As part of NOAA’s National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, NESDIS proudly highlights the remarkable contributions of its Hispanic and Latino employees. This month, we honor the rich heritage, culture, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latino community, as well as the dedication of those who support NOAA's mission to understand and protect our planet. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire others and emphasize how diversity fuels innovation and excellence across NOAA.
Meet Martin Yapur, whose work exemplifies the spirit of service and innovation that makes NOAA a catalyst for positive societal change.
What is your role at NESDIS?
I am currently the Chief of the Requirements, Assurance and Assessment Division in NESDIS’ newly formed Office of Systems Architecture and Engineering (SAE). I lead strategic initiatives and oversee the development and management of user engagement and requirements analysis, which is critical for designing and developing the next generation of Earth observation and data information systems.
I started with NESDIS as an intern with the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) in the Office of Satellite Applications and Research in 2002. After completing EPP’s Undergrad and Graduate Science Program (GSP), the Office of Requirements, Planning and Systems Integration (RPSI) hired me. RPSI no longer exists but has morphed into what is now known as the Technology, Planning and Integration for Observation (TPIO).
What led you to pursue a career in government service?
Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, I was educated in a Jesuit Catholic school where I was instilled with the core principle of "being a man for others.” This meant leading a life of purpose, as well as advocating for justice and serving the greater community. Ever since I can remember, I always had the intense desire to make a difference. I have lived my life with a strong purpose to effect positive change at work, in my community, as well as our country and society at large. After 21 years of service in government, my commitment to social equity, passion for science, and desire to advocate for my values, have never been more important. Like my parents, both civil servants, I opted for a life of public service. I believe there is nothing more noble and rewarding than contributing to building a more just and equitable society—and, even though it sounds cliché, building a better world. I feel very lucky and grateful to have the opportunity of being a civil servant in an agency like NOAA.
What would you say is/are your proudest accomplishment/s during your time at NOAA?
One of my proudest accomplishments at NOAA was the building and consolidation of the TPIO team. A truly diverse and inclusive team with a wide range of skill sets and capabilities that became influential with its recommendations for decision-making throughout NOAA. TPIO has been at the core of performing assessments of NOAA’s observations, and has been providing critical information needed to build and sustain an effective observing systems portfolio. First as an analyst and then as the Director, TPIO has been collaborating with multidisciplinary teams by providing knowledge and insight for Senior Leadership, including the NOAA Administrator and its Leadership team.
While I am no longer TPIO’s Director, I still feel that this amazing team is well positioned to continue providing, through its innovative tools and capabilities, vital information to develop improved frameworks to successfully achieve NOAA’s mission.
How has your heritage influenced your career or professional journey?
My heritage has been instrumental in my career but not for the reasons you may think—my cultural identity has provided a constant reminder that one should never take things for granted, and most importantly, one should never forget where they come from. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” thus even standing as an individual, each person represents an entire universe that helped to shape them. Even if you find yourself departing from the society or culture you were raised in, it is important to represent and honor that universe in the spaces you occupy.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
To me, National Hispanic Heritage Month means a complex but beautiful evolving process. It is a celebration of identity and a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity and representation in government and society. It highlights the achievements and impact of individuals that have forged their own paths. Succeeding in the federal government is not an easy or a simple task and yet our government provides increasing opportunities to show a broader movement of the power of diversity and inclusion that enables a wider range of voices to be heard.
What kind of advice would you give people aspiring to pursue a career at NOAA or in your field?
Embrace your passion for science and cultivate a genuine interest in the field you see yourself pouring your heart and soul. I can almost guarantee that it will not be easy as you will have to excel at being persistent and resilient. Focus on building skills through hands-on experiences, the world is dramatically changing and so are the ways of communication. Be mindful of this and give yourself a lot of grace. Be curious, stay current, keep up-to-date with the developments in science and policy. Understand the challenges and complexities of our societies and make any possible attempt to “connect the dots”. Embrace different perspectives and be open to the possibilities that your interests may take some time to align.
What are your hopes for the future of Hispanic representation in your industry or field?
My primary hope is an increased representation. The current numbers of Hispanics in NOAA and NESDIS are still quite low. As the Hispanic population continues to grow, there is an expectation that their unique experiences and viewpoints will lead to more inclusive and effective policies that address the needs of diverse communities. I personally would like to see more mentorship opportunities and more role models that can inspire younger generations to pursue careers in public service.
Is there anything else you would like to share? Do you have any fun facts about yourself that your colleagues may not know?
I am an avid soccer fan. I have coached all four of my kids and I continue to coach in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and the City of Gaithersburg Sports Program. I enjoy long walks and hikes with my wife and I look forward every year to our summer family camping trip in which we all agree to completely withdraw from electronics... what could possibly go wrong?
