Celebrating Women in Satellite 2026

2026 marks the fifth anniversary of Celebrating Women in Satellite, which has now commemorated more than 175 women in the space and satellite industry. This year’s feature honors women in roles that span across the space and satellite industry — from propulsion technology, user terminal development, satellite licensing, satellite data exploitation, to workforce development, project management, and marketing. We are also honored this feature has reached readers around the world, and highlights women from five continents.

We are proud to share the stories of 50 women making a difference in the space and satellite industry, and we give a heartfelt thanks to every person who took the time to submit a nomination.

Jeanne Allarie, Chief Investor Relations Officer, Exolaunch

Jeanne Allarie is the kind of leader every space company hopes to have when the stakes are highest. She brings a rare calm under pressure that steadies teams, reassures partners, and builds long-term confidence with investors. Whether navigating demanding launch campaigns, scaling constellation programs, or guiding Exolaunch through periods of rapid growth and market uncertainty, she has an exceptional ability to translate deeply technical realities into clear, credible narratives. Equally important is her impact on people. She is a generous mentor and an active advocate for developing the next generation of talent. Jeanne has not only helped launch hundreds of satellites into orbit, but has also helped shape a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking satellite industry. — Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, Exolaunch

Mariana Barbosa, AOCS Team Lead, Visiona Tecnologia Espacial

Building a national satellite capability takes more than talent — it takes persistence. Mariana Barbosa has brought both, helping advance Brazil’s sovereign space industry from core algorithms to operations. After earning a Space Engineering master’s degree across Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and the United States, she returned to Brazil to help a Brazilian satellite company develop national, end-to-end spacecraft capability. She helped develop Brazil’s first attitude and orbit control (AOCS) algorithms and supported VCUB1, widely described as a first domestically designed Earth-observation/data-collection satellite mission for Brazil’s private industry. Today, she continues that momentum on SatVHR. She also brings others along, mentoring and making space engineering feel achievable for the next generation. — Janio Kono, Visiona Tecnologia Espacial

Marina Bayraktaroğlu, Ground Systems Engineer - Satellite Operations, Plan-S Satellite & Space Technologies

In satellite operations, success is rarely about dramatic moments, it’s about the discipline to make thousands of small decisions correctly under pressure. Marina Bayraktaroğlu is the kind of ground systems engineer who turns complex missions into repeatable, verifiable execution: telemetry becomes insight, procedures become confidence, and anomalies become structured investigations with clear outcomes. What makes Marina stand out is that she combines strong electrical/electronics fundamentals with cybersecurity fluency, and she applies a quality-driven mindset shaped by earlier work in industrial QA and root-cause analysis. The result is not just “keeping satellites running,” but steadily raising the reliability culture around operations, automating what can be automated, and strengthening ground-system readiness. — Kaan Çetinkaya, Plan-S Satellite & Space Technologies

Holly Bertrand, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, ExoAnalytic Solutions

At ExoAnalytic Solutions, we work in small, tightly connected teams to solve hard problems that matter, including protecting national security interests, improving satellite safety, and advancing space sustainability through space domain awareness. That mission exists because Holly Bertrand helped imagine what Exo could be and then did the hard work to build it. As one of three physicists who translated deep expertise in strategic missile defense into operational satellite monitoring and tracking solutions, Holly has always led by doing, setting the tone for our “late nights, big ideas” culture. She consistently pushes ideas forward until they become real, deployable capabilities, shaping not only our technology but the people who build it. — Danielle Cleveland, ExoAnalytic Solutions

Lisa Brown, Market Segment Director, Launch Vehicles & Satellites, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD)

In Lisa Brown’s role, she focuses on contract strategy, proposal discipline, schedule realism, and risk visibility — all upstream factors that directly influence satellite mission confidence. When timelines are compressed and tolerance for error is low, Lisa brings clarity and steadiness to complex, high-stakes decisions. With more than 14 years of experience across energy and aerospace, and a background in chemical engineering and strategic leadership, Lisa is known for her ability to translate complexity into actionable direction. What truly sets her apart is how she leads people. One colleague put it simply: “Lisa never ceases to amaze me with her wit and business acumen. She’s hands-on, tenacious, honest, and truly gifted.” — Stacy Routhier-Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense

Kristin Burke, Senior Space and Counterspace Researcher, China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), Air University, U.S. Air Force

