Natasha Gonzalez
With over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 13 years guiding aircraft across U.S. and Caribbean skies, Natasha brings a powerful story of courage and career transformation. Her journey from a kid growing up in inner-city Memphis, TN, to a chance encounter through her high school aviation program, to becoming a FAA radar controller and manager in both Memphis and Puerto Rico, and now a STEM facilitator, resonates deeply with students and educators alike. Whether she’s reflecting on her early days in aviation, demonstrating hands-on learning strategies, or sparking young imaginations with her interactive STEM adventures series, she brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and impact to every stage.
My Story
Natasha Gonzalez was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where her curiosity and imagination took flight at an early age. When she wasn’t outside playing with her cousins and friends, she could be found curled up with a book or captivated by her favorite educational TV shows: Reading Rainbow, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Ghostwriter, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and 3-2-1 Contact. These early experiences sparked a lifelong love of science and math that continues to fuel her journey today. She attended Wooddale High School, where she enrolled in a specialized program focused on aviation, travel, and tourism. It was during her junior year, at the OBAP ACE Camp (now ACE Academy), that she was first introduced to the dynamic world of air traffic control. That pivotal experience set her on a clear path. After high school, she pursued her passion for aviation at Middle Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace.
Natasha served as a FAA air traffic controller for over 13 years, with assignments in both Memphis and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Throughout her career, she experienced a number of unforgettable highlights: directing Air Force One for two U.S. Presidents, soaring in a T-38 Talon fighter jet, and supporting aviation rescue operations during natural disasters. Yet, despite these incredible moments, her most rewarding experiences came from visiting schools and inspiring the next generation by introducing students to the exciting world of transportation and STEM.
In 2016, Natasha made the courageous decision to step away from her FAA career to focus on raising her two sons, Jaden and Joshua. Embracing this new chapter, she ventured into entrepreneurship by founding an event company that combined her transportation expertise with hands-on STEM education. Through creative, transportation-themed activities at schools in Prince William County and Loudoun County, Virginia, she sparked curiosity in young minds and introduced them to the fascinating world of different MOT. From these efforts, TransporTed was born.
In 2024, Natasha and her family relocated to Mexico City for a temporary diplomatic assignment. Today, she continues to share her passion for STEM and travel through TransporTed Eggventures, an imaginative, educational experience designed to ignite wonder, discovery, and a love of learning in young egg-splorers.
