SGx2024 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Thomas Sinn is the CEO and founder of DCUBED, a NewSpace company headquartered in Munich. DCUBED currently supports space industry leaders from 18 countries on 4 continents. In addition to release mechanisms and foldable solar panels, DCUBED is a pioneer in In-Space Manufacturing and, in 2024, will become the world’s first company to manufacture a structure in open space. Before founding DCUBED in 2018, Thomas gained experience in the European space industry and at the European Space Agency. During his studies in Germany, Scotland, and the USA, Thomas Sinn gained insights into both classical space exploration and the NewSpace industry. He earned his doctorate at the University of Strathclyde, focusing on deployable structures in space.
CEO, DCUBED
Leo Teeney was born in Leeds, UK, and grew up fascinated by all things flying. Still obsessed at 18, he decided to study at the University of Manchester for a Masters in Aerospace Engineering. He then moved to France for a Masters in Space Studies from the International Space University, while there spending a summer in Japan as an intern on the Hakuto lunar rover team at Tohoku University. After graduation, he moved back to Europe and worked at the ESA European Astronaut Centre in Germany on ISRU and energy storage concepts to support future human lunar exploration. He then relocated to the USA and worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for four and a half years, first on Landsat 8 and 9 mission operations and then as a Systems Engineer on the Capture, Containment and Return System of the Mars Sample Return program. Inspired by the vision of “millions of people living and working in space, for the benefit of Earth”, and returning to his lunar roots, Leo decided to join Blue Origin in 2022 where he now works as a Flight Operations Engineer preparing to fly MK1 and MK2 lunar landers to the Moon. He lives in Maryland with his wife, two cats, and tens of thousands of honeybees.
Lunar Flight Operations Engineer, Blue Origin
Debra Facktor leads the Airbus U.S. Space Systems line of business, with a focus on small satellites produced for commercial and government customers at the company’s manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida, and on space exploration activities in the U.S.
Debra sits on the board of directors for Starlab Space LLC, a joint venture between Voyager and Airbus to build and operate a next-generation commercial space station. She also served on the board of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites joint venture prior to its recent acquisition by Airbus U.S.
Before joining Airbus U.S., Debra was Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Operations for Ball Aerospace, leading the company’s Washington DC operations, strategic development, and marketing and communications.
She is actively engaged as an advisor and mentor in the aerospace community, serving as chair of the Space & Satellite Professionals International-Women in Space Engagement (SSPI-WISE) and is a fellow of AIAA, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
Debra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France.
Head of U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
Taylor Hampson is a senior Aerospace Engineering student at Georgia Tech. He aspires to develop next-generation propulsion systems to foster a new era of space exploration.
Taylor has experienced chemical, electric, and nuclear-thermal rocket propulsion from internships at Blue Origin, NASA, and Stoke Space, research at Georgia Tech’s High Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory, and student design team work at the Yellow Jacket Space Program.
Taylor serves as a Mentor at Georgia Tech’s Aero Maker Space and is an Undergraduate Research Ambassador, where he helps students find research opportunities at Georgia Tech. Taylor is also a member of the 2023 class of Matthew Isakowitz Fellows.
In his free time, Taylor enjoys running, boxing, reading, and trying new things.
Student, Georgia Institute of Technology
Hamza Hameed is a distinguished Pakistani lawyer whose career has been defined by his expertise in international law, with a particular focus on space law and telecommunications. Born with a keen intellect and an unwavering passion for legal intricacies, Hameed has risen to prominence through his work in various prestigious organizations around the globe.
Hameed’s journey in the legal realm began with his pursuit of an LLB from the University of London International Programme. Armed with a solid foundation in law, he further honed his skills by obtaining an Advanced LLM degree in Air and Space Law from the renowned International Institute for Air and Space Law at Leiden University. This academic journey laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the specialized field of space law.
One of the pivotal points in Hameed’s career came when he assumed the role of Legal Consultant at the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) in Rome, Italy. Here, his focus primarily revolved around secured transactions law and fintech, where he made significant contributions to projects such as the Cape Town Convention and its Protocols. With a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks, Hameed played a crucial role in shaping policies related to spacecraft financing and digital assets.
During his tenure at UNIDROIT, Hameed also served as the Manager for fundraising and Administration at the UNIDROIT Foundation, showcasing not only his legal acumen but also his organizational skills and commitment to advancing the institution’s objectives.