Kristin Burke's exceptional analytical leadership and sustained contributions to the understanding of space and satellite developments related to China are having a real impact on our national security. Her work consistently bridges technical satellite concepts with clear, actionable analysis for policymakers, military leaders, and industry stakeholders. Equally important, Ms. Burke exemplifies leadership and service within the broader space and satellite community. She is widely respected for her ability to communicate complex satellite and space issues with clarity and precision, while also mentoring and supporting the next generation of analysts and professionals. Her commitment to analytical excellence, public service, and intellectual integrity reflects the very best of the satellite field. — Dr. Brendan S. Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute

Cicek Cavdar, Professor and Founding Director of SMART 6GSAT Research Center in Sweden, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Professor Cicek Cavdar is the director of the SMART-6GSAT Research Center, the first Swedish research center of its kind, dedicated to advancing the integration of satellite and 6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to enable truly global, resilient, energy-efficient connectivity. In this role, she leads large-scale, multidisciplinary research efforts that bridge academia, industry, and policy, positioning Sweden at the forefront of satellite-enabled future networks. Personally, her guidance and intellectual mentorship shaped my development as a researcher, encouraging rigorous thinking, independence, and ambition. — Siva Satya Sri Ganesh Seeram, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Rita Chen, Deputy Program Manager, Swissto12

With over a decade of experience in spacecraft integration, testing, and program management, Rita Chen has consistently demonstrated transformative, empathetic leadership in her role as deputy program manager. Having been with Swissto12 for just over a year, Rita has already made a significant impression. During her work on the Inmarsat-8 satellite program, she identified critical paths and facility conflicts, helped optimize resource allocation, and safeguarded program objectives through proactive risk mitigation strategies and responsiveness – ensuring the team always stayed on track with delivery and drove excellence on all of our projects. Rita’s technical understanding, combined with a people-centered mindset, ensures her contributions not only strengthen project delivery at Swissto12, but also exemplify the qualities needed to advance the satellite and communications industry as a whole. — Agnieska Koscielniak, head of HummingSat Platform Engineering, Swissto12

Ashwini Chikvenkatarayappa, Senior Manager, Engineering, iDirect

Ashwini Chikvenkatarayappa is a senior engineering leader within the iDirect Velocity platform, where she drives teams delivering scalable, high-reliability software that supports critical satellite and network operations. She is recognized for taking ownership of structured, data-informed engineering efforts that bring together development, operations, and product stakeholders. By leading rigorous quality and failure analyses, Ashwini facilitates thoughtful technical discussions that challenge assumptions and surface systemic improvements. She brings a strong technical foundation to her leadership, supporting teams in navigating complex engineering challenges and making informed decisions. Calm and composed even in high-pressure situations, Ashwini exemplifies a collaborative, accountable leadership style that advances reliable satellite and networking platforms. — Swetha Srinivasa Raghavan, ST Engineering iDirect

Catherine Heffernan Collins, Independent Contractor, Rogue Space Systems

Catherine Heffernan Collins combines rare deep-space mission heritage with the practical craft of turning bold ideas into funded, flyable capability. Early in her career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she supported flagship planetary missions, including the Galileo Solid-State Imaging effort and the historic Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact observations. At Rogue Space Systems, she consistently translates complex national-security and commercial needs into clear technical narratives and credible work plans. In doing so, she has helped Rogue secure more than two dozen contract awards. Catherine is the person we call when a hard program decision needs both technical clarity and human wisdom. She also extends that generosity beyond Rogue, freely sharing SBIR/STTR “guru” lessons with other startups so more good ideas can make it to orbit. She is the kind of leader who quietly improves the industry by improving the people building it. — Jon Beam, Rogue Space Systems

Liz Duffy, Marketing Director, EarthDaily

Liz Duffy uniquely brings together technical geospatial analysis with strategic market awareness. Those lucky to know her can recognize her main goal is fostering faster and more sophisticated EO and ML adoption. Her cited publication in Remote Sensing in 2020 significantly revised rates of subsidence in threatened coastal regions, because she advocated the use of freely available resources through open-access mapping of climate risk with remotely sensed satellite imagery, which can be used by the global community to constantly monitor threats associated with climate change, flooding, and urbanization. I find Liz's work profoundly inspiring and influential in shaping how AI interacts with satellite-derived insights. — Joshua Michael, PwC

Karen Emery, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Gilat Defense USA

