Celebrating Women in Satellite 2024

Now in its third year, Celebrating Women in Satellite recognizes the contributions of women who have made a difference for the space and satellite industry, and in the lives of their colleagues. This is a community-generated feature, with real stories of the women who drive this industry forward. This year, more than 40 people wrote in about their colleagues, mentors, friends, and bosses.

This feature honors women who work in all aspects of the satellite industry, from CEOs to engineers, legal and policy experts, strategy and marketing, and more — in recognition of the diverse skill sets it takes to achieve success. Here are some of those commendations. Via Satellite will publish a Part 2 of this feature in the April edition.

Caroline De Vos, COO and Founding Partner, neXat

With an exceptional blend of dedication and leadership, Caroline’s tireless work ethic has propelled projects to new heights and set a standard of excellence that spreads throughout the entire team. I remember the incident where a customer asked us to ship a modem on a weekend. Caroline went to the warehouse on the weekend and personally carried the modem to the customer’s house. She clearly demonstrated that no work is too small to do and no obstacle is too big to overcome. Beyond her professional achievements, Caroline is a very active sportswoman, an adventure seeker, and a dynamic mother of two girls. — Rajeev Nair, neXat’s Senior VP, APAC

Mahsa Taheran, Ground Segment Systems Engineer, constellr

Mahsa is one of those rare gems of a space engineer who has a laugh bigger than her slight frame. From Iran via Italy and Spain, Mahsa ended up writing her PhD in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in Stuttgart, a stone's throw from constellr's HQ in Freiburg, Germany. Lucky us! Not only is she a red-hot systems engineer (and talented badminton player and dancer), she cares hugely for her team and their development and consistently shapes our evolving organization for the better. Mahsa has had to deal with more than her fair share of challenges, but the woman facing forward seems resilient, thoughtful and pragmatic. — Cassi Welling, constellr COO

Alix Wright, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Speedcast

Alix is a consummate professional who seems to solve the most complex business challenges with ease. One of Alix’s remarkable strengths lies in her ability to foresee the future and understand the changes brought about by time and emerging technologies. With the advent of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) technologies, she swiftly took the lead and initiated educational campaigns to position Speedcast as a leader in this exciting sector. Her proactive approach and strategic guidance played a pivotal role in establishing Speedcast as a trusted provider in the LEO market. Beyond her marketing acumen, Alix is a true advocate for promoting diversity and empowering women in the satellite industry. She serves as an inspirational role model for aspiring professionals, fostering an inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth. — James Trevelyan, Speedcast’s Global Head of Sales, and the Speedcast Marketing team

Jen Templeton, Senior Director of Product Management, Maxar Intelligence

Jen has been very influential in the commercial satellite imagery field in all manner of roles at Maxar, formerly known as DigitalGlobe, and before that Geoeye. Jen was part of the GIS teams that process imagery which then led to being a part of and later managing teams that brought Maxar's Rapid Access and Direct Access imagery products and services to a worldwide customer base. Without those programs, a lot of the positive GIS work people do with our imagery wouldn't have been possible. Personally, she has been very influential in shaping my career during a recent reorg and centralization of the Product Management team. She took me under her wing and provided a path to the product manager role I always wanted. Without Jen and her leadership, Maxar and its predecessor companies would not have been able to grow into the commercial imagery provider it is today. — Stephen Hanna, Maxar Intelligence

Sariah Fischer, Director of Partnerships, SpiderOak Mission Systems

Sariah stands out as a visionary mentor, deeply committed to guiding young professionals aspiring to careers in space, particularly women. Her exceptional leadership in orchestrating the annual Collegiate Space Competition is particularly commendable. This initiative not only challenges aspiring engineers from across the nation to address pivotal policy problems in the space sector but also fosters a collaborative environment for innovative thinking and solution-oriented approaches. Her efforts in nurturing the next generation of space leaders are crucial in an industry where dynamic challenges and technological advancements are constant. Through her mentorship and leadership, Sariah is playing a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking space industry. — Omar Pimentel, Defense Innovation Unit

Allison Porter, Senior Systems Engineer, LeoStella

Since joining us in 2023, Dr. Allison Porter has been an exemplary contributor as a Senior Systems Engineer and team leader supporting small satellite and constellation builds for the company. She’s brought an in-depth knowledge of spacecraft propulsion and in-space manufacturing technologies, along with a keen attention to detail on pre-flight hardware and system testing requirements and flight-mission operations for new satellite programs. Allison has a bright future ahead of her in the aerospace and satellite industry. — Mike Kaplan, LeoStella

