Johnson and White Sands Recognize Women Trailblazers of NASA
The women of NASA lead with courage, resilience, integrity, and empathy while pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight farther than ever imagined. In honor of Women's History Month, NASA's Johnson Space Center and White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) celebrate the pioneering women who reach for the stars, Moon, and beyond.
For the month of March, the Johnson and WSTF communities highlight female innovators at NASA who inspire those around them to do and be their best, recognizing women in various disciplines such as science, engineering, finance, human resources, public relations, education, law, and many more who play vital roles in advancing human spaceflight for the benefit of all.
Read below about the women contributing greatly to the NASA mission and empowering the next generation of female leaders.
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Nominated Female Game-Changers:
Julie Barajas, Safety and Mission Assurance Office Secretary, White Sands
Julie has made a big impact during her 19 years (and counting) at NASA.
“I couldn’t be happier doing what I do. I currently work for CBF Partners JV, LLC, and hope to continue in my position for many years to come. I strive to give the best support to each and every person I encounter in hopes of making their jobs a little easier," Julia said.
Julie enjoys helping people. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and watching her kids perform in a band.
“Julie is a real live superhero. She juggles work, kids, family, and still makes time to be inspiring to all of us on her team. She is knowledgeable, kind, a shoulder to lean on, a team player, and a ship's captain at the same time,” said one of the multiple individuals who nominated Julie to be one of our superstars.
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Athena Frangoudis, Architectural Designer, Center for Design and Space Architecture
Athena’s role is multifaceted as it encompasses spacecraft interior design, human-machine interfaces for crew-operated rovers, volumetric studies, mockup prototyping for human factors testing, and concept visualization through renderings. She has also worked on projects such as Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), Pressurized Rover (PR), and Gateway.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on a wide range of scales, from small components to overall layout designs for spacecraft interiors or vehicles. This variety in design challenges me to explore new design solutions and drives me to continually refine my skills as a designer," Athena said.
A current project she is looking forward to is the LTV. Athena and her fellow coworkers at the Center for Design and Space Architecture (CDSA) have had the opportunity to work on the human-machine interface, i.e., crew accommodations layout design, seating, stowage solutions, and other components of the internal government reference design for the LTV. She is interested to see how some of these questions will be answered. During her free time, Athena loves being able to experience new places, whether they are close to home or far away, and documenting details of the natural and built landscape through photography.
“Human-centered design really drives me, particularly as the space industry undergoes rapid growth and innovation. Contributing to designs that not only inform the development of guidelines and reference designs, but they also spark important conversations about the future of space exploration and the importance of both functionality as well as user interface. As humans continue to inhabit spaces that transcend traditional notions of design, the impact of designers is crucial in shaping space exploration and human habitation in space.”
One of the people who nominated her describes Athena as a fantastic designer and very hardworking. “Her work on GTU LTV and Gateway is incredible and offers a creative perspective. She is a huge advocate and supports her fellow women peers in the workplace. I have had personal experiences where she has been a big support in helping me grow as a woman in the workplace," her colleague added.
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Grier L. Wilt, Spacewalk Flight Controller and Instructor
Grier plans spacewalk missions aboard the International Space Station, trains an international cadre of astronauts for those missions, and provides support in real-time from Mission Control as a capsule communicator. Concurrent with her International Space Station work, Grier serves on the Artemis team to enable exploration spacewalk missions on the lunar surface, NASA’s next step beyond low-Earth orbit.
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One project she is currently working on is the lunar Pressurized Rover. “I am really looking forward to seeing this vehicle on the lunar surface as it will extend our EVA exploration capabilities on the lunar surface significantly.”
When asked what motivates her, "Being a part of the team pushing the bounds of human space exploration, particularly in regards to extending humanity’s reach beyond low-Earth orbit and onto the Moon and Mars through the Artemis program," Grier said.
An individual who nominated Grier shares how she quietly volunteers outside of work in many projects, including mentoring and STEM outreach to students. “Growing up as a female in a small town interested in STEM, she did not have many role models accessible to her. She makes sure that she does her best to give the next young girl from a small town a role model to look up to.”
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Krystine Bui, Institutional Procurement Office Deputy Manager
Krystine has worked at Johnson for 35 years and has supported the Orion, International Space Station, and Space Shuttle Programs. She is an advisor and one of the founders of Asians Succeeding in Innovation and Aerospace (ASIA) Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the executive sponsor of Johnson's Office of Procurement Diversity and Inclusion team. She graduated from two NASA agency-wide leadership programs, Mid-Level Leader Program and Leveraging Agency Supervisory Excellence and Resilience.
