Noramay Cadena

Los Angeles, California, United States

Noramay Cadena

Los Angeles, California, United States

Cadena is a cofounder and Managing Director of Make in LA, the first hardware focused accelerator in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Previously, Cadena spent over 10 years working across multiple large complex hardware products at The Boeing Company - from airplanes to satellites to space transport. She held P&L accountability, led large cross-functional teams, and led affordability and lean initiatives in various regions across the country.

Cadena holds an MBA, a Master’s in Engineering Systems and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering – all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is also a member of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

In 2013, Cadena co-founded the Latinas in STEM Foundation to inspire and empower Latinas to pursue and thrive in STEM fields. She is actively involved in the community through STEM outreach, Latina mentorship, professional development and volunteer work. She also serves as mentor to students applying as undergraduate students to MIT.

Cadena is a national speaker and has participated in the World Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, TEDx Boyle Heights, multiple keynotes and conferences. In 2014 she was named one of the top 20 Latinos in Technology by CNET and in 2008, she was highlighted as the Most Promising Engineer by Great Minds in STEM.

Cadena currently resides in the Los Angeles area with her daughter. In addition, she never fails to seize upon the opportunity to talk to young professionals about rising above their difficulties and beating the odds.

  • Work
    • Make in LA
  • Education
    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    • MIT Sloan School of Management
    • Massachusetts institute of Tec