Space for All

Welcome back to Space for All — the podcast where we spotlight the trailblazers shaping STEAM fields across the globe. This week, we're soaring into the world of commercial aviation with Raja Katz, a long-haul airline pilot and fierce advocate for representation in the skies. Raja takes us through her journey from gliding at age 15 to flying the cutting-edge Airbus A350. We talk about: ✈️ What it...

In this episode of Space for All, I sit down with Amy Imhoff, digital marketing expert, events manager, and passionate Star Trek advocate. We dive deep into how Star Trek has shaped the space industry, inspired diversity, and influenced real-world technology. 🌟 Topics we cover: ✅ How Star Trek has impacted STEAM, representation, and leadership ✅ The "Janeway Effect" & the power of women in lead...

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

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

In this episode of the Space for All podcast, host Valerie McKiernan interviews photographer Michael Soluri, who shares his journey into documenting space exploration. Michael discusses how his unscripted work focuses on the unsung heroes behind space missions, such as engineers, technicians, scientists and astronauts, and his unique approach to capturing their tools and humanity. He reflects on k...

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

In this episode of the Space For All podcast, Valerie McKiernan chats with Maria Demaree, Vice President of National Security Space within Lockheed Martin Space. Maria shares her journey from growing up in a STEM-focused family to leading a critical division at Lockheed Martin. She offers advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in aerospace, emphasizing the importance of leading from where y...

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond our solar system? In today's episode, Dr. Emily Rickman, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, discusses her journey in the field of exoplanet research. She fell in love with physics and engineering as a child and later developed a passion for astrophysics and astronomy. Dr. Rickman lets us in on the captivating wonders of exoplanets, expla...

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

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

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

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