Since joining the team, Karen Emery has had a transformative impact on both our organization and the broader satellite industry by bridging the gap between innovative technology and operational reality. She possesses a rare ability to identify critical operational gaps and translate them into visionary solutions. By integrating diverse technologies and products into cohesive, high-precision systems, Karen has demonstrated how the industry can move faster and more accurately to meet complex market demands. On a personal and professional level, Karen’s impact was immediate; she integrated into the team seamlessly, bringing a fresh, multidisciplinary perspective that elevated our collective thinking. She is a true force in the satellite world. — Gilad Landsberg, Gilat Defense

Major General (Ret) Kim Crider, Founding Partner, Elara Nova

As a retired U.S. Air Force Major General and a founding partner of Elara Nova, Kim Crider has been at the forefront of space and cyber national security innovation for more than 35 years. She regularly advises U.S. political appointees, service secretaries, military service chiefs, and civil agency leaders, as well as international military, civilian, and industry leaders, on the strategic use of space and cyber technology to achieve competitive advantage. Kim takes great pride in seeking opportunities to support small and emerging space businesses, helping drive their unique, value-differentiated propositions. Most importantly, she’s a great leader, partner, and friend to those of us fortunate to work with her. – Roger Teague, Eddie Papczun, and Mike Dickey, Elara Nova.

Kelli Furrer, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Slingshot Aerospace

Kelli Furrer has an extraordinary ability to unite government leaders, industry partners, and technical communities around meaningful outcomes. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing critical national initiatives such as NOAA’s TraCSS program and the Space Force’s efforts to detect and respond to GPS interference. Senior leaders across NOAA, NASA, the Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Space Force know they can depend on her. Kelli is a force — someone who raises expectations, demands excellence, and brings out the very best in every team she leads. Working with her makes you sharper. She brings clarity, urgency, and conviction to hard problems, and she drives people to achieve more than they thought possible. — Tim Solms, Slingshot Aerospace

Thomasina Garza, Senior Director, International Markets, Axiom Space

As director of International Business at Axiom Space, Thomasina Garza manages complex sales channels and international partnerships with precision. She approaches every partnership with the same dedication she once showed in softball, as an NCAA batting champion and two-time SWAC conference champion at Texas Southern. The work ethic that drove her to the batting cages twice daily now drives her to ensure every international partner feels supported, informed, and valued. Working alongside Thomasina, my colleagues and I have seen how her enthusiasm elevates everyone around her. She does not just manage relationships; she builds them with care and authenticity. In today’s world, where business development can feel transactional, Thomasina brings a human touch that opens doors others might not see. — Dr. Terence Tse, Strategy Reimagine

Jennifer Gilsenan, Deputy Chief, Space Bureau, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Since I joined the Space Bureau in early 2025, Jennifer Gilsenan has applied her decades of subject-matter and managerial experience to handle licensing for perhaps the most complex satellite systems in the history of humanity. At the same time she has adeptly handled a flood of other regulatory issues which the bureau has faced as the space industry booms. Jennifer is a dedicated public servant, willing to go well beyond expectations to get the job done. For me personally, Jennifer has been one of my most important advisors as we have navigated uncharted areas on our way to making America the best place in the world to build, license, and operate space systems. — Jay Schwarz, FCC Space Bureau

Brianne Gramling, Senior Manager Space Systems Engineering, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

At General Atomics - Electromagnetic Systems, Brianne Gramling brings clarity to some of the most complex systems in space. She is deeply technical, highly organized, and calm under pressure. She has a sharp instinct for reshaping processes to fit real, domain-specific needs, helping teams move faster without losing rigor. Despite her leadership role, she routinely works at the individual contributor level as needed as a true "servant-leader.” Bri is also a committed champion for women in engineering, serving on the advisory committee for the GA-EMS Mentorship Program and consistently advocating for women across the organization. She doesn’t just open doors, she stands beside people as they walk through them. — Dan Scheuer, General Atomics, Electromagnetics

Beth Greenaway, Head of Earth Observation and Climate, UK Space Agency (UKSA)

Beth Greenaway successfully negotiates and coordinates the needs of policy, industry, funders and scientific research, both on the national and international stages. She is a stalwart champion of the U.K. satellite Earth Observation community and somehow manages to have the focus, time and energy to speak at influential events at home and globally (including COPs). Beth is a gifted and dedicated communicator, talented at bringing together different actors within the national and international community. An aspect that is particularly valued by Space4Climate is her willingness to give the same attention to entrepreneurs and start-ups as to the big-name players. — Sally Stevens, Space4Climate

