VIENNA, AUSTRIA, 11 SEPTEMBER 2025 –
SGAC is thrilled to announce that Ariane Cornell has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the SGAC Alumni Award!
In 2019, on the occasion of SGAC’s 20th anniversary, the organisation launched its Alumni Award Programme intending to acknowledge selected alumni for extraordinary contributions to the SGAC community, demonstrating a high degree of commitment to SGAC, and for their outstanding leadership and ongoing support to the organisation.
Ariane’s support for SGAC has extended well beyond her tenure as Executive Director. In her professional capacity at Blue Origin, she has helped maintain and nurture the relationship between the company and SGAC, even during times of transition within the organisation. Thanks to her continued advocacy, SGAC has been able to count on Blue Origin’s strong engagement and support, which has had a direct impact on the opportunities available to our community.
In addition to her institutional support, Ariane has also provided personal mentorship and guidance to SGAC leadership and young professionals. She remains a trusted advisor to members of the organisation, generously offering her time and expertise to help them navigate both professional and organisational challenges. Her commitment ensures that SGAC remains connected to leaders in the global space sector, while also empowering young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the space community.
“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Space Generation Advisory Council with the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award. Serving as Executive Director of SGAC was one of the most important turning points in my career and my life. It gave me the confidence to take risks, opened doors to an extraordinary global network, and even introduced me to my husband and some of my closest friends. SGAC has always been more than an organization—it is a community built on international collaboration, optimism, and fun. The passion of its members continues to inspire me, and I am grateful to have played a part in supporting its vision. Never lose the spirit that makes SGAC so unique!”
Ariane Cornell was nominated by Nikol Koleva:
“Ariane Cornell embodies the very spirit of SGAC and its Alumni Programme, making her an exceptional candidate for this recognition. As a former Executive Director, she played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s legacy, and her leadership helped SGAC reach new levels of visibility and influence. What truly sets Ariane apart, however, is her unwavering commitment to supporting SGAC long after her official role ended. Few alumni have demonstrated the same combination of institutional support, personal mentorship, and consistent advocacy.
Her efforts with Blue Origin have directly benefited SGAC and its members, creating opportunities that would not have been possible without her guidance. At the same time, her encouragement of alumni engagement, fundraising, and scholarship development demonstrates her belief in giving back to the community that shaped her career. Ariane is not only a symbol of SGAC’s success but also a driving force ensuring its bright future.“