In July 2023, Hameed embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining Access Partnership in Singapore as the Senior Policy Manager for Satellite and Telecommunication. In this role, he utilizes his extensive knowledge of legal intricacies to navigate the complex landscape of satellite and telecommunications policies, contributing to the advancement of technological innovations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Furthermore, Hameed’s dedication to the field of space law is evident in his role as the Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), where he actively engages with young professionals and fosters dialogue on space-related issues.
Beyond his professional commitments, Hameed is also a practicing lawyer in Pakistan with the esteemed Law Firm of Abraiz Ali Khan. His involvement in organizations such as the International Institute for Space Law and INSOL International underscores his commitment to staying at the forefront of legal developments on a global scale.
Chair, SGAC
SGx2024 Panel Descriptions
Launching Careers: Making the Leap into the Space Workforce
Aspiring to join the space community? Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or a seasoned professional seeking a career change, this panel is your gateway to unlocking the secret of securing a job in the space industry. Join our esteemed panel of industry experts, seasoned professionals, and trailblazers as they share their insights, strategies, and personal experiences, providing a roadmap for pivoting into the dynamic space workforce. Gain firsthand knowledge on the diverse pathways, essential skills, and nuances of launching and building a successful career in the space industry.
Panelists
Raycho Raychev stands as the visionary Founder of the Space Challenges Program, a pioneering educational platform in the field of Space Science and Engineering, which he established in 2010. Through his leadership, the Space Challenges Program has emerged as a trailblazer, reshaping the landscape of space education and inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in space exploration and technology.
Raychev’s journey into the cosmos began with a profound commitment to academic excellence. He earned a Master of Sciences degree in Space Management from the esteemed International Space University, where he delved deep into the intricacies of space science and management, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
Fuelled by a relentless drive for innovation, Raychev sought out transformative learning experiences at some of the world’s most renowned institutions. He completed the rigorous Innovation and Growth Program at Stanford University in collaboration with Endeavor, followed by the Scaling Entrepreneurial Ventures Program at Harvard University, further enriching his knowledge and expertise in entrepreneurship and business development.
Raychev’s groundbreaking contributions and unwavering dedication have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. He has been honored as one of MIT Tech Review’s Innovators under 35, acknowledged in Forbes’ prestigious 30 under 30 list, and featured in the New Europe 100, a collaborative ranking by Google and the Financial Times highlighting influential figures shaping the future of Europe.
In addition to his professional achievements, Raychev is a distinguished member of the Karman Project, Class of 2023, an exclusive organization comprising global leaders in space technology, where he continues to collaborate and innovate with fellow visionaries.
In 2023, Raychev was bestowed with the coveted title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the Forbes Innovation Awards, a testament to his extraordinary vision, leadership, and impact in the field of space education and entrepreneurship. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring innovators and space enthusiasts worldwide, embodying the limitless possibilities of exploration and discovery beyond the confines of Earth.
Founder & CEO of EnduroSat
Jennifer Rogers is the Chief Architect for the Payload and Ground Systems division in Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems sector. In this position she is chartered to drive alignment of technology, products, and services across the division to support strategic growth.
Prior to this role Jennifer led a corporate-wide initiative in Digital Transformation developing tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness of Northrop Grumman’s capture and proposal processes. Partnering with many disciplines while in this role, she was able to influence the vision for a connected digital thread across all functional workstreams.
Jennifer was also the System Architect for the guidance system on the Sentinel ICBM program, as well as the Guidance, Navigation, & Controls department deputy director. In this capacity she was a three-time recipient of the Si Ramo Award for Excellence in System Engineering — one of the most prestigious awards at the company — in recognition of her contributions to the fully integrated application of Model-Based Systems Engineering on that program. Earlier in her career, Jennifer worked in a variety of roles in both air and space including as an analyst at the Institute for Defense Analyses. Having worked in autonomy research, flight controls, missile guidance, target tracking, imagery analysis and even bioinformatics, she has made it her personal imperative to push the boundaries of applying Model-Based Engineering methods and Digital Transformation across these disciplines.