Ellie Gyaurova, Senior Enterprise Manager, Seraphim Space

Ellie Gyaurova plays a critical role in supporting early-stage space and satellite companies at one of the most formative points in their journey. Through her work at the Seraphim and Generation Space Accelerator, she works closely with founders to help them navigate everything from product-market fit and customer discovery to fundraising readiness and strategic partnerships. She is consistently willing to go the extra mile, making introductions, offering candid advice, and providing steady encouragement during what can be an intense and uncertain phase for early-stage companies. Founders trust her not just as a program lead, but as an advocate who is deeply invested in their progress. — Leah Martin, Seraphim Space

Bomzi Haya, Commercial Manager for Africa, SES

Bomzi Haya is a leading force shaping Africa's satellite and digital connectivity landscape through commercially grounded strategy and purpose-driven leadership. Her impact spans across Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region, where she has helped define and execute commercial strategies aligned with market realities and long-term growth ambitions. Bomzi has been instrumental in advancing the satellite industry's approach to rural connectivity by championing the adoption of business models that make serving remote communities not just socially impactful, but commercially viable and profitable. A testament to her strategic execution is her work bringing connectivity to rural communities in Mali, providing internet access to over 1,000 people in previously underserved areas. Central to her success is a collaborative leadership style grounded in the belief that the strongest outcomes emerge when diverse perspectives are brought to the table. — Siyanda Nazo, Amazon Leo

Melissa Heldreth, Area Senior Vice President, Director, U.S. Space Practice, Gallagher

Melissa Heldreth is one of the most genuinely passionate people in the space industry. She is constantly engaging with space companies to help them better understand what it takes to set up successful launches and mission operations from an insurance perspective. She consistently shows up to educate, advise, and support teams so they can make better decisions overall. She wants to see everyone succeed, and in doing so, puts herself out there as a critical resource, partner, and friend to all. That kind of authenticity and long-term thinking is rare, and it has a real impact on the companies she works with. — The Radiation Team

Andrea Hulman, Aurora Project Engineer, Pacific Dataport

Andrea Hulman-Watsjold is a visionary engineer whose work has fundamentally expanded satellite communications and broadband connectivity across rural Alaska. As a radio frequency (RF) and electrical engineer, Andrea has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing hub infrastructure and customer premise systems that integrate next-generation satellite services, enabling affordable and reliable internet access to communities that have historically been underserved. Her deep technical expertise has helped modernize statewide satellite infrastructure and strategically guide the migration to new communications platforms. Beyond her engineering excellence, Andrea’s leadership and mentorship uplift colleagues and foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, driving innovation in some of the most challenging environments in the telecom industry. — Shawn Williams, Pacific Dataport

Yasrine Ibnyahya, Vice President, Innovation, Viasat

Yasrine Ibnyahyan has spent 20 years advancing satellite technology and mission architecture for the space telecom industry. Since joining Inmarsat in 2011, now a part of Viasat, she has led the design of critical space infrastructure, including the company’s first Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, the European Aviation Network, and next-generation maritime and aviation safety systems. In her current role, Yasrine leads teams working on innovative and ambitious development projects such as advancing future non-terrestrial network (NTN) direct-to-device capabilities. She is also a dedicated advocate for the next generation of innovators, she chairs the Investment Committee at OxBridge Angels which further underscores her commitment to fostering a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem across Oxford, London and Cambridge. — Girish Chandran, Viasat

Elesha Jackson, Technical Product Manager and Principal Investigator (PI) for the High-Throughput Space Router, Forward Edge-AI

Elesha Jackson demonstrates a rare combination of technical depth, sound judgment, and the confidence to lead complex efforts with maturity well beyond her years. As a principal investigator on a Phase II high-throughput space router, her work underpins capabilities aligned with the Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program and the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Futures efforts — initiatives that are shaping how resilient satellite networks will be designed and deployed across the broader space enterprise. She leads with humility and intention, mentoring others and rallying teams around shared purpose. I firmly believe Elesha will be a trailblazer in the satellite and space industry for years to come. — Andrea Gwynn, Forward Edge AI