As a leader, Krystine provides comprehensive support to the center, from facilities, logistics, security, custodial, and grounds to many other center’s needs. Her team is known as a training place since most people get to work procurements from the cradle to the grave and then move on to support more complex programs’ procurements.
Krystine enjoys working on different programs at NASA. A project she is most excited about is going to Mars. Her favorite free-time activities are traveling and volunteering.
Krystine has been a remarkable minority female at JSC, says the person who nominated her. They further added, “As a manager and a colleague, she actually puts others above herself. I first came to know of Krystine as the lead for the ASIA ERG, where she initiated efforts to begin a mentoring and career development program for Asian-Pacific's. Recently, as part of the employee assistance Asian American/Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or AAPI, leadership development program, we involved Krystine to support us in providing career mentorship, and she served and supported that without hesitation. No doubt in her job role, she is a unique minority female who has both overcome systemic barriers for minorities and female representation in management and leadership.”
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Georgia Hurst, Configuration Management Analyst
In the 26 years Hurst has worked at Johnson, she has spent 24 of them as a Configuration Management (CM) Analyst, CM Representative Board Secretariat for the International Space Station Program, and support for Gateway and Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program. With her passion for mentorship, Hurst has made an impact at NASA as a female trailblazer.
As a CM Analyst, Hurst provides oversight to the technical functions and responsibilities of change integration, including facilitating the processing of documentation associated with change requests, deviations or waivers, and program directives.
Hurst also participates in the developing requirements for the International Space Station Program Configuration Status Management Operations System, which is used to track the ISS Program change paper from initiation through closure. She also serves as the CM representative on the Space Station Control Board to ensure adherence to appropriate CM processes and principles and assists with facilitating the change process.
With an array of important responsibilities and duties, Hurst is looking forward to assisting with process development for new programs and continuing to train junior team members in International Space Station CM processes.
Hurst is an outstanding female leader and mentor to many, as her passion for the NASA family and the space program highlights her unique goals and skills.
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Jennifer Gruber, Chief, Operations Branch, Exploration Development Integration Division/Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate
As the Chief of the Operations Integration Branch in the Exploration Development Integration Division/Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate, Gruber has exemplified an outstanding female leadership role not only in the branch, but at Johnson Space Center as well.
“When I was an intern, then-astronaut Pam Melroy told me, ‘Do what you enjoy and what you’re good at, because no matter what job you’re applying for, they’ll always want people who are good at what they do.’ I still give that advice to young people. Life is much more meaningful when you’re good at what you do, and you have a passion for it.”
With a driven and empowering persona, it is no surprise that Gruber is an inspiration to many. “Jenny Gruber is a distinct example of sustained success and service in the engineering field. Not only is she a clearly competent engineer with two decades of influential JSC experience in Flight Ops and Exploration Development, but she is also one of the most intelligent and mindful people I've ever met, always engaged and always able to parse out what matters and speak up about it,” said the individual who nominated her. “Jenny has had an outsized impact at JSC while being a loving mother, impressive long-distance runner, and an engaged member of her community - I believe she very much deserves recognition as part of NASA's Women's History Month celebrations.”
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Ali Llewellyn, Office of Business Development & Technology Integration
Ali Llewellyn helps pioneer new initiatives that will inspire and create the future of NASA’s Johnson Space Center through her Opportunity Formulation and Strategy role. She creates opportunities and effective strategies that will benefit Johnson now and in the future. Always looking for the next improvement, Llewellyn is a strong female leader.
Motivated by impact, Llewellyn highlights the need for change as she believes innovation will only come with a difference in paths. “I get to lead an amazing team and get to manage some vital processes (and find ways to improve them). I help pioneer new initiatives that will create the JSC of the future, and I talk to partners big and small about how we will drive human spaceflight together and make it possible for them to work effectively with NASA. I get to think strategically and find ways to apply that work in my own organization and across the center. It’s that diversity that makes me excited to go to work every day.”
Not only does she love the experience of her individual role, but she also emphasizes the importance of working as a team at NASA. “We have a team that has developed a strategy for and is implementing a 'front door for JSC', giving partners an easy entry point to come in to work with us. It’s been a great project because it’s collaborative across several key organizations and really depends on good communication and consistent connection. We get to highlight the incredible work happening around the center and give partners real ways to contribute to that work while seeing the immediate impact of improving their partnership experience with us.”
In her free time, Llewellyn enjoys cooking as she likes to explore the available ingredients. “I want to see how I can put them together to make something amazingly delicious. It’s not always successful, but the fun for me is in the process and the exploration.”
