Place of residence: Washington, D.C.

Position: Satellite Communications Systems Engineer at NASA Headquarters

What is it like to work at NASA?

Working at NASA is both humbling and inspiring. I’m surrounded by incredible people who are doing meaningful work that impacts not just our nation but the entire world and humanity as a whole. It’s an environment where every person plays a crucial role in the mission, and there’s a strong emphasis on teamwork. You can feel that sense of connection even in small moments, like when colleagues go out of their way to say hello in the elevator—a culture of pride and camaraderie is truly special.

What’s even more fascinating is being part of history in the making. NASA is tackling the hard things—like going back to the Moon to learn how to live and work on another world, all in preparation for human missions to Mars. These missions are monumental, and being a part of how NASA turns what once seemed impossible into reality is an incredible experience.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

Someone I admire is Julie Sweet, the CEO of Accenture. Her leadership has been transformative, especially in driving digital transformation across industries. Julie’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability sets a new standard for companies’ operations in the tech space. Under her guidance, Accenture has become a leader in helping organizations adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, making her one of the most influential figures in the world of technology today.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

While there are many incredible projects out there, I have to say I’m particularly passionate about NASA’s Lunar Gateway. I’m involved in it to some extent, but if I could dive even deeper into this project, I absolutely would. The Lunar Gateway is not just a space station orbiting the Moon; it’s a crucial stepping stone for future deep space exploration, including missions to Mars.

What would you like the industry to look like in ten years?

In ten years, I’d like to see the aerospace industry break away from the stereotype that you have to be in STEM to be a part of it. Space exploration is an incredibly interdisciplinary field that benefits from a wide range of skills and perspectives. Whether you’re in communications, finance, art, law, or any other field, there’s a place for you in aerospace. I hope to see a more inclusive industry that welcomes diverse talents and recognizes that solving the challenges of space requires collaboration across all disciplines. It’s part of our hope with the Women’s Aerospace Network (WAN) to amplify the message that you can follow your passions, whatever they may be, and find your place in the aerospace industry.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

Launching the Women’s Aerospace Network and seeing it grow into the largest women’s aerospace community in America is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the size of the community but our impact in amplifying voices and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in aerospace.

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to get the Women’s Aerospace Magazine into the hands of elementary kids around the world. I want to break the stereotype that you need to be in STEM to be part of the aerospace industry. By reaching young students early, I hope to show them that they can follow their passions—whether it’s art, writing, business, or any other field—and still make meaningful contributions to aerospace. It’s about inspiring them to see that there’s a place for everyone in this industry, no matter what their interests are.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

My biggest tip is to start—don’t wait until you feel completely ready or until you have all the answers. When I first joined a college club to build a Cube Satellite, none of us had any experience in aerospace. But I said yes to leading a team anyway. I quickly realized that even if you know nothing at the beginning, if you study something for just 10 minutes, you might already be the expert in the room.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

My dad, mentors, and the incredible community and board of advisors at WAN have inspired me. My dad taught me to believe in myself because he always did, even when I doubted myself. Seeing the impact we’re making with WAN keeps pushing me forward.

What advice do you give to young girls who want to follow similar careers? What advice do you give to young girls who want to follow similar careers?

Trust your gut on people, situations, and opportunities—always. Be strategic in your approach, whether planning your career, tackling challenges, or building relationships. Know when to listen to the masses and trust your instincts, even if it means going against the grain.