Daniela Jovic, CEO, Orbitalyx

Daniela Jovic is one of those rare people who simply does the work, even when there is no support, no funding, and plenty of critics. She initiated and led CroCube, Croatia’s first satellite project, pushing it through sheer persistence and capability, without national backing and without personal gain. Daniela’s first step into space was volunteering at a young cubesat manufacturer, alongside a full-time job in another industry. She repeatedly helped keep the company afloat during difficult periods, contributing effort and bringing in key contracts. What stands out most is that she truly cares about education and inspiration, and she invests her energy where it has the longest-term impact, helping the next generation believe they belong in space. — Erik Kulu, Nanosats Database

Stephanie Just, Purchasing Assistant, Orbit Fab

Stephanie Just joined Orbit Fab brand new to the aerospace industry and has already made a measurable impact by taking full ownership of our procurement processes. Her proactive approach has improved efficiency, reduced risk, and strengthened our supply chain. What sets Stephanie apart is her eagerness to identify issues before they become problems. She collaborates cross-functionally, brings forward well-thought-out solutions, and confidently leads implementation efforts. Her adaptability and ownership mindset have accelerated Orbit Fab’s ability to execute on critical programs, ultimately helping advance sustainable satellite operations and long-term space infrastructure. — Frank Murphy, Orbit Fab

Alex Kenworthy, Director of Maritime & Energy, Eutelsat

Alexandra Kenworthy has been one of the most consistently credible voices I’ve dealt with in LEO connectivity, since its early days. In a segment where timelines move, messaging is tightly governed, and the market’s patience is thin, she stays calm, specific, and reliable. She does the hard, unglamorous work of keeping technical reality and customer expectations in the same room, without theatrics, and without pretending uncertainty is a failure. When she can’t answer something, she connects the right people, and she treats partners like adults who can handle nuance. That mix of resilience, clarity, and respect is rare. — Michaël De Coninck, Satmarin Exoflux

Stephanie LaFever, Tethys Product Manager, Cubic

Stephanie LaFever is a mission-driven leader whose influence reaches far beyond her technical accomplishments. With a foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science, she has supported complex aerospace and satellite systems across roles spanning data analysis, software development, systems engineering, and product leadership. Stephanie consistently seeks work that enables better, faster, and more informed decision-making. Today, she leads the strategic vision for Tethys, a data platform enabling large-scale data sanitization for AI and machine learning in the defense sector. What truly sets Stephanie apart is her thoughtful, humble, and people-centered leadership. She mentors by example, creates space for others to grow, and grounds her teams in the real-world, life-or-death impact of their work. — Matt Van Hoesen, Cubic Digital Intelligence

Emily Lalande, Product Marketing Manager, Vantor

I had the pleasure of working alongside and learning from Emily Lalande during her time at Ursa Space. Emily brought a level of care, thoughtfulness, and authenticity to her work. She had an instinctive ability to understand the heart of what we were trying to build and to communicate it in a way that felt human, honest, and grounded in purpose. Because of Emily, our work reached people more clearly and our mission felt more accessible. Her influence at Ursa went far beyond her title; she helped shape our culture, our voice, and the trust we built with the outside world. Emily leaves things better than she found them, and the space industry is stronger because of her presence in it. — Michael Eckert, Verizon

Tiffany Le, Satellite Production Lead, Starfish Space

Tiffany Le is an accomplished project execution manager, managing full life-cycle logistics for some of Starfish Space’s most exciting missions. In her role, Tiffany is responsible for vendor identification, selection, and management for crucial Otter components. As one of the first project execution managers hired at Starfish, Tiffany has exhibited tenacious problem solving. She is a logistics virtuoso, routinely finding creative solutions to mitigate delays, and going ‘down the rabbit hole’ to find root causes and identify problems before they arise. While her role may require her to have difficult conversations, Tiffany is an innate leader and collaborator, building quality relationships with vendors and now leading a team of her own within Starfish. — Emily Rosok, Starfish Space

Lori Magruder, Director of the Center for Space Research, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Lori Magruder has been an extraordinary leader, mentor, and innovator, whose work has been pivotal in advancing the science and applications of space-based remote sensing and satellite data processing. Her work in precision geolocation, data validation, and coastal bathymetry products has pushed the boundaries of what satellite altimetry can achieve, contributing widely used data products and methodologies that influence climate science, coastal monitoring, and geospatial research. Beyond her research accomplishments, Lori’s commitment to mentorship and public engagement strengthens the pipeline of talent entering the satellite and space industry. — Celena Miller, Center for Space Research, UT Austin