Jennifer received a Bachelor’s in mathematics and a Master’s in applied mathematics from the University of Florida. She is heavily invested in continuing to improve the equity and environment of inclusion for everyone across the industry and specifically those underrepresented in STEM fields. She actively seeks opportunities for high potential individuals to grow and be seen and is a mentor to multiple individuals inside and out of Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance, and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.
Chief Architect, Payload & Ground Systems Division, Northrop Grumman
Carissa Bryce Christensen (/) is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of BryceTech companies in the US and the UK. She previously co-founded defense contractor The Tauri Group, acquired by LMI in 2019, and quantum computing software firm QxBranch, acquired by Rigetti Computing in 2019. She is an active tech investor and has served on several early-stage boards.
Ms. Christensen is an internationally recognized expert on the satellite and space
industry, known for rigorous analysis and innovative, data-driven strategy. She co-chairs the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Space, chairs the US board of the UN-affiliated Space Generation Advisory Council, and serves on the Advisory Council of the Aerospace Corporation Center for Space Policy and Strategy. She is a founding member of the Future Space Leaders Foundation and currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board. She is a Senior Advisor to the annual US Space Force Schriever Wargame. Ms. Christensen previously served on the National Research Council Space Technology Industry-Government-University Roundtable, which advises NASA, and the Space Committee of the Defense Innovation Board.
Ms. Christensen guest lectures at universities internationally, including Harvard
Business School and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource
Strategy. She has testified before Congress and Parliament committees on space
markets. She publishes extensively, is often cited by major media outlets, and has
appeared in commercial space documentaries by The Financial Times and Bloomberg.
Ms. Christensen is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she
specialized in science and technology policy. She attended the London School of
Economics and was a Douglass Scholar at Rutgers University. She is a Fellow of
the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and of the Royal Aeronautical
Society. Ms. Christensen was named 2023 Executive of the Year (Up to $75M) at the
Greater Washington GovCon Awards.
Founder and CEO of BryceTech
Moderator
Anthony Yuen is a Consultant at McKinsey & Company. Leveraging his expertise as a clinical informatics physician, he is passionate about harnessing the benefits of space for the healthcare and the life sciences industries. He is a Former Chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and currently serves on its Advisory Board and U.S. Board of Directors. He is also an expert on the Space and Global Health Working Group at the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and formerly an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Anthony holds a Medical Degree (MD) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Space from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.
Consultant
McKinsey & Company
Space 4 Good: Harnessing Space for Positive Change
With its unique vantage point and cutting-edge capabilities, space can be a force for positive change. From satellite technology aiding disaster response to Earth observation enhancing our understanding of climate change, space technologies play a critical role in improving life on Earth. Our panel will highlight inspiring initiatives where space takes center stage in supporting sustainability and humanitarian efforts, offering new solutions to today’s biggest challenges. Explore innovative ideas and collaborative strategies that harness space for the collective good.
Panelists
Julie Napier Zoller is the Head of Global Regulatory Affairs for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit, providing fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Prior to her role at Amazon, she previously served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer at Omnispace, Senior Deputy Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the State Department, and Deputy Associate Administrator for International Spectrum at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She also served in various capacities within the Department of Defense.
Julie has led many U.S. delegations to multilateral organizations to achieve digital policy objectives at the global level. She was an elected member of the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations Board for eight years, two of which she served as chairperson. Currently, she serves on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee and the boards of the United States Telecommunications Training Institute and Satellite Industry Association, where she chairs the Executive Committee.
Head of Global Regulatory Affairs Amazon’s Project Kuiper
Yvonne Ivey-Parker (she/her) wears many hats – she advises NASA senior leaders and diverse teams across the Earth and Space Sciences and Space Technology space providing strategy and data management expertise to deploy diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility roadmaps and toolkits as well as provides strategic advisement around the development and deployment of advanced analytics tools to help mine and manage big data. She is passionate about business operations, product design, and reigniting teams to reimagine their work through the lens of DEI principles and practices to make their data products more accessible and inclusive. Recently, Yvonne served as the Equity Lead for NASA’s Open Source Science Initiative, a $40 million, 5 year mission focused on creating a movement within the global science community towards opening up the scientific process for all – regardless of research, socio-economic background. Through this initiative, Yvonne worked across international science teams, industry and federal R&D agency partners, the White House, and science data users to develop a comprehensive plan on how to engage historically excluded communities to utilize NASA’s science data but more importantly ignite a discussion around the disparities and barriers into science for many minorities.