Jennifer Little, Chief Revenue Officer, Ramon.Space

Jennifer Little, a veteran of the satellite industry with over 25 years of experience, is a force to be reckoned with. Throughout her career, she has delivered innovative ground-based communication technologies to address and solve crucial problems in the world of both terrestrial and space-based networking. Now, she has taken her drive and passion into space with Ramon.Space where she has begun tirelessly advocating for the need for accelerated spacecraft innovation to match the pace of innovation on the ground. She is not only a highly talented sales leader, but also a true believer in the transformative potential of technology and the digitization of space. It is her forward-thinking mindset that defines her as a visionary leader recognizing the indispensable role that space innovation plays in shaping and fortifying our future. — Steve Good, Ramon.Space

Tamara Bond-Williams, Director of Engagement, SSPI

For over two decades Tamara has worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, acting as the glue that holds together the premier space and satellite industry organization. In addition to providing ongoing support to SSPI’s individual and corporate members, corporate partners, media partners, local chapters, and affiliates worldwide, Tamara has been instrumental in the development and ongoing success of SSPI-WISE, a global forum and networking program for women in space engagement.I know that whenever I have a question about what events are coming up in the satellite industry, or who I should contact about a specific issue, Tamara will have the answer and will offer to help. — Andrea Maleter, SSPI

Jennifer Manner, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, EchoStar

Jennifer is a positive force for good, both at EchoStar and across the satellite industry, with her natural storytelling abilities, passion for her work, and dedication to her colleagues, friends, and family. A mentor to people in all stages of their careers and lives, she loves sharing her knowledge with others, most notably through her award-winning documentaries, published books, and classes she teaches. She is quick to acknowledge the work of others and makes sure we all rise up, not just those in the spotlight. She is a fierce advocate for the causes she believes in. In her role as co-chair of the Network of Women for the CITEL region, she was instrumental in passing a resolution recognizing gender equality and equity for the Radiocommunications Sector of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) the only sector of the ITU that did not have a gender resolution. Jennifer is truly a superwoman, and I am proud to call her my mentor, manager, and friend. — Gabriela Lago, EchoStar

Michelle Lucas, Founder and CEO, Higher Orbits

Michelle is a guiding light in the space industry for both students and professionals alike. Through her non-profit work at Higher Orbits, she strives to inspire the next generation of STEMists to develop experiments that compete to fly to the International Space Station (ISS). This targeted focus on STEM/STEAM education strengthens our workforce for future generations. Michelle is often the "great connector" in my and many others’ networks, matching and introducing folks across the industry and shattering the glass ceiling as she does it. — Casey Kelby, ETL Systems

Amy Mehlman, Vice President, Global Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, E-Space

For decades, Amy has maintained a profound commitment to the space industry — advocating for international regulations to minimize space debris, democratize space, and drive the global space economy. We have worked together at three space companies — TerreStar, Viasat, and E-Space. Amy’s contagious enthusiasm and thoughtful approach to leadership have made an important impact on me and many of our colleagues, but also on the global space industry at large. She’s fought for international policies to address space sustainability and environmental challenges and has demonstrated a commitment to using satellite licensing and policy advocacy as a means to ensure equitable access to space for all nations. She has also driven multiple regulatory agendas to break down barriers to bring space inclusivity, equal opportunity and social/economic empowerment to communities across the globe. Amy is not just shaping the industry, she’s contributing to a future where space serves as a catalyst for positive change, sustainability, and universal connectivity. — Chris Phillips, E-Space

Daria Boiko, Sales Director, Distribution Channel, IEC Telecom

I've had the privilege of knowing Daria since 2014 when she spearheaded Thuraya Telecommunications expansion efforts across Europe & CIS. Since 2021, when she joined IEC Telecom, her impact has been nothing short of transformative. Daria began by building IEC Telecom's operations in Indonesia from the ground up. With her guidance, a dynamic go-to-market strategy has emerged, introducing innovative satcom solutions to these regions and fortifying our presence in newly acquired markets. What sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to her principles and unyielding integrity. Her tireless dedication to continual improvement, a hands-on approach, and an unwavering can-do attitude have been instrumental in her success, enabling her to transform satellite businesses across multiple regions and markets. — Nabil Ben Soussia, Group CCO, IEC Telecom Group