Driven by work that makes a difference, improves the experience of real people, and creates a better future, Ali Llewellyn’s devotion to NASA and her career have inspired other women to follow in her footsteps and impact the next generations to come.
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Heather McDonald, Chief Engineer, International Space Station Program
Heather McDonald is responsible for integrating the work of about 20 engineering units involving hundreds of engineers across NASA. Her purview covers all International Space Station vehicle engineering and eight spacecraft, both US commercial and international, transporting crew and cargo to and from the space station.
“My Dad always told me I could do anything I put my mind to and that all I had to do was spread my wings and fly; my family would always be there to catch me.” - Heather McDonald
Making history as the first female chief engineer of the space station in the more than 20-year history of the program, McDonald paves the way for women who desire to encompass leadership roles. In honor of Women’s History Month, McDonald’s devotion to the space station has impacted the Johnson community and the International Space Station Program as a whole.
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Dr. Camille Alleyne, Deputy Program Manager, Commercial LEO Development Program
Leading a growing organization that is the future of Johnson Space Center, Dr. Alleyne is an important female figure at NASA highlighting the importance of success and women empowerment.
Dr. Alleyne is the Deputy Program Manager for the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program (CLDP), sharing responsibility with the Program Manager for the implementation of the CLDP’s goals and objectives, providing leadership, strategic direction, and programmatic execution of the Agencies’ continued Low Earth Orbit (LEO) commercialization efforts for human spaceflight.
“Our program is implementing United States policy by investing in and enabling the development of commercially owned and operated free-flying orbital destination capabilities in which commercial LEO destinations services are available to both Government and private-sector customers. Additionally, CLDP also supports the demand stimulation commercial activities in LEO to help reduce risks associated with commercial LEO destination development, including Private Astronaut missions to the International Space Station," said Dr. Alleyne.
Outside of work, Dr. Alleyne enjoys international travel and adventure and empowering and inspiring girls and young women to be future STEM and Space leaders – work she does through her Brightest Stars Foundation. Additionally, Dr. Alleyne’s favorite book is Hidden Figures, the true story of three brilliant African American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who were part of a group of female mathematicians known as the 'human computers' and whose brilliant calculations propelled the first American, John Glenn, into orbit in 1962. “They are my sheroes – because of them, I am."
Her resilience and dedication to setting an example for women shine alongside her mission-oriented work at NASA.
“What is of paramount importance and what motivates me is taking care of our people and taking care of our mission (commercializing low earth orbit). Our mission cannot be accomplished without our people. It is my goal as a senior leader to create an organization environment where our team can thrive and that our people have the necessary tools to accomplish the mission we are tasked with. I take pride in being an inclusive leader, one who values diversity of all kinds within my org and ensures that our people feel seen, heard, valued, supported, appreciated, recognized, and developed.”
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Connie Sartor, Jacobs Project Manager, Business Development and Technology Integration Office
The goal of the Business Development and Technology Integration (BD&TI) office is “Advancing human space exploration through partnerships, technology, and innovation for the benefit of all humankind,” Connie said. Other than the project management duties, a large part of her job is to assist in capturing the information for New Technology Reports (NTRs), which provide information about technical discoveries, improvements, innovations, and inventions being developed at Johnson and White Sands. “Where appropriate, we have several avenues to share the technology developed with the U.S. public.”
Connie loves seeing all of the interesting technology being developed at Johnson by the many smart and talented individuals.
“The people in the BD&TI office are a great group of individuals to work with and make it a pleasure to come to work every day. We are working on several process improvements, and it is going to be very interesting to see how they develop and the outcomes.” - Connie Sartor
When asked about her favorite free-time activity, Connie replied, “Until the weather warms up and the ground dries up some, I do like to sew and crochet inside, but as soon as possible, I’ll be outside working in the flowers. Also, I just added a new puppy to the family, so she is keeping me very busy.”
“Connie is an All-Star! She always gives 200% and goes far and beyond to help her team. Connie is not afraid to innovate or go down the less-traveled path. She spearheads new projects with a smile and enthusiasm no matter the scale or difficulty,” said one of the people that nominated her. They further added how Connie inspires them to persevere in hard times and face each challenge with no hesitation.
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Lenee Pulver, Administrative Officer and Executive Administrative Assistant, Gateway Program
Lenee's favorite part about her job is the energy of the Gateway team. “Gateway team members across NASA at JSC, KSC, GRC, and MSFC, along with the International Partners from CSA, ESA and JAXA all bring so much experience and innovation to the mission, and it brings an excited energy to my daily experience,” she said.