When Yvonne isn’t advising and providing data driven insights – you can find her leading strategy to create solutions with a focus on building and empowering diverse and equitable workplaces through her work at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy subcommittee, Compass Pro Bono, Junior League of Washington, and internal teams at Booz Allen Hamilton. She takes pride in being a connector, servant leader, and brainstorming partner. Prior to joining Booz Allen, Yvonne spent time at the National Archives as an archivist making the US Federal records findable and accessible to the public – working with special access, Pre-WWI, and US Presidential records. Yvonne holds a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences from the University of North Texas and received her Bachelor’s in English Literature from Spelman College. She enjoys volunteering at the DC Public Library, re-learning French, and drinking natural wines from all over the world. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Senior Lead Technologist, Booz Allen
Jessie specializes in implementing geospatial technology solutions across the public and humanitarian sectors. She has managed various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects on behalf of the Utah state government, as well as led GIS teams in the creation of humanitarian needs reports for areas in Syria and Iraq. Currently, Jessie serves as the Global GIS Manager for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. In this role, she leverages crowdsourcing and satellite imagery to generate maps in areas facing humanitarian crises.
Global GIS Manager Humanitarian OpenStreetMap
Moderator
Sarah Schellpfeffer is the Sector Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector, a premier provider of military and restricted payloads, spacecraft, and end-to-end space systems. Sarah is the customer interface for understanding the most critical mission needs driving the maturation and development of technologies and architectures across the Space Systems sector while supporting enterprise mission and technology development — ensuring cross-domain integration. Prior to this role, Sarah was a mission architect and customer interface for restricted program execution and development, serving operations throughout the United States, including California, Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia. Additionally, her role in the corporate-led JADC2 Campaign encompassed program integration across platforms and domains, including end-to-end systems within the NG Aeronautics, Defense, and Mission Systems Sectors.
Sarah’s career has encompassed air and space platforms across payload, ground, and vehicle development. She has worked at all levels of integration and phases of a program life cycle: system, payload, unit, and ground architecture. She has held roles in system engineering leadership for autonomous airborne subsystems, large system verification, and government user interface definition for a major restricted space program development. Before joining Northrop Grumman in 2007 as a communication systems engineer, Sarah worked for the Boeing Company on military aircraft mission computer and radar development and flight test, as well as commercial and military satellite communications, end-to-end systems engineering, and business development.
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi, IEEE, and the Society of Women Engineers.
Sector Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Space Systems Sector Northrop Grumman
Space Beyond STEM: Diversifying the Space Workforce
The space industry offers a plethora of career opportunities beyond rocket scientists and astronauts. With the space economy projected to reach a staggering one trillion dollars by 2030, there is a growing demand for individuals with vibrant and diverse backgrounds to help propel the global space industry to new heights. From art and film to business and law, this panel will explore the myriad of careers shaping the trajectory of the space industry beyond traditional STEM fields. Reimagine how you think about a career in space and explore the evolution of the space industry into a multidimensional workforce.
Panelists
Lauren Ward is a digital communications professional with over 10 years of experience telling science stories for institutions like NASA, National Geographic, and Smithsonian. She specializes in developing narratives that demystify complicated science while telling a parallel story about universal human experiences. Formerly a science writer and video producer, she is now the Head of Original Content for NASA’s new digital streaming service, NASA+. Lauren holds a master’s degree in Ocean Science from Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
NASA Head of Original Content NASA
AJ Link is openly autistic. AJ received his JD from The George Washington University Law School and his LL.M in Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is the inaugural director of The Center for Air and Space Law Task Force on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Aerospace and an adjunct professor of space law at Howard University School of Law.
AJ serves as a research director for the Jus Ad Astra project and has previously served as Communications Director for AstroAccess. He is the Space Law and Policy Chair for Black in Astro and was the founding president of the National Disabled Law Students Association. He also helped found the National Disabled Legal Professionals Association and is a commissioner on the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights.
AJ is a policy analyst for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. He has been actively involved with disability advocacy in the Washington, D.C., area and nationally within the United States. He serves on several advisory boards and steering committees focusing on disability advocacy and broader social justice movements.
