Celebrating Women in Satellite 2023 — Part 2

To commemorate International Women’s Day, Via Satellite celebrates women who have made a difference for the greater satellite and space industry, and in the lives of their colleagues. More than 75 people wrote about their mentors, colleagues, friends, and bosses — women that drive the industry forward through engineering, business development, regulatory policy, sales, and more.

With the volume of responses, Via Satellite published two editions of Celebrating Women in Satellite 2023. This is the second edition.

Dr. Clare Martin, Executive Vice-President of Astroscale U.S.

I first met Clare at Surrey Satellite UK, then she came to work at Surrey Satellite US, where I was working as a senior SE. I had mainly spent my career in male oriented businesses, so it was eye-opening to work for a woman who then became the chief operating officer. What a great boss she was — so incredibly smart, but also kind and compassionate. A real leader in work-life balance and how to be a leader at work. Things she had taught and inspired in me motivated me to move up the ladder to become a director of programs. Now I am back working for her at Astroscale US, Inc. Clare is an amazing person who empowers all her employees to be better, think harder and come up with solid yet novel solutions. — Becky Cudzilo, Astroscale US, Inc.

Ramya Venkataraman, Director of Software Engineering for Viasat

I first met Ramya while she was pioneering a path to digital-first solution for consumers by building a mobile app for B2C customer self service needs during Viasat’s global expansion. Her technical expertise preceded her, and she was able to predict critical paths and influence other teams to meet deadlines and benefit the program. She has created a service assurance platform that ensures consumer service level agreement is met and enables troubleshooting across the six satellite fleets that Viasat provides internet service on, which has been the key tool in significantly reducing care cost per user. As we became friends, I found she had different expectations for her life than her family's plan. She has had to fight and earn everything she has achieved by herself, for herself, from university to living in the U.S. This is the type of focus, tenacity, and perseverance she has cultivated in Global Technologies to support the success of Viasat. — Jennifer Daley, Viasat

Camille Elizabeth Bergin, Advanced Programs Lead of Business Development for Orbit Fab

Camille Elizabeth Bergin, aka the Galactic Gal, works tirelessly both in her day job and in her social media presence to positively impact the industry and those around her. The space industry struggles with communication greatly, often focusing on the “what” rather than the “why,” leaving the uninitiated without context nor understanding, hurting the industry’s potential and inclusivity. Camille endeavors to dramatically change this paradigm. Using her online presence as the Galactic Gal, she communicates complex ideas and events into digestible and engaging content that has captured the minds of over half a million people. Camille's endeavors help promote greater understanding of the role and potential of space and STEAM in our lives and the world around us. Camille Elizabeth Bergin is transforming the way people think about space, driving more inclusivity, positivity, and understanding everywhere she goes. — Aiden O’Leary, Orbit Fab

Palmi Garcia, Group Commercial Director for The Celestia Group

As bid manager for Celestia and its 12 operating companies and its 240 employees, Palmi Garcia’s commercial acumen, analytical and negotiation skills, natural ease in developing key customer and stakeholder relationships, and her quiet determination to win have resulted in notable successes, including winning the highest value contract in the group’s history last October. Despite the significant contribution she has made to the growth and profitability of the Celestia Group, she remains quietly modest, always eschewing the limelight. The first to put her hand up to offer support to all, she is respected by everyone in the business for her diligence, unstinting hard work, constant enthusiasm and passion for what she does. — Steve Jones, Celestia Group

Maria Demaree, Vice President and General Manager of Special Programs for Lockheed Martin Space

Maria Demaree is the epitome of a transformational leader and is a sought after thought leader across the entire aerospace defense industry. Being a part of her executive staff is like participating in a real-time master class on values-based leadership. What I admire most about Maria is no matter how busy she gets, she always prioritizes meaningful touchpoints with her entire 4,000+ team. Maria is also a fierce advocate for women in STEM as well as diversity and inclusion. She served on Lockheed Martin’s Corporate Executive Inclusion Council and helped steer corporate policy to create more inclusive work environments. Maria is currently leading our workplace transformation effort aimed to better attract and retain the next-gen workforce. The effort includes debunking classified spaces as stodgy and unimaginative, and using Maria’s words — showcasing how classified spaces are places to “fearlessly innovate and fiercely collaborate.” As a mother and a Hispanic woman in STEM, Maria has been a true inspiration in my career. — Dallas Quinones, Lockheed Martin

Archana Gharpuray, VP of Engineering at Hughes Network Systems

Archana has been a dedicated, respected, and impactful leader at Hughes for nearly 35 years. She has been responsible for the development of 100+ satellite systems — including some of the largest implementations in the world. Archana has also led the technical proposal and negotiation efforts for many of the larger accounts, having built meaningful relationships with the industry’s leading operators. Archana is a natural leader who sets her team up for success by communicating clear objectives and ensuring the right people are in the right positions to meet them. She is the first to recognize both team and individual successes, and is always assessing what can be improved upon. Archana is passionate about developing the next generation of software engineers and she has mentored over 120 college students — many of whom have gone on to careers at Hughes and other satellite companies. — George Choquette, Hughes Network Systems