Tracie Ceballos, VP Account Executive, Fairwinds Technologies

Tracie Ceballos has been a difference maker for Fairwinds Technologies since she joined the team four years ago. As VP of IDIQ Programs, Tracie is based in the office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, where she leverages her vast knowledge of satellites to support the work for the U.S. Army and Space Force. She is adept at identifying capability gaps, pulling together assets, and engaging with the right partners to meet customer requirements. But there’s more to her expertise than technology. With Tracie, it’s all about relationships — forming them, sustaining them, and working with them to benefit customers. Tracie’s father was in the military for 23 years, so she knows what day-to-day life is like for full-time career warfighters. She never loses sight of the fact that the ultimate goal is to improve the life, work, and safety of those warfighters through advanced satellite solutions. — Jim Sprungle, CEO of Fairwinds Technologies

Heather Campbell, Chief of Operations and Director of Staff, Space Development Agency

Heather Campbell is one of only three Space Development Agency (SDA) plank holders. From day one, Heather has been the heart and soul of the Space Development Agency (SDA) and one of its primary drivers to success. She has been foundational to building the agency from scratch – shaping our personnel, securing our funding, establishing our facilities, setting all internal policies, and ensuring operations run smoothly — all while pushing toward rapid delivery of our agency’s groundbreaking space architecture. Early on, Heather singlehandedly overcame numerous bureaucratic challenges, many of which could have ended SDA as we know it. She never wavers in her determination to see SDA succeed. Heather has defined and exemplified the SDA culture of semper citius (always faster).

One of Heather's most closely held beliefs is that SDA’s strength lies not just in its rapid development and deployment of space-based capability, but also in its commitment to nurturing a diverse and supportive community, particularly of women. She brought this dedication to life via a women’s affinity group she founded within the agency. Her legacy is more than just the agency milestones we've achieved, the people we’ve hired, and the satellites we’ve launched; it's the spirit of determination, excellence, and compassion she's instilled in every one of us here at SDA. Especially me. — Derek Tournear, Director, Space Development Agency

Laura Edison, Legal Counsel, Skyrora

Laura was part of the founding team for Skyrora. As legal counsel, she has worked hard through the UK government consultations to push the UK toward being a launch nation. Using her experience in IP, export regulations, and contract law she has navigated the space sector and continued to add expertise at every challenge and milestone. Laura has always had an open door policy and has helped build the confidence in our young female team members. She is a strong positive female leader but offers so much more. — Derek Harris, Skyrora

Melanie Preisser, Executive Vice President, York Space Systems

When the history books are written about this second space race, the one which is more about securing true economic prosperity and freedom in the space domain, very few people will loom as impactful as Melanie Preisser. For the last 30 years, Melanie has dedicated herself in service to an ambition far greater than herself. From her full career in the Air Force leading test and mission operations of the country’s most expensive and classified systems, to her service as a senior leader in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Melanie Preisser always put her country’s needs above her own personal ambitions.

Today, Melanie successfully leads York’s executives across its engineering, business development, manufacturing, and business operations for the CEO, and led the capture of over $1 billion of new business for the company in less than four years. The board of directors recognizes that York’s unprecedented success and winning team strategy is the direct result of the well-integrated, high functioning team dynamic that Melanie is more responsible for than any other employee. Her ferocious work ethic and eagerness to share credit broadly sets the example for the rest of York’s employees and is a key ingredient of York’s “secret sauce.” — Charles Beames, York Space Systems

Theresa Condor, Chief Operating Officer, Spire Global

Theresa has left a lasting mark on the space and satellite industry, serving as a guiding force for women across the field. For example, at eight months pregnant, Theresa gave an impactful presentation at Google X, where she showcased the power of space and Spire alongside Astro Teller. This became a symbol of her resilience and determination, not only within the industry and at Spire Global, but specifically among women aspiring to thrive in this historically male-dominated field.