“I am motivated by the Gateway team itself. The entire Gateway team all over the world, is made up of brilliant, driven, kind individuals, and they support each other to be the best they can be to achieve the mission."
A current project that she is looking forward to is the launch of the first Gateway element.
One individual who nominated Lenee says, “the amount of genuine care and love she has for what she does to better the mission is admirable.”
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Rebekah A. Anchondo, Private Astronaut Mission Integrator and Commercial Segment Integrator, Commercial Integration Office
In her role, Rebekah has had the opportunity to drive policy and strategy decisions for the commercialization of low-Earth orbit. She enables Private Astronaut Missions (PAMs) by integrating the mission within the International Space Station Program, starting with initial contract set-up and ending with real-time operations support during the flight. Her team ensures that the PAM provider meets requirements and follows NASA processes as they prepare for their mission. Rebekah also performs integration between the commercial segment and the space station to support the development of a future commercial destination in low-Earth orbit.
For Rebekah, the most exciting part of her job is contributing to the larger goals of human spaceflight and exploration. She spent her career contributing specifically to the International Space Station Program, but the station is just one of many programs that support the larger goals of human spaceflight. “It’s always exciting to think that everything I do at work is one piece of the larger puzzle that allows humans to live and work in space,” Rebekah said.
“I’m motivated by working with dedicated teams and inspirational leaders. I’ve found throughout my career that when I get an opportunity to work side by side with dedicated teammates, we have no limits on what we can conquer. When I work with an inspirational leader, I use it as an opportunity to learn how they operate and take that into consideration when reflecting on how to improve my own leadership skills.”
Rebekah is working with a team to develop a strategy to safely deorbit the International Space Station. The space station has provided a platform for humans to live and work continuously in space and has been the laboratory for over 3000 experiments. “As NASA starts enabling the commercialization of low-Earth orbit, we have begun looking at strategies to safely deorbit the space station when it reaches its end of life.” The project will present various technical challenges to accomplish a safe deorbit of this large of a scale, and she looks forward to stepping up to the challenge.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters. “They are growing up fast, so I’m trying to soak in all of these early experiences where they are eager to learn and explore. I also enjoy paddleboarding (when the weather cooperates), cooking, baking, and reading,” she added. “Her constant work effort, dedication, and innovation is an inspiration to me and all her coworkers both male and female daily,” said one of Rebekah’s colleagues who nominated her.
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Laura Barron, Deputy System Manager, Gateway Vehicle System Manager
The Vehicle System Manager (VSM) is the high-level software that will autonomously manage nominal and off-nominal Gateway operations. Laura collaborates with subject matter experts from NASA and our commercial and international partners to design VSM’s mission management and vehicle control software and data.
Laura loves working with a team of incredible engineers to design an entirely new and innovative piece of software and solve problems that have never been solved before. She is motivated by the invaluable science and discovery that will be made possible by her team through future long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. At work, Laura is looking forward to beginning more advanced autonomy design for Gateway sustaining phases, including the integration of extravehicular robotics. Outside of work, she hopes to complete her first century (100 mi) cycle.
Laura’s cohort describes her as a leader who “works tirelessly to move the VSM system development forward and someone who leads and co-leads many efforts. She is very adept team member and somehow finds time to split time between teams.”
Another person who nominated her adds, “Despite having a very challenging responsibility, Laura has a positive outlook and always tries to find the best solution. The entire team depends on her to be the voice of reason and knowledge to answer difficult questions. On top of her technical prowess, she seeks to build a fun and warm community within the team by bringing in amazing baked goods, being easy to talk to, and coming up with new ways to make the office enjoyable. Finally, Laura takes the time to give back to the NASA community at large as a mentor for middle schoolers in the area. Laura is a vital member of JSC whose contributions will make history.”
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Lesa Spivey, Johnson Employee Engagement and Internal Events Lead
Lesa Spivey has been a dedicated helping hand for many at Johnson. Motivated by curiosity and the desire to explore new challenges, her commitment to uplift women, the working population, and NASA have inspired many.
“Her can-do spirit is bright and infectious. She possesses that rare, gifted combination of having a warm engaging personality and conducts herself with the utmost professionalism. No matter what project, event, endeavor, or task she is assigned or takes on, she embraces each and every one with a full heart, commitment, passion, dedication, positivity, and a go-forward attitude. I'm convinced there is nothing she cannot do,” said an individual who nominated Spivey.
The most exciting part of her job, Lesa states, is “inspiring young people and seeing them light up about the wonders of space and exploration.” With her goal to inspire the next generations of explorers, Lesa is a trailblazer and an outstanding representation of NASA’s female workforce.
