In 2009, Congress established the second week of April as National Robotics Week to recognize this growing sector of the U.S. economy.

Since then, robotics experts across industry and academia have joined to build this "national platform" for robotics technology.

National Robotics Week aims to inspire students in robotics and STEM-related fields.

This year, the annual event falls will be held April 6-14, 2024.

Women of Color Online will feature professionals on Women of Color magazine's 40 Under 40 List throughout the week.

Women of Color magazine's "40 under 40" lists STEM leaders are making significant contributions to shaping technology for the future.

These early-career professionals were nominated for awards at Career Communications Group conferences. You can read about their accomplishments and projects and how they are shaping the future of technology here.

Asya Cara Peña has nine years of experience in robotics and automation.

She is a creative technologist skilled in G Suite, SolidWorks, Ansys, MATLAB, AutoCAD, Adobe, Microsoft, and Navisworks.

Previously, at Walt Disney Imagineering, Peña managed ride design and delivery, served as the lead engineer for the “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” trackless vehicle system, and worked as a research and development engineer and character designer.

Peña also served as a creative director with ESPN Creative Works and chairperson of the Women’s Inclusion Network.