As a female leader with a non-technical background, she challenges stereotypes and paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative industry. In her roles as Karman Fellow and on the ESA advisory board, she has garnered a reputation as a knowledgeable, thoughtful leader in the industry. Theresa has showcased her deep understanding of institutional operations, diplomatic finesse, and a relentless drive to deliver results. The Spire Global team is grateful for Theresa's profound influence, recognizing her as a trailblazer who challenges stereotypes and paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative space industry. — The Spire Global Team

Julie Zoller, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Amazon, Project Kuiper

Julie Zoller has devoted her career to advancing the interests of the satellite community at large, both in the regulatory and space policy areas. She has been a mentor, advisor and friend to many in the government and the private arenas, providing a depth of technical and policy expertise, career guidance, and serving as an inspirational leader. Julie has had a distinguished career in both the government and private sectors. An expert in the international Radio Regulations, Julie is a veteran of seven World Radiocommunication Conferences who also served on the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board on behalf of the U.S. Administration from 2006 to 2014, including two terms as its first Chairwoman. Now, as Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Project Kuiper, Julie continues to impact the interests of the satellite industry, ensuring space technologies are key in advancing global broadband access around the world. A highly respected leader, with a strong voice on business, technical, and policy issues,she has worked tirelessly to guide international activities affecting federal and commercial uses of spectrum, and to ensure access to this vital natural resource. Julie does so through a rare mix of intelligence, technical and regulatory expertise, humility, humor, and candor, and she is a treasured colleague and mentor to many. — Gonzalo de Dios, on behalf of the Regulatory Team at Project Kuiper

Maria Calia, Market Manager, Space & Missiles, Times Microwave Systems

Maria has been a driving force within Times Microwave Systems and the space and satellite industry bringing her knowledge and creativity to create great solutions for our customers. She is not only shaping the industry's future but also inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. The impact of women in cable manufacturing goes far beyond weaving physical threads. They have woven themselves into the very fabric of the space and satellite industry, demonstrating the power of their talent, dedication, and ingenuity. As we continue to explore the cosmos, their contributions will undoubtedly propel us further into the unknown. — Kelly Foster, Times Microwave Systems

Helen Weedon, Managing Director, Radical Moves

As founder and managing director of Radical Moves, a marketing and PR agency that specializes in the satellite and broadcast industry, Helen helps smaller companies with modest budgets to achieve big things. Under her careful guidance, thoughtful approach, and sheer hard work, along with her husband, Paul, she has built up a very successful business. She is hugely knowledgeable yet has a wonderful way of listening and getting the very best out of her clients and team. She is also the managing director of the Satcoms Innovation Group and guided the organization through a recent transformation, and she also champions the role of women in the satellite industry through different initiatives. Helen’s quiet, calm and compassionate approach is adored by the entire Radical Moves team and by the companies she works with. She constantly motivates and inspires. She is completely non-judgmental, approachable, funny and has brought her team members together as a family, where everyone is equal and included. — The Radical Moves Team

Julie Bettinger, Chief Marketing Officer, ST Engineering iDirect

For over 16 years, Julie has led the ST Engineering iDirect marketing team and overall marketing strategy that has seen the company become a true thought leader and strong brand in the satcom marketplace. She empowers her team with her graciousness, confidence, motivation, inspiration and excellent sense of humor. Never one to step into the limelight, Julie always highlights the strengths of her team and gives them the opportunity to shine. On a personal level, Julie is extremely approachable and treats her team with compassion. Her understanding of the challenges of juggling work and family means that she is always there for her colleagues to provide support. Amidst a dynamic leadership landscape, Julie has remained both steadfast and open-minded. She has what it takes to get results, all while navigating a business environment that is constantly changing. — The Marketing Team, ST Engineering iDirect

Elisabeth Neasmith, Senior Director, ITU and Regulatory, Telesat

For nearly 25 years, Elisabeth has led international coordination of radio spectrum for Telesat's satellite fleet and the strategic planning of spectrum. Elisabeth would tell you that she has always been an engineer first and foremost. The satellite regulatory world is often seen as highly technical and arcane — but you also need to understand how engineering intersects with regulations, and you need to excel in working with people. The ITU rules, which form the foundation for this world, are reached by consensus; there are often no courts to adjudicate disputes. Broad and deep relationships with colleagues across the industry and a reputation for honesty and reasonableness are the most critical elements for success. This is where Elisabeth really shines. She believes and understands that personal engagement is absolutely critical to a successful team dynamic. — Michael Schwartz, SVP, Corporate & Business Development, Telesat. VS