Shira Meltzer, Lead of Precision Tracking Mechanical Group at Orbit Communications Systems

Shira Meltzer joined Orbit in 2017 and quickly established herself as a talented mechanical engineer with extensive experience in the aviation and aerospace industry. She designed several cutting-edge satellite communications systems for both airborne and maritime applications. In her role as a leader, Shira exhibits a "can-do" attitude and is a strong advocate for innovative solutions and technologies, such as 3D printing and the implementation of composite materials. Her leadership style motivates her team and colleagues to achieve their full potential. Not only is Shira a highly skilled engineer, but she is also a role model for women in the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering. — Asaf Punis, Orbit Communications Systems

Samantha Graham, Senior Propulsion Development Engineer for Benchmark Space Systems

Samantha is a leader in the transition from hydrazine to green propellants, using her education and hands-on experience to advance the body of knowledge. She's written procedures and designed hardware, performed safety briefings, and overseen multiple propellant-loading campaigns. She is helping to foster the relationship between U.S. and European space programs, acting as a liaison for Benchmark US and Benchmark UK to customers on both continents. She also supports the next generation of engineers by developing and leading education and outreach programs, with a particular focus on students that are underrepresented in STEM. — Ryan McDevitt, Benchmark Space Systems

Elisabeth Post, Software Developer for KBR

Elisabeth is a recent college graduate and from day one has displayed an eagerness, drive, and enthusiasm that is unmatched in her peer group. Elisabeth is a software engineer working on some of the most challenging problems the United States Space Force faces today. Her ability to connect on a personal level and be a servant leader to her teams made her an easy selection to a management role within KBR. She is a true "fire-and-forget" type of person — point her in the right direction and you will find yourself working to keep up with her. As an emerging leader within the space community, Elisabeth is where the future is. — Jeffrey Leeder, KBR

Dr. Luisa Buinhas, Vyoma Co-Founder and Space Systems Engineer

When I first meet Luisa, her incredible intelligence and raw passion for all things space and engineering is clear to see. Like other great engineers before her, Luisa is working to solve real-world problems, and currently, that is the great challenge of making space sustainable. As co-founder and Space Systems Engineer at Vyoma, Luisa is using her grit and resolve to address the space sustainability challenge by pairing space-based debris observation data with intelligent satellite operations. Building a start-up comes with ups and downs. It’s a team sport, and I know I can always rely on Luisa to pick me up if I’ve had a setback. Luisa permeates confidence, which is an invaluable trait when growing a start-up. She also has this enviable talent to juggle multiple large projects and a billion small tasks, all the while producing excellent progress and results. If anyone can do it, then Luisa can. — Stefan Frey, Vyoma

Lauren Fitzgibbon, Lead Ground Software Engineer for Terran Orbital

Lauren Fitzgibbon has been an integral part of the Terran Orbital family since she joined in the summer of 2017 and was immediately thrown into the fires of spacecraft operations. Under the most brutal of circumstances – including all-nighters, all-dayers, sleep deprivation, and caffeine withdrawal – Lauren proved to be one of the best operators on shift. She had this amazing ability to see a problem, frame it in digestible chunks, and create exactly the tool needed without being told to. Throughout the summer of her internship, she built the things we didn’t know we needed, or couldn’t articulate we needed. Lauren rose through the ranks at Terran Orbital, eventually being rewarded for her outsized impact with the leadership of all Terran Orbital ground software. Of the more than 30 spacecraft launched and operated by Terran Orbital in the six years Lauren has been with the company, she has touched every single one. Beyond her technical qualifications, she has always been a leader. Lauren stands up for her team and peers, and is never quiet when she sees something that needs to change. While always delivered with an acerbic wit, Lauren refuses to let anyone hang alone, and makes sure if there is a way to help, it is found. — Chris Shaffer, Terran Orbital Corporation

Krystle Caponio, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Vast

It’s not just that Krystle Caponio is an accomplished attorney with a career record that includes legal counsel at SpaceX and general counsel for some exciting startups, it is also that she demonstrates a passion for those space technologies that push boundaries; using her focus and drive to empower teams to deliver break-through technology solutions to some of today’s toughest challenges. She has focused on building and managing companies within the growing new space economy, providing expertise for space operations — from international trade regulations, government and commercial contracts, and corporate governance. Krystle’s keen legal acumen is vital, but it is her passion for emerging space technologies that inspires those around her. — Karen M. Anderson, AWS

Dawn Harms

I reported to Dawn Harms during my 4 years of work as the VP of Business Development at Momentus. She was an amazing mentor that led our team and company through the SPAC process of going public, government scrutiny, and licensing challenges with grace, patience and positivity. I was astounded at how she motivated the team through the lows and barriers to achieve what most people thought was in-achievable. I think she deserves commemoration for her contributions to the space industry not just at Momentus, but her whole career. — Negar Feher, Spaceryde

