Going Further Together

I started with Challenger Center as the new President and Executive Director on January 2nd, 2025, after serving at NASA for over 37 years. On that first day, I (somewhat) jokingly told my staff that I had a favorite African proverb that they would quickly get tired of hearing: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This saying encapsulates a deep personal belief that an inspiring vision isn’t enough—you will always need a team to reach your greatest potential.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of serving on some pretty incredible teams. At NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, I held leadership roles as Director of Education, Deputy Director of Human Resources, Deputy CFO, and Director of External Relations. Most recently, I was Associate Administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. When considering my post-NASA future, I sought a role that would allow me to continue inspiring students, using the excitement of space to help shape the STEM workforce of the future. Challenger Center was the perfect fit.

Since stepping into this role, I’ve gained a clearer perspective on the differences and similarities between government and nonprofit work. One thing that stands out is that the current of collaboration runs strong in both fields. To deepen my understanding of our work, I’ve been traveling to visit Challenger Learning Centers across the country.

At each stop, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the incredible teams of Directors, Flight Directors, and educators who bring our programs to life. I spoke with the team at our Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling University and met with the university’s new President, Dianna M. Vargo. In San Antonio, I visited the Scobee Education Center at San Antonio College and spent time with Francisco Solis, the college’s President. I was honored to spend January 28th, the 39th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy, with our Founding Chair, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, while watching students participate in a Mission at our Challenger Learning Center at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I also had the opportunity to visit the Owens Science Center in Lanham, Maryland, and the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado. And there are many more visits to come!

At every Center, I was struck by the passion and dedication of the educators who foster a love of science, technology, engineering, and math in their students. But the highlight of each visit was seeing students in action, engaged in their Missions. Watching them collaborate and problem-solve reinforced the importance of our work. I saw a passion for STEM sparked in real time! Whether it was a fifth grader bursting with excitement to board the Spacecraft or a reserved group of eighth graders gaining confidence as their Mission unfolded, each student was growing and thriving with their teammates.

Almost as inspiring as the students themselves are the Challenger Center alumni I meet. Many STEM professionals share stories of how their experience at a Challenger Learning Center impacted them early on. Some recall where they were when we lost the Challenger crew, while others light up when they hear I’m with Challenger Center, sharing, “I remember going there in middle school! It was the best field trip ever!” Even years later, they still see themselves as part of the crew.

That same dedication to teamwork runs throughout Challenger Center. I’ve seen it in our headquarters teams in D.C. and Kansas City, who work with enthusiasm and purpose. I see it in our Board of Directors, who keep the Challenger crew’s legacy alive in their hearts and leadership. It is evident in our partnerships, where we collaborate with philanthropic organizations, aerospace workforce groups, peer nonprofits, and education associations. We recognize that to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach for the stars, we must work together.

In my role, I also have the privilege of speaking with our generous donors, whose support is vital to our mission. Their commitment ensures that Challenger Center continues to inspire and educate students across the country. Nothing we do would be possible without their generosity.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to catch up with former NASA Shuttle Launch Director Bob Sieck. Reflecting on his years working with shuttle crews, he shared something astronauts often told him: “Without your work on the team, we don’t get to go into space. We’re on the same mission.” That sentiment stuck with Bob, and it resonates deeply with me and all of us at Challenger Center. It’s inspiring to see people come together to support a shared vision for the future.

As students in our programs learn, the toughest challenges require the strongest support. Whether they’re on a Mission to Mars or the Moon, they know they’ll reach their destination together—and the celebration will be even sweeter with their teammates by their side. Each of us brings unique gifts, talents, and perspectives to the table, and I’m grateful to contribute mine as we continue this journey together.