Yes I think Ellen Ochoa is a hero because she did not let anyone hinder her learning, and always did her best. 
Also,I think Ellen  Ochoa is a hero because she reached for the stars and became an astronaut. 
In the story it says Ellen Ochoa's mother said if she workked hard she could be anything she wanted to be.  Also in the story it says in 1969 when Ellen was 11 years old there was no women astronauts because only the men had  education. One last thing thing in the story says she was very talented at playing the flute.This shows that Ellen is very talented at everything.This reminds me of a time I sang at a show and I was a talented player just like Ellen.