In this episode of the Space for All podcast, host Valerie McKiernan interviews Emily Calandrelli, also known as "The Space Gal." Emily shares her inspiring journey from growing up in West Virginia to becoming an MIT engineer, Emmy-nominated science TV host, author, and soon-to-be astronaut with Blue Origin. Emily discusses how her pursuit of financial security led her to engineering, which blossomed into a passion for space exploration. She talks about hosting "Xploration Outer Space,"...

Join host Valerie McKiernan in this episode of the Space for All podcast as she interviews Dr. Mindy Howard, the CEO and founder of both the Cosmic Girls Foundation and Inner Space Training. Dr. Howard shares her inspiring journey from aspiring astronaut to leading initiatives that empower young women in the space industry. Discover how she transitioned from working in the oil and gas sector to founding Inner Space Training, the world's only mental preparedness program for commercial...

In this episode of the Space for All podcast, host Valerie McKiernan interviews photographer Michael Soluri, who shares his journey into documenting space exploration. Michael discusses how his unscripted work focuses on the unsung heroes behind space missions, such as engineers, technicians, scientists and astronauts, and his unique approach to capturing their tools and humanity. He reflects on key projects like NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and the last Hubble Space Telescope...

Join us on this episode of the Space for All podcast as we chat with Alma Okpalefe, Executive Director at the World Space Week Association. Alma shares her remarkable journey from studying law to becoming a key figure in the space industry. Discover how a chance encounter with space law shaped her career, and listen as she reveals the global impact of World Space Week. Tune in for insights on space’s role in addressing climate change and the importance of raising awareness for the future of...

In this episode of the Space For All podcast, Valerie McKiernan chats with Maria Demaree, Vice President of National Security Space within Lockheed Martin Space. Maria shares her journey from growing up in a STEM-focused family to leading a critical division at Lockheed Martin. She offers advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in aerospace, emphasizing the importance of leading from where you are, constantly learning, and not disqualifying yourself from opportunities. Additionally,...

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond our solar system? In today’s episode, Dr. Emily Rickman, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, discusses her journey in the field of exoplanet research. She fell in love with physics and engineering as a child and later developed a passion for astrophysics and astronomy. Dr. Rickman lets us in on the captivating wonders of exoplanets, explaining that:   Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our Sun. There are...

What does it take to be a successful woman in STEM? Prepare to be inspired as our host Valerie McKiernan sits down for an uplifting conversation with Aerospace Engineer and Texas A&M graduate, Snehal Bhamare. From her early fascination with aircraft and space to her thriving career at Boeing, Snehal shares her incredible journey, offering key career advice and valuable insights. If you liked this episode, check out this powerful and inspiring episode next: Passion and Perseverance:...

"Space for All" podcast, hosted by Valerie McKiernan, brings you empowering conversations and inspiring journeys from across the aerospace industry.    In this episode, we feature Dr. Pierson, the Aerospace industry’s first speech pathologist and founder of Alpha Speech.   Dr. Pierson walks us through how the industry’s gaps in language requirements are leading to catastrophic failures both here on Earth and in Space.  From Pilots to Astronauts, Dr. Pierson explains how accent...

Rania Toukebri was inspired by her family’s involvement with NASA and her passion for space from a young age. Despite coming from Tunisia, a country without a prominent space program, she pursued her dream and became a space systems architect and senior team leader. Rania’s journey through the aerospace industry is marked by her determination, innovative mindset, and dedication to mentoring others. In this episode, Rania shares her insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of...

"Space for All" podcast, hosted by Valerie McKiernan, brings you empowering conversations and inspiring journeys from across the aerospace industry.    In this episode, we feature Holly Pascal, a NASA Headquarters Systems Engineer and founder of the Women's Aerospace Network.    Holly shares her journey from facing lackluster job offers post-graduation to working her way to NASA. She discusses her passion for aerospace and her mission to support and inspire the next generation through the...