Imane Marouf, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Ecosmic

Imane Marouf constantly pushes me to raise the bar. As co-founders, we know that leading and inspiring other women entrepreneurs comes with real responsibility. Her standards challenge me daily and make me a stronger founder. Imane has deeply shaped how Ecosmic shows up in the industry. She has pushed us to approach problems differently, especially in a traditionally secretive sector. We are a software company that openly shares our methods, algorithms, and performance because she believes radical transparency is essential to building trust and driving change. She brings creativity and originality to her role as chief commercial officer, proving that rigor and imagination can coexist. — Benedetta Cattani, Ecosmic

Sidnee McGee, Chief of Education and Intern Development, Virginia Spaceport Authority

Sidnee McGee is an emerging leader shaping how the Virginia Spaceport Authority (VSA) develops and sustains its future workforce. Since being recruited to the space sector in 2022, Sidnee has expanded VSA’s internship and STEM engagement programs, increasing internship applications by more than 360 percent. Sidnee has also strengthened and formalized partnerships with 16 Virginia colleges and universities to engage more than 2,000 students annually across K-12 and higher education. Sidnee plays an essential role in providing Virginia students a pathway into the space industry directly impacting the development of a pipeline of aerospace professionals on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. — Sean Mulligan, Virginia Spaceport Authority

Amber McIntyre, Senior Director of Civil Space, Aerospace Industries Association

Throughout her leadership roles at NASA, the Department of State, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and the Executive Office of the Vice President, Amber McIntyre has shaped policy frameworks that directly support the development, deployment, and operation of commercial and civil satellite systems. At AIA, Amber engages industry and government partners with clarity, credibility, and strategic insight, ensuring that policy decisions reflect operational realities and advance long‑term national objectives. Through her expertise, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to public service, Amber has become an indispensable champion for a strong, resilient, and globally engaged satellite community. — Steven Jordan Tomaszewski, Aerospace Industries Association

Mirna Mekic, Senior Director, User Terminal Segment for the Telesat Lightspeed Program, Telesat

With more than 25 years of distinguished experience in telecommunications, product strategy, product management, and product development, Mirna Mekic has consistently strived for innovation and growth. Over the last five years at Telesat, Mirna’s work is driven by a powerful mission: to connect underserved and unconnected communities around the world through next-generation LEO satellite technology. She is helping close the digital divide and shape a more equitable future. Her strategic insight and execution excellence have positioned Telesat for long-term success in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. Mirna also serves as a role model and advocate for inclusion, excellence, and leadership in space and satellite industries. Her career reflects purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference through innovation. — Jane Ganina, Telesat

Tracy Morgan, Vice President of Growth, Muon Space

Tracy Morgan has been the driving force behind Muon Space's business growth since she joined in 2023. In her first year, she grew our customer base ten times while iterating our go-to-market approach multiple times. Tracy brings engineers, mission architects, and executives into customer conversations early, building the relationships that turn proposals into partnerships. She tracks every customer concern until she hears from the customer that it's been resolved. I learn from Tracy all the time, whether it's how to read a room during a difficult negotiation, how to reframe a technical limitation as a customer benefit, or how to build trust with a skeptical program office. She builds teams and partnerships by making sure every voice at the table is heard and every concern is addressed. — Greg Smirin, Muon Space

Shasta Noble, Chief Financial Officer, Millennium Space Systems

Shasta Noble has had a profound impact on Millennium's success by bringing financial clarity, discipline, and strategic foresight to an industry known for complexity and risk. Her ability to translate ambitious space and satellite goals into sustainable financial strategies has enabled teams across the company to innovate with confidence. Personally, Shasta has been a mentor and steady guide, demonstrating how strong financial leadership can empower technical excellence rather than constrain it. Shasta's work sets a powerful example of how thoughtful financial stewardship accelerates long-term innovation, supports responsible growth, and helps agile space companies mature into trusted, enduring players. — Mike Atchue, Millennium Space Systems