Jessica Beahn, Vice President & Chief Engineer, Maxar Space

Jessica Beahn knows what it’s like to overcome and to achieve. She learned early on how to dig deep to reach a goal, earning her bachelor’s degree while cash-strapped and with a new baby to raise. Those days taught her the foundations on which she built her career —empathy, determination, and great time management. Today, Jessica is the vice president and chief engineer of Maxar’s Space Infrastructure sector, leading our systems and software engineers in a diverse portfolio that spans satellites, robotics, and deep-space engines. She guides the technical teams that reveal more about our planet, like WorldView Legion, and supports deep space exploration. Jessica is resilient and resolute as she leads. According to her, it’s not her ambition but people who fuel her drive. She says “people remember people, not programs.” That’s why people in this industry listen to her, seek her mentorship and when it comes time to have hard conversations, want those to be with Jessica. — Sonya Starr, Maxar

Adelaida V. Severson, President and CEO of Bushtex

As the President and CEO of a highly successful satcom company, Adelaida has not only set the bar for those who may follow but has provided an insurmountable amount of guidance for women who are seeking a career in the satellite industry. The success of our small company is in great deal due to the knowledge, experience, and foresight of Adelaida. She is an advocate for furthering one's education and is no stranger to community involvement as a trustee for universities, a board member for organizations, cities and schools. — Robin Riley, Bushtex, Inc.

Tara Theret, Program Director for Northrop Grumman Space Systems

Tara is a leader in the space industry with a breadth of experience in technology, payload and full spacecraft development and fielding. Most recently, she has led the Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research project. This important role has placed her at the forefront of green energy development that will directly benefit our customers and the warfighter. Tara has built strong relationships with our U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory customers, technical leads, and has been a strong proponent of space solar power across all government customer bases. Tara is also an active supporter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Aerospace (WIA). Tara is also passionate about supporting early STEM careers and participates in outreach programs with elementary and middle school students. — Brendon Raraigh, Northrop Grumman

Libby Barr, COO of Avanti Communications

Libby is a people person; it’s evident throughout her 30 years of experience that she has always put the customer first. She is extremely knowledgeable and a mentor for her team, which I often hear from various people within the business, in the U.K. and across the world. Libby’s passion for connecting Africa is inspirational and without her ability to make critical strategic decisions, we wouldn’t have been able to help so many people get online. She has played a vital role in connecting 1.5 million people across 500 rural sites in Africa, a true testament to the incredible impact our industry can have. She has her sights set on connecting a further 5,000 sites over the next three to five years. There is no holding Libby back and she is exactly the kind of role model I would want for any young woman starting out in the industry. — Debbie Mavis, Avanti Communications

Caryn Schenewerk, VP of Regulatory and Government Affairs for Relativity Space

Caryn Schenewerk is an outstanding leader, a tireless advocate for opening up the space frontier, and an inspiration to all of us. Throughout her long career in government and industry, Caryn has worked to develop streamlined and rational policy. As current chair of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, her work is benefitting all of us, in every space company. Outside of her day job, Caryn has worked hard to develop the next generation of space law professionals through her teaching at Georgetown University Law Center, and mentoring in the Brooke Owens Fellowship. — Rob Meyerson, Delalune Space

Isabel LeBoutillier, VP Customer Operations for Kymeta Corporation

Ten years ago, Isabel founded Lepton Global Solutions in her early 20s. She managed the build-out of global network infrastructure and developed relationships with satellite operators to create a global satellite service offering. Now part of Kymeta, Isabel’s strength as an operator and leader is demonstrated by the success of the world-class customer operations team at Kymeta, which manages technical support for all of the company’s products and services. Isabel is considered a problem solver. She has taken the lead on implementing new strategic initiatives and her ability to work with different personalities and skill sets across the company and our customer base has brought these efforts to successful fruition. I am honored to work alongside Isabel as she helps transform and grow our business and the importance of women in leadership roles in this industry. — Brenda Kuhns, Kymeta Corporation

Angela Wheeler, Director of Network Operations at Intelsat

When I first met Angela, it was at a Satcoms Innovation Group workshop being hosted at Intelsat many years ago. I instantly liked her. I am from a non-technical background heading up arguably the most technical group in the industry, so having people beside me who can help bridge that gap is absolutely crucial and is something Angela does brilliantly. Angela has been a driving force behind many of the Satcoms Innovation Group initiatives, all thanks to over 25 years’ worth of satellite industry experience and technical knowledge. Angela often talks about the mentoring she has received from others during her long career at Intelsat and it is obvious that she is keen to replicate that herself. — Helen Weedon, Satcoms Innovation Group

Hazel Jeffrey, Head of Systems for Craft Prospect

Hazel has been my first line manager in my first job post-university, and she has been an excellent role model to me as I anxiously and excitedly start my career in the space industry. Hazel always appears to keep a cool head during times of high pressure, and no matter how busy or under pressure she may be, she always makes time to check in with her colleagues and give support where she can. I have seen the high standards and dedication she has for her technical work, and it has been very influential on me to see a woman be successful and leading in such an engineer-focused, male-dominated industry. — Lauryn Mahood, Craft Prospect VS

Read Part 1 of Celebrating Women in Satellite 2023