Jessenia Laguna-Torres, MS BS

I attribute my success to a strong foundation in rigorous scientific training, a lifelong curiosity about the human brain and the natural world, and a deep commitment to making knowledge meaningful beyond the laboratory. My academic and research experiences taught me how to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and pursue truth with discipline and integrity.

Becoming a mother marked a pivotal turning point in my journey. It reshaped not only my priorities, but also my understanding of education and impact. Through motherhood and homeschooling, I recognized the powerful role that hands-on learning plays in shaping confident, inquisitive learners—particularly when science is taught in a way that connects to real life and affirms faith rather than separating it from discovery.

Founding Hands-On Creation allowed me to bring these worlds together. It became the space where my scientific training, educational calling, and Christian faith could intersect with purpose. By designing accessible, laboratory-based learning experiences, I seek to equip students and homeschool parents with both the tools and confidence to explore science with curiosity, excellence, and reverence for the Creator.

Ultimately, my success has been shaped by a willingness to follow where purpose leads—combining discipline with creativity, expertise with service, and knowledge with meaning—so that learning becomes not just informative, but transformative.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to remain open to where my skills could serve others most meaningfully, even when that path looked different from what I originally planned. I was encouraged not to measure success solely by titles or traditional trajectories, but by impact, integrity, and faithfulness to my calling.

That advice gave me the freedom to see career growth as something dynamic rather than linear. It reminded me that seasons change, and that skills developed in one context can be powerfully repurposed in another. By focusing on excellence, lifelong learning, and service—rather than prestige alone—I’ve been able to step confidently into roles that align both with my expertise and with the purpose God has placed on my life.

The advice I would give to young women entering my industry—and really, to any young woman navigating both professional aspirations and family life—is to embrace paths that integrate your God-given talents, your calling, and your values. Don’t feel pressured to fit into a narrow definition of “success” that says you must choose between career, family, or faith; instead, pursue what God has uniquely equipped you to do with courage, excellence, and purpose.

One of the books that has shaped my thinking in this area is Eve in Exile: The Restoration of Femininity by Rebekah Merkle. In it, Merkle reminds us that “what God has created us for is far more breathtaking, crazy, scary, and glorious than we have wanted to assume,” and that when we throw ourselves into the roles God sets for us, we won’t find ourselves bored but fulfilled. She also points out that “a woman raising her children is not only shaping the next generation, she is also shaping little humans who are going to live forever,” underscoring the eternal significance of the work we do in our homes and communities.

These truths have encouraged me to see that pursuing nontraditional paths—like blending professional expertise with homeschooling, curriculum development, and faith-based education—isn’t a compromise but a creative expression of vocation. Visibility matters, not for personal acclaim, but because when women confidently live out their callings, they broaden the landscape of what’s possible for others.

I highly recommend Eve in Exile to young women who are seeking confidence and clarity in how to steward their gifts, whether they are entering science, education, ministry, business, or family life. It’s a thoughtful, faith-affirming resource that reframes how we understand purpose, identity, and meaningful work in every season of life.

One of the greatest challenges in my field right now is helping homeschool mothers overcome deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy—whether that takes the form of doubting their ability to teach rigorous material, questioning if they are meeting educational standards, or feeling unqualified to guide their children through subjects like science. Many women carry the quiet burden of comparison and fear that they are “not enough,” despite their deep investment in their children’s education.

At the same time, this challenge presents a powerful opportunity. There is an incredible need to affirm and equip homeschool mothers with both confidence and practical tools, reminding them that excellence in education does not require perfection or a traditional classroom model. When given the right support, resources, and encouragement, mothers are more than capable of fostering deep learning while nurturing their families.

The opportunity lies in reframing the narrative—helping women see that teaching and motherhood are not competing roles, but complementary ones. Every role they steward has value, influence, and lasting impact. By empowering homeschool moms to trust their abilities, grow in skill, and embrace their calling with confidence, we not only strengthen families, but also shape a generation of students who learn within an environment of purpose, faith, and intentionality.

The values most important to me—both in my work and in my personal life—are integrity, curiosity, and faith. I believe science and education should always be approached with honesty and rigor, a sense of wonder about the world around us, and a clear sense of purpose rooted in truth. Integrity guides how I teach, lead, and serve, ensuring that excellence and accountability remain central in every setting.

Curiosity is the foundation of meaningful learning. I strive to cultivate a lifelong love of discovery in students by encouraging thoughtful questions, critical thinking, and hands-on exploration. When curiosity is nurtured, students gain confidence not only in what they know, but in their ability to seek understanding and engage the world thoughtfully.

Faith anchors everything I do. It provides the framework through which I view learning, calling, and service, reminding me that education is not merely about information, but about formation. Alongside equipping students, I am deeply committed to affirming homeschool mothers in their dual roles as educators and guides—helping them recognize the value, influence, and lasting impact of their work.

Together, these values shape my mission to foster courageous learners, confident teachers, and families who pursue knowledge with both excellence and conviction.