Pamela Ochungo, Technical University of Kenya

Dr. Pamela Ochungo is a scientist who believes that space technologies should not only observe the Earth, but protect the lives, stories, and futures rooted in it. Through her work, she builds bridges between Kenya, Africa, and the global scientific community, ensuring that African realities are not sidelined but centered. She sees data as a tool for justice, resilience, and care. What makes Pamela truly exceptional is how fiercely she believes in African young people, especially girls and women who have been told that science is not for them. Through her mentorship with the Geospatial Sciences Students Association and KUZA clubs at the Technical University of Kenya, as well as African Women in GIS, and Women in GMES and Africa, she creates spaces where young Africans feel seen, capable, and worthy of dreaming big. — Stella Musembi, government of Kenya

Dr. Rebecca Peters, Earth Action Lead, NASA

Dr. Rebecca Peters, who leads Earth Action at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, is at the forefront of translating satellite data and remote sensing capabilities into tangible solutions for global challenges including water security, wildfire, drought, and flooding. Her impact on the satellite community is evident in her extraordinary mobilization efforts for NASA's recently selected Earth System Explorer missions. Rebecca orchestrated support for the STRIVE and EDGE mission proposals, securing 123 letters of support from diverse stakeholders across government, academia, and the private sector, demonstrating her ability to build coalitions around transformative space-based capabilities. She has also been a tireless mentor and advocate, serving on the boards of the Marshall Scholars Association and Truman Scholarship Foundation, where she guides emerging leaders toward careers at the intersection of science, technology, and public service. — Kishan Patel, officer, U.S. Space Operations Community

Lochana Ponnambalam, Program Manager, Mission Operations, MDA Space

Lochana Ponnambalam leads the Mission Operations team on the Canadarm3 program. During her tenure on the program, Lochana played a key role in establishing the joint mission operations framework that defines how the Canadian Space Agency and MDA Space teams will collaborate to provide operational support for Gateway. Lochana consistently demonstrates mature judgment as a decision maker, is highly respected by peers both within and beyond MDA Space, and serves as an inspiring role model for engineers aspiring to develop their expertise and advance into high impact leadership positions. — Peter Cresnik, MDA Space

Danielle Rosales, PhD, Director of Business Development Technologies, Space Tango

Dr. Danielle Rosales’ work ethic, drive, resilience, and courage continue to inspire and raise the bar for everyone around her. She completed a doctorate in Human Factors which gauged public willingness to support space-based manufacturing and supply chains, examining trust, risk perception, and understanding as predictors of public support. Her research integrates human-centred insights into real-world space strategy, translating highly technical concepts into accessible narratives for non-space audiences. Danielle is also actively engaged in community service focusing on STEM exposure, mentorship, and career awareness for local students. She works directly with students, introducing them to space, aviation, and STEM careers they may not otherwise see or access. — Felina Chotoo, Collins Aerospace

Kim Ruvolo, Founder and Chief Marketer, The Space Marketers

As founder of The Space Marketers, Kim Ruvolo helps space and aerospace companies turn complex ideas into clear, compelling messaging and marketing strategy. She’s deeply passionate about this industry and is known for going above and beyond for early-stage teams, often taking reduced pay or flexible terms simply because she believes in the mission and wants her clients to succeed. Watching Kim connect with new faces at tradeshows, networking events, and across the space community is genuinely inspiring. She brings a rare kind of energy and authenticity to everything she does. — Lauren Stowe, Gogo

Leeana Smith-Ryland, Vice President of Sales/Chief Revenue Officer of Calian Defence and Space, and CEO of Calian Pacific Teleports

Under Leeana Smith-Ryland’s direction, Calian Pacific Teleports has expanded its global footprint and enhanced its service offerings, demonstrating her expertise in scaling operations and service delivery in the satellite industry. Leeana continually delivers diverse, advanced communications and satellite connectivity solutions to our partners, reflecting her ability to drive strategic growth in mission-critical markets. She is also a dedicated mentor who inspires her peers, empowers her colleagues, advocates for her team, all with a warmth and positivity that’s truly contagious. — Peter Waskowic, Calian

Manjula Sriram, Chief Information Officer, Iridium

As Iridium CIO, Manjula Sriram has played a pivotal role in advancing digital transformation within the space and satellite industry. Her leadership has driven the adoption of cutting-edge technologies including cloud-based architectures, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and data analytics platforms that enable more efficient operations with greater insights. Manjula has fostered a culture of collaboration between Iridium’s IT and the engineering and market teams, bridging the gap between traditional aerospace practices and modern digital solutions. Manjula has not only been a leader in modernizing operational capabilities, but she has also influenced broader industry standards for secure, agile, and future-ready satellite ecosystems. — The Team at Iridium

