By Sierra Pollard, Marketing Chair Women in Space
In an era where space exploration is no longer a distant dream but an evolving reality, the role of women in this domain is more critical than ever. The United States Space Force Association (USSFA) is paving the way for a future where women are not only included but are leading the charge. Leading this stellar mission is Lois Wardell, Ph.D., the brilliant Executive Chair of the USSFA’s Women in Space. With her leadership and vision, she’s not only reaching for the stars but also ensuring that female Guardians have the tools and support to shine brightly in the galaxy and beyond.
The Launch of USSFA Women in Space
The USSFA’s Women in Space was formed with a powerful drive to support female Guardians and ensure they have the resources, network, and opportunities to thrive in their careers. Dr. Lois Wardell, with her vast experience and passion for exploration, was the natural choice to lead this initiative.
“I’ve often been driven by the desire to do what others said a girl like me couldn’t do,” Wardell shared during our conversation, and her life is a testament to that unyielding spirit. From a solo trek to the base camp of Mount Everest to scuba diving in the depths of the ocean and even researching remote volcanoes, Wardell has left no corner of our planet unexplored. She’s touched every continent, delved into the mysteries of the earth, and pushed the boundaries of what it means to be an explorer. But for Wardell, the next frontier is not beneath her feet but above her head.
This passion for exploration also extends to her achievements in technology innovation, having excelled in a range of scientific and engineering fields. “Transitioning into the space sector reminds me of how it feels to work in Antarctica, so much of what you do and see is new and unique.” This boundless drive of curiosity is what led her to the Space Force Association, where she now channels her experiences into a new area of exploration.
Wardell’s approach to leadership in the space industry is rooted in her experiences leading science expeditions in high-stakes environments, where personality dynamics can be a matter of life and death. Her leadership philosophy is simple yet so profound: “don’t reinvent the wheel but build upon what’s already there to create something even greater”. Whether she’s leading small teams in extreme environments or assisting the next generation of female Guardians, Wardell’s mission is clear—to learn, create, and build a network that empowers women to reach for the stars and beyond.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Space
While there has been significant progress in the number of women entering the space industry, Wardell acknowledges that challenges remain. “There are so many more women in the industry today, but not in every room,” she observed, pointing out the persistent gap at higher corporate levels. The challenge, she believes, is not just attracting women to the field but retaining them.
“Retention is key,” she emphasized. Wardell is spearheading efforts to develop an advisory panel within the USSFA, aimed at addressing the specific challenges women face in the space industry and prioritizing the actions needed to overcome them. She advocates for partnerships with industry leaders to create environments where women can thrive and remain engaged in their careers.
Wardell’s advice to young women aspiring to enter the space industry is rooted in passion and resilience. “Lead with passion and follow it. Exploration opens so many doors, and failure is just a data point—don’t be afraid of it,” she said. Her inspiration comes from the passionate people she works with in the Space Force Units, and she is driven by the rapid pace of technological development in the field. “The space technology race is exciting and engaging, and we are needed here.” Joining Women in Space will help build that community where we can learn to support each other.
The Future of Women in Space
Under Wardell’s leadership, Women in Space is poised to become a vital community in the space industry. The committee’s initiatives are designed not only to support women guardians but to create a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes all women interested in the space community. As the USSFA continues to grow, so too does its commitment to fostering a community where women can lead with confidence, creativity, and passion.
For those looking to join, Wardell’s message is clear: “Find us and join the conversation!” The Women in Space is not just a network, it’s a movement dedicated to empowering the next generation of space leaders.
A Note from the Author:
What a blast it was to virtually sit down with Lois and dive into her incredible vision for Women in Space! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the crew as Marketing Chair and can’t wait to help launch some out-of-this-world conversations. If you know a remarkable woman in the space industry who deserves to be in the spotlight, or if you’d like to be featured yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!
Join the Women in Space group on LinkedIn, and let’s get this conversation orbiting! I can’t wait to (hopefully) meet you all at the 2024 Space Power Conference!
