award. Also, she is recipient of the “Sor Isolina Ferre” Medal Award for Community Service and Education, National Weatherperson of the Year, the Silver Medal of the NOAA NWS US Department of Commerce, Distinguished Alumni of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico, STAR Award-Univision Television Group, Plaza Women's Award, among others. The EcoExploratorio is part of the Association of Science and Technology Center, European Commission-Directorate of Environment-Coalition of Biodiversity, NOAA Weather Ready Ambassador, and has received the 2021 AIDIS (Asociación Interamericana de Ingeniería Ambiental y Sanitaria) award. Ada is widely recognized for her leadership in science education and community service, combining science, community and public policy, and for her tireless efforts in educating and protecting as many people as possible, from the deadliest storms in history and the current earthquake sequence in southwest Puerto Rico. Monzón is married and has three daughters, and lives in Puerto Rico. Her passions are science, education, philanthropy, traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.