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Shelley Baccus, Deputy Branch Chief, Tools, Equipment, and Habitability Systems Branch, Crew and Thermal Systems Division
Shelley Baccus works with the many tools used on spacewalks, from the freezers on the International Space Station to the habitability systems, like toilets! Not only is Shelley a successful deputy branch chief, but she also leads the Women in Leadership cadre within the Engineering Directorate. With her strong desire to lead and inspire, it is no doubt that Shelley was nominated as an empowering female individual at NASA.
One piece of advice she received from a senior leader at Armstrong Flight Research Center during a supervisor training course was, “sometimes you need to wear your organization hat, and sometimes you need to wear your NASA hat. Sometimes what is best for NASA or your center isn’t what is best for your organization.”
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Anna Mendiola, Biomedical Flight Controller, International Space Station
Working as a Biomedical Flight Controller (BME) for the International Space Station and an operational expert for medical hardware, Anna Mendiola’s hard work in Mission Control representing the Crew Health Care System includes astronaut health, in-flight medical operations, and both exercise and medical hardware. In other words, Anna helps make sure astronauts stay safe and healthy throughout their stay on the space station.
When Anna is not in mission control, she works as an operational expert for medical hardware, including writing procedures, planning and facilitating in-flight operations, and collaborating with teams of engineers, doctors, and integrators. Anna is responsible for medical hardware and software related to SpaceX Dragon, Boeing Starliner, and Spaceflight Associated Nuero-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a condition that characterizes changes to the human eye during spaceflight.
Anna’s motivation comes from different stages of her life; she is motivated by the excitement of a challenge, the opportunity to learn, and the desire to help others. “My role within the BME team definitely blends those three drivers.”
Anna’s resilience and passionate persona have driven her to success and have caught the eye of many other women at NASA. Her hard work does not go unnoticed. An individual who nominated Anna said, “there are few people at JSC that are as passionate and committed as Anna. She is a hardworking and intelligent person who will no doubt have an impact no matter what group she is in. She is a future leader at JSC and I am proud to know her.”
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Daisy Wei, Counselor, Johnson's Employee Assistance Program
With her important and impactful position, Daisy always makes Johnson employees feel seen and heard. Daisy Wei supports employees and their dependents with navigating both work and life challenges and provides guidance to better care for their well-being. Daisy also facilitates the Morning Mindfulness meditations, weekly stress relief workshops, and the caregiving and grief/loss support groups.
Daisy’s favorite part of her job is getting to know the clients she works with and learning about their roles in space exploration. Through resiliency, creativity, and humanity, Daisy is motivated to break stigmas on mental health and create a safe workplace for employees.
“Daisy is an excellent, behind-the-scenes, stealthy performer that enables mission and technical success of the JSC community. For a center that has a necessary focus on mission and technical success, it is gratifying to know that there is also an avenue to address the non-mission or non-technical aspects that impact employees. Daisy brought our office a great comfort, a way to help each other, and a way to acknowledge losses and then return our focus to the tasks at hand. She is a calm and gentle presence that has an enormous impact on mission success,” said someone who nominated her for Women’s History Month.
Daisy is an inspiring and empowering woman at NASA who has guided many through their personal struggles. She is a shining light at Johnson and continues to share her courage and intelligence with the NASA community.
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Andrea Dunn, Public Affairs Specialist, Internal Communications Lead
Andrea Dunn is a dedicated team player at Johnson. She communicates important information to the workforce that helps people do their jobs and contribute to their personal lives. Andrea is able to interact with people from various organizations across Johnson; she finds excitement in meeting new people, learning about different organizations, and inspiring the workforce.
Currently, Andrea is supporting the new web modernization effort that will impact not only Johnson but centers across the agency. “I look forward to having all organization sites migrated to the new content management system; It will enhance our public image and communicate JSC’s messaging more effectively,” said Andrea.
Andrea’s strong dedication to her career runs in her family. When asked what motivates her, Andrea said, “my father instilled a strong work ethic in me, so every day I focus on achieving my goals. Knowing that what I do supports the workforce motivates me to make sure I’m doing my best to communicate center messaging and promote events and activities that benefit all JSC employees. It’s always nice when I learn that the workforce is benefiting from our communications and I’m always motivated to keep that up, so employees feel well informed, engaged, and valued.”
Andrea’s radiant energy does not go unnoticed. “Andrea is a team player! She's always willing to help and teach the people around her. I find her inspirational, hardworking, kind, incredibly intelligent, and patient. She exemplifies NASA's culture and is a great role model,” said an individual who nominated her.
