From Resilience to Runways and Representation
At just 12 years old, Allegra Monserrat Rodriguez faced circumstances most adults would struggle to overcome. Fleeing domestic violence with her siblings, she spent her childhood moving from home to home, searching for safety—and herself.
But instead of letting trauma define her, Allegra found strength in science and stability in STEM.
Today, she’s an aviation professional, a role model for young Latinas, Miss Texas Latina, and the author of a powerful bilingual children’s book: Barbara’s Adventures: Las Aventuras de Bárbara.
Writing with Purpose: Barbara’s Adventures
In her debut book, Barbara’s Adventures, Allegra introduces us to Bárbara—a fearless young Latina both a pilot and an aircraft mechanic. With her mischievous friend, Coco the Quetzalcóatl, Barbara soars through an adventurous tale filled with teamwork, culture, and churros.
This bilingual children’s book (English and Spanish) is more than just a story—it’s an entry point for kids, especially girls, to see themselves in aviation, mechanics, and STEM. It empowers young readers to:
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Think critically
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Celebrate their heritage
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Believe that girls can fix planes and fly them
“This book reflects the girl I once was—curious, imaginative, and needing someone to believe in her.”
From Trauma to Triumph: Allegra’s Journey
Allegra’s journey is just as inspiring as the character she’s created. After discovering a love for flight during a visit to NASA at age 10, she redirected her energy into robotics. Joining FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2966 in Hidalgo, Texas, she immersed herself in a world where she could build, solve problems, and take control of her future.
Today, Allegra is a graphics technician for one of the world’s largest aviation companies. She ensures aircraft are airworthy—performing inspections, handling sensitive instruments, and overseeing critical documentation.
Her passion for aviation, sparked by curiosity and resilience, became the platform for her message: STEM belongs to everyone, especially girls from underrepresented communities.
Crowned with Purpose: Miss Texas Latina
Before becoming an author, Allegra had already used her story to uplift others as a motivational speaker. After winning the title of Miss Texas Latina, her mission gained a broader reach. The pageant’s motto, “More than a model, a role model,” aligns perfectly with who she is.
Now booked monthly to speak at schools and STEM events, Allegra encourages young people to:
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Embrace their individuality
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Pursue science and tech fearlessly
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Use their voice to inspire others
“I once thought I had to act more masculine to be accepted in this industry. Now I wear my earrings and makeup in the hangar. I’m still smart. I’m still capable. And I’m still me.”
Advice from Allegra to Young Women in STEM
“Stay true to your values and yourself. Diversity and authenticity make every workplace better.”
“Volunteer, network, and show up. You never know what doors your energy will open.”
“Use your scars—physical or emotional—to prove you survived. Turn them into your power.”
Allegra’s journey proves that greatness doesn’t always come from privilege—it often comes from perseverance. She is a walking example that your background doesn’t limit your future. It might just define your superpower.
Allegra Monserrat Rodriguez is more than a beauty queen or a book author—she’s a woman who turned adversity into advocacy. Her voice, story, and STEM journey continue to light the way for the next generation of engineers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Whether through a pageant stage or the pages of a children’s book, Allegra is giving young girls the most important gift of all: hope. Purchase Link: [Insert link here]