Professor of Space Law Howard University School of Law
Sonya Gavankar McKay is an expert brand storyteller with the heart of a journalist and the voice of a publicist. An award-winning director of strategic communication with exceptional success showcasing the mission and achievements of public and private sector organizations, she currently serves as Senior Director of Digital Strategy for Axiom Space, Earth’s first commercial space station company. She seamlessly ties together an earned, owned and shared media strategy that is innovative, creative and takes calculated risks.
Prior to her current role, she was brought to the U.S. Space Force from the private sector, to deliver much needed vibrancy to the Department of Defense’s digital media practices, breathing life into establishing the newest branch of the military in 75 years and creating a unique and recognizable brand. Her work with the Newseum brought a cohesive voice to the 250,000 square feet of exhibit and interactive programming by representing the organization in live interviews, producing award winning documentaries and lending her likeness to animated characters.
She is also the host of the nationally syndicated “The Tech Show” and can be seen hosting programs and giving commentary on everything from hard news to cooking shows on affiliates, PBS, QVC and even the Puppy Bowl!
For two decades she has been an in-demand speaker, moderator and trainer. She loves working with young people to cultivate career success using a unique connection between personal brand building and social graces. In doing so she is able to tap into their potential and push them to new career heights. The herExchange podcast is a supporting endeavor that brings a unique perspective and insightful conversations coupled with professional development tools.
Philanthropy is an important part of her life. Sonya has served on several non-profit boards that focus on education and social change, like the Hugh O’Brian Foundation, The Miss America Organization and Ladies America.
Sonya represented Washington, DC in the 1997 Miss America Pageant and was the first Indian American contestant in the history of the competition.
She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, 10 year old son and Rottweiler puppy.
Director of Digital Strategy Axiom
Moderator
Kelli Kedis Ogborn drives organizational and product growth in disruptive technology commercialization of space and defense innovations. With extensive experience in R&D and cutting-edge technology applications for the U.S. government and private sector, her qualitative and quantitative methodologies guide organizations and companies that are transitioning from development ecosystems to market capitalization.
As Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, Kedis Ogborn leverages her expertise to spearhead Space Commerce Institute, an initiative designed to deliver informed insight and actionable programming to help companies and individuals find their market share and grow within the burgeoning space economy. Prior to joining Space Foundation, Kedis Ogborn was President and Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Rockets Corporation (an aerospace company specializing in hypersonic flight), President and Chief Executive Officer of H.S. Dracones (a consulting company specializing in technology commercialization), and was contracted as the Congressional Liaison to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In the DARPA liaison role, she provided advice to senior leadership and technical offices on Congressional engagement strategies to maintain the agency’s position and reputation as a premier science and technology organization.
Kedis Ogborn is an often-published author on the market applications of innovation and has worked extensively as an authoritative voice within the emerging space economy – qualifying and quantifying the economic drivers and technology trends driving the industry forward and shaping its investment potential and growth. She is a frequent panel reviewer and technology assessor for commercialization merit of government R&D proposals, a mentor for entrepreneurs, and a speaker for STEM and space initiatives.
She holds an International Security and Conflict Resolution Bachelor’s Degree from San Diego State University, a Political Science Bachelor’s Degree from Stockholm University, and a Master’s Degree in Government and Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Vice President Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship Space Foundation
Championing Change: Practical Steps for Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
As workplaces across the nation define their approach to DEI, employees at all levels of decision making play a significant role in driving progress. Join our expert panel for a thoughtful discussion on actionable strategies, personal insights, and successful initiatives aimed at cultivating a workplace that champions diversity and ensures equity and inclusion for all. Engage in this critical conversation to learn how you can support socially responsible solutions and contribute to creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. This discussion is a must-attend for individuals and organizations committed to advancing DEI and building a workplace that champions the diverse perspectives within your organization and the broader space community.
Panelists
Nicole Lassiter has been employed at NASA since March 2018 and currently serves as NASA’s DEIA Program Manager where she is responsible for developing and facilitating comprehensive strategies for implementing cultural change in all aspects of leveraging diversity and inclusion within NASA.
