A few weeks ago I attended the Aspen Ideas Festival, where I was one of 300 scholars from around the world. I was also one of eight Cenadores—a group working to empower Puerto Rican civil society.

I arrived in Aspen prepared—and actually looking forward—to being challenged by new ideas, different points of view and stepping out of my comfort zone.

My elevator pitch was set. I was ready to tell anybody I met how I combine my scientific training with technology to engage scientific communities to crowd-source initiatives and resources to transform science education.

“Hello, my name is Mónica, I am a scientist and science communicator…”

Recently I led two science communication workshops at the 2015 American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The first titled “Delivering Science: Effective Communication Skills to Become a Successful Scientist” aimed to provide 1) an introduction to effective communication principles and strategies; 2) tangible examples of how effective communication skills can support their professional advancement; and 3) resources that will help them strengthen their communication skills. The first half of the workshop included a panel featuring: