Beatriz Abu-Ata was born in La Paz, Bolivia. She obtained a Business Administration Degree from the Sawyer College of Business, also attended Pasadena City College where she completed Business Administration courses.

Beatriz joined the JPL family in 1978, her past experience includes positions held in the Radar Science & Engineering Section; The Deep Space One-NASA Solar Electric Propulsion (NSTAR) Team; and the Technology & Applications Program (TAP) Directorate Office. Currently she is the Stardust Project Secretary.

She has been the recipient of a variety of group achievement awards ranging from the NASA Group Achievement Award in support of the Stardust Project Flight Team; a two-time recipient of the Spot Award, as well as for her contribution for the success of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, SRTM; and award recipient for outstanding contributions to the NASA Solar Electric ION Propulsion.

Beatriz and her husband Roger have three children, among her favorite things, besides reading, dancing, getting together with old friends is to travel overseas, one day she hopes to go back to Jordan and visit Ancient Greece!!