Prior to joining NASA, Nicole worked in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Governmentwide Office of Diversity & Inclusion. In this capacity she advised leadership on governmentwide diversity and inclusion initiatives; collaborated with senior leadership to facilitate activities that addressed issues as they applied to the intersection of the employee lifecycle and agency mission; interpreted policy, developed guidance, and provided expert advice and technical assistance to federal agencies; fostered partnerships and advised various stakeholder groups to achieve common goals; and applied research, policy and data analysis, and project management skills to develop, track,and monitor outcomes of multiple programs and projects simultaneously. Nicole also served as a Lead Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist where she managed complaints processing, compliance reporting, investigated complaints of discrimination, and managed the agency’s Anti-Harassment and Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs.
Prior to joining OPM, she held various positions at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where she served as Legal Clerk to the EEOC Administrative Judges in the Washington Field Office, and as an Administrator Officer where she developed and implemented systems to execute efficient day-to-day program operations in services and organizational effectiveness.Nicole has 29 years of experience in equal employment opportunity programs and diversity, equity, and inclusion and holds a Certificate of Mastery in Federal Government Competencies in Diversity and Inclusion from Georgetown University.
Agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Program Manager
NASA Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) – HQ
Bridget L. Chatman holds the position of Chair of the Board for Women In Aerospace, making her the first Black woman to lead this international organization. WIA is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, particularly in leadership roles for women in the aerospace industry. Bridget is also the Vice President of Business Development Transformation for SAIC, a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s digital transformation.
With over 28 years of successful experience in corporate strategy, business development and capture management in the aerospace, Chatman joined SAIC in 2011 to focus on high-growth civilian government accounts. During her tenure, she organized high-performing technical teams to grow SAIC revenues in new business and protect key accounts. In 2020, SAIC’s CEO appointed her to help accelerate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and shape a differentiated experience in career progression for all employees. In this role, Chatman brought significant structure and intentionality around SAIC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy including execution of top priorities; metrics reporting; women, minority and recruiting programs; education and awareness campaigns; policy updates; expanded partnerships; and ERG governance. A two-time winner of the SAIC CEO Award, Chatman has been recognized for mission focus and impact on growth at SAIC.
Chatman is a White House Vice President appointee to the National Space Council’s User Advisory Group, where she provides advice and recommendations on space policy and programs serving on three subcommittees, including the STEM Education, DE&I Outreach subcommittee. As a founding member and former Chair of the WashingtonExec Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Chatman led the council in bringing together industry and government officials to share mutual interests and strategies. Chatman also serves as a committee member for the SAIC Foundation, the company’s charitable foundation.
Chatman has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and statistics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, an Executive
Certificate in Economics from the University of Oxford and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Human Resource
Policy certificate from eCornell. She is an alumna of the McKinsey Black Executives Leadership program, a
Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and a recent 2022 honoree of Washington Business Journal Top 25 Diversity In Business Award and 2023 Person on the Move. Chatman volunteers in many organizations supporting underrepresented communities around the Washington DC metro area.
Chair of the Board, Women In Aerospace
Vice President, SAIC
Billy Gallagher (they/them) currently works on development and testing of autonomy systems for aerial vehicles, both full-scale piloted platforms and small-scale unpiloted platforms, at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. They were previously a senior robotic systems engineer and robot operator with NASA’s Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Projects Division at Goddard Space Flight Center, supporting development of robotic technologies for remotely servicing satellites, in-space assembly and manufacturing, and exploration of solar system bodies, including innovative operator interfaces using AR and VR, techniques for manipulating soft materials such as thermal insulation blanketing, and technologies for increased autonomy including machine vision. Their projects at NASA included the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission, the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign’s Capture, Containment, & Return System (CCRS), the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), and the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM). They received a Ph.D. in Robotics and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Their academic research focused on robotic design for intelligent human robot interaction, including a novel compliant control system for physical human robot interaction that adjusted based on sensed feedback from the operator.
Autonomy & Robotics Researcher
Senior Professional Staff
Intelligent Platforms Group
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Moderator
Ginny (she/her) is a leadership & career coach with more than a decade of program management experience across industries, including innovation and design in higher education, diversity and inclusion advocacy in nonprofit organizations, and international policymaking at NASA. In her work with clients, Ginny emphasizes tactical skill building, reflection, and self-trust in order to create results in the workplace and in every corner of life. In addition to her coaching practice, Ginny works as the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Career Programs at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Ginny also served as the Event Manager for SGx2022. Ginny is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and holds a BA in Public Policy Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Assistant Director McDonough Career Center – Undergraduate Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business
