President of the United States, Joe Bidendelivered this Friday Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honor in the country – 19 people, including astronaut Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space.

Ochoa, Californian of Mexican descent, participated in a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1993. She would later be appointed director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center located in Houston, Texas.

“Granddaughter of Mexican migrants, Ellen was the first Latina to go into space.ushering in an entirely new era in space exploration and expanding what it means for every generation to dream of reaching the stars,” the president said during a ceremony at the White House.

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Biden also presented a medal Teresa Romero President of the Peasant Union (UFW), the largest agricultural union in the country. Romero was the first Latino to lead the national union.

“It has made life better for thousands of farmers who have put food on our plates, protected them from high temperatures, and paid overtime. She teaches us what it means to be an advocate for decent work.“, said the President.

Swimmer Katie Ledeckywinner of 7 Olympic gold medals, was another of 19 people to receive a medal.

Other recipients included a former vice president. Al Gore (1993-1999), former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosiformer Secretary of State John Kerry or an influential African American congressman James Clyburn.

The former New York City mayor and businessman also received the medal. Michael Bloombergastronomer Jane Rigby or actress Michelle Yeoh, winner of the Oscar for Best Actress. (EFE)