Geetha Remy Vincent, Principal Spectrum Management Specialist, Measat Satellite Systems

Geetha Remy Vincent is a prominent advocate in Measat representation on the global stage for spectrum and regulatory matters. Geetha has championed policies that balance national interests with global innovation, helping strengthen the country’s voice in international discussions. For three consecutive World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) cycles, she successfully led regional coordination efforts on satellite regulatory matters across member countries of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT). She serves as chairman of the Satellite Group of the APT Wireless Group (AWG), where she leads critical discussions on wireless and satellite spectrum issues. Her contributions have not only strengthened Malaysia’s position globally but also advanced Asia-Pacific’s role as a key driver of innovation in connectivity. — Edmund Kong, formerly of Measat

Julia Vyborny, Impulse Space, Director of Propulsion

Julia Vyborny’s expertise in combustion, engine systems, test operations, and advanced manufacturing has enabled Impulse’s achievements. As one of Impulse Space’s first engineers, Julia played a central role in the design, development, and successful flight of the Mira spacecraft. Prior to Impulse, Julia led the initial fuel-rich preburner development for SpaceX’s Raptor engine and served as lead engineer for combustion devices and engine systems on the early versions of Raptor flown on the Starhopper test vehicle, a precursor to Starship. Today, she is responsible for the development of Impulse’s Deneb oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. Julia also fosters a high-performance culture rooted in technical rigor and personal ownership. — Kevin Miller, Impulse Space

Paige Webster, VP of Customer Solutions, Atlas Space Operations

Paige Webster has evolved from a highly capable technical contributor into one of the most influential commercial leaders within Atlas Space Operations. She consistently challenges me to think more strategically about how we connect complex technical capabilities to real customer needs and how thoughtful leadership can drive both performance and trust. Paige’s integrity, curiosity, and optimism elevate every team she works with. Paige has played a critical role in shaping how satellite operators and government customers engage with ground services by seamlessly bridging engineering, operations, and commercial strategy. Technically fluent, commercially strategic, and deeply collaborative, Paige sets a powerful example of what modern leadership in the space sector looks like. — Kristin Rice, Atlas Space Operations

Ashley Willardson, Functional Manager, Software - Mission, Automation & Technologies Group, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Ashley Willardson works diligently to ensure that crucial satellite software applications deliver peak performance. As a software test lead, has an exceptional ability to lead teams and translate complex concepts into operational reality. Ashley has led multiple critical system and programmatic reviews for diverse customers, consistently earning praise for her technical depth, attention to detail, and innovative approaches. Her leadership and vision have meaningfully advanced how we design, integrate, and operate satellite ground systems. SDL’s satellite programs are in good hands with Ashley working tirelessly in the background for her team and to ensure that we always deliver on our commitments. — Lee Dang, Thor Cummings, and Seth Mares, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Sarah Witting, Product Director, Electrical Power Systems, Terran Orbital

With over 20 years of experience in end-to-end electrical product development, Sarah Witting has brought a rare combination of automotive and aerospace knowledge to Terran Orbital, enabling her to address the challenges of manufacturing at scale. Notably, she led her team to deliver the power subsystem for 42 satellite bus platforms for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 program and is now driving efforts for Tranche 2, delivering results under tight budget and schedule constraints. Sarah’s leadership style builds trust and drives collaboration by combining high expectations with genuine care and compassion. Her ability to lead with thoughtfulness and determination has created an environment where her team consistently rises to meet complex challenges. — Bret Banfield, Terran Orbital

Farah Diya Yasmine, Legislative Drafter, Secretariat General for the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia

Farah Diya Yasmine is an emerging leader whose work at the intersection of space law, sustainability, and youth engagement, is shaping a more inclusive space sector. As an indigenous Madurese Indonesian, she serves as a legislative drafter for the Secretariat General for the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and has contributed to almost 100 programs. She is dedicated to expanding access to space education and opportunities for Indigenous and underrepresented students as founder and president of Farah Law School. Farah also serves as co-chair of the 2025 Lunar Environmental Protection Working Group of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities, contributing to long-term sustainable legal frameworks for lunar activities. Her journey reflects conviction, resilience, and a commitment to inspiring future generations. — Javier Maldonado Romo, Space Generation Advisory Council, and Mahhad Nayyer, Purdue University VS