Mission Eve

Alana Bartolini is the ISS and International Education Operations Coordinator at Vitrociset for the European Space Agency. In this final episode of Mission Eve, Season 1, learn how growing up amongst the diversity of Canada, her teachers, dance, the unique experience she had at University (and so much more) led to her career in Space with the perfect balance of inspiring students and science. 

Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar is the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration president & CEO. Supportive parents & being part of the Apollo generation fostered her love for space. But it wasn’t until later in her career that she believed she could have a professional impact on the industry. Fast forward to today and she’s one of the most renowned strategic thinkers in Space & a highly regarded technical expert with a boldness you’ll respect, admire & love. Discover how she did it & how she continues to pay it forward.

Harriet Brettle is a business analyst at Astroscale, a commercial space company dedicated to cleaning up orbital debris. Her journey into the Space industry began when, as a young girl, her dad let her down easy: being a witch was not a viable career option. But she could get excited about the planets, sciences and math, which is just what she did. Discover how Harriet went from graduating from university with a degree in mathematics, to a career in finance, to Outreach Coordinator of the Planetary Society, to that fateful day when she landed a major role as part of the Astroscale team. Harriet's story will make you laugh, feel inspired, and most importantly, remember to never doubt yourself. Space needs Harriet. And space needs you.

Dr. Tanya Harrison (aka "Tanya of Mars") is a manager of science programs at Planet. Her undergraduate degree is in Astronomy; her Masters and Ph.D. are in Geology with a specialty in Mars. She's a photographer of both Earth and Mars, a Trekkie, and the youngest member of the National Space Society's Board of Government. She makes space swag, works with "150 other satellites that are adorable", is an advocate for science communications, the disabled, and an all-around awesome role model for women who want to trail-blaze the industry. Follow her journey @TanyaOfMars on Twitter.

Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides is the author of "The New Right Stuff: Using Space to Bring Out the Best in You" which shares career hacks to guide tomorrow's Space leaders. She's also the co-creator of the international celebration "Yuri's Night", and a Virgin Galactic astronaut. From her impressive career starting as a NASA astronaut office intern, to conducting safety reviews on the ISS, to her field work in the Arctic (and so much more) there's nothing Loretta can't do, and there's nothing you can't either.

Sarah Cruddas is a space journalist, broadcaster, author of the children's book "The Space Race," and host of the Discovery Channel show "CONTACT." She joins us on "Mission Eve" to discuss how space camp inspired her to join the industry, the power of storytelling, and how her career evolved from a reporter at the BBC to her career in space (plus the incredible risk and failure it took to get there). Ladies, as Sarah reminds us, we are all extraordinary. And more than ever, the time is now to take a seat at the table.

Negar Feher of MOMENTUS Space will make you feel like we can do anything. Growing up in Iran, to returning as a Junior in high school, to graduating from Cal Poly (and Stanford!), to her burgeoning career, Negar teaches us what real hard work is, and how young women can lead the movement we find ourselves on the precipice: the industrialization of space. Also shared in this candid interview: challenges faced as a woman in Engineering and Space, culture shock, and why we need to help each other rise in our careers... if you haven't listened to every episode yet of Mission Eve, this episode will get you hooked.

In this candid interview, Stephanie Gowell shares how the inclusivity of the industry led her to fall in love with Space. Relatable, endearing, inspirational—Stephanie keeps things real as she shares her experience finding work after school, her path to becoming the ATLAS Space Operations Director of Commercial Sales, her biggest challenge in the industry, her vision for the future, the mentors that helped shape her way, and so much more. You've been warned. Prepare to be inspired.

Have you ever daydreamed about space? Wondered if humans will go more frequently to the stars? Questioned whether a burgeoning career in such a field exists? Enter Rebekah Rounds who proves that not only is all of this possible, but that much of it is in-the-works and, as far as careers go, is very much available today. Discover in this 6th episode of Mission Eve Rebekah's journey into space law, what inspires her about the future, advice for young women in the industry (or thinking of entering), and what we need to change in order to realize a balanced universe that's both innovative yet supportive of national security and civil initiatives in space.  Enter inspiration. Enter a new generation. Enter brave and bold new ideas that will forever change our future in space.

It all began with “Cosmos” by Neil deGrasse Tyson—the documentary that literally changed everything for Rachel Lyons. Since then, she’s become the Executive Director of Space for Humanity—a non-profit organization with a mission to send as many people as possible to space to change their perspective and realize a world that actually works. Become inspired by her vision of cosmos, and her challenge to the false perceived dichotomy that says we must chose between Earth and space. 

Deborah Tomek’s journey to become the Acting Director of NASA STED was far from easy. While at times struggling with self-doubt and confidence, she reminds us what it means to listen to your inner voice and strive to become the mentor you wish you had when you were younger. She’s worked on wind-tunnel tests, led research on the Space Shuttle heat shield, and so much more—all leading to her current position at NASA STED, which develops the technology that, years from now, will forever change how we live and work in space.

Taylor Winkleman is a Senior Consultant at LMI and is a vocal advocate for comprehensive space policy in Washington D.C. However, when Taylor was about to graduate high school, she had no clue what she wanted to do with her life. From becoming a linguist in the Army to briefly practicing as a licensed veterinarian, Taylor's self-defined circuitous path has equipped her to be a vital space advocate for policy that will help lead Earthlings to the stars. 

Kelly Larson's path from Iowan farm girl to CEO of Aquarian Devices is far from a straight line, but the lessons she learned through her experiences as an entrepreneur, event producer, yogi, consultant and PhD candidate have prepared her what she defines as "the biggest challenge" of her life: Leading the firm that will ultimately build the future of deep space telecommunications. 

In this episode of Mission Eve, Meagan speaks with Andrea Harrington, Associate Professor and Director of the Schriever Scholars Space Concentration at USAF Air Command and Staff College. Andrea talks about growing up in the Greater Boston area, her path to becoming an expert in space law & policy, and how things like Sci-Fi and Live Action Role Playing might seem like things to simply enjoy, but can actually lead to practical applications.

Introducing Mission Eve, a podcast dedicated inspiring the next generation of women who will live and work in space by sharing the stories of the women building that future today.