A panel featuring top executives from key aerospace companies discussed significant advancements and leadership roles for women in the technology and space sectors at a recent conference. The event, titled “Women Redefining Tech & Space,” highlighted personal journeys and insights from industry leaders, emphasizing the vital contributions women are making in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Moderated by Dr. Anita Sengupta, a rocket scientist and CEO of Hydroplane Ltd., the panel included Wendy Shimata, Vice President of Autonomous Systems at Varda Space Industries, and Melanie Pittaluga, Director of Marketing and Communications at Millennium Space Systems. Their discussion centered on the rapid growth of the space industry, pathways to leadership, and the importance of fostering inclusive environments.
Panelist Melanie Pittaluga shared her unconventional journey into aerospace. Initially pursuing a career in fashion design, her aspirations shifted after taking an astronomy class taught by a retired NASA astronaut. “It was not a predictable journey,” Pittaluga noted, reflecting on how her early interests in business and textiles led her to an internship at NASA focused on spacesuits. This experience ignited her passion for blending creativity with scientific inquiry.
Wendy Shimata, who has been passionate about space since childhood, recounted her experience as the only female in her applied physics and engineering major. She began her professional career at Hughes Space and Communications before joining SpaceX. There, she became the software lead for the Crew Dragon 2 program, playing a crucial role in its success. “To be the first mission director on communications was just phenomenal,” Shimata stated, highlighting her significant achievements at Varda Space Industries.
Both women emphasized the importance of storytelling in inspiring future generations. Pittaluga encouraged attendees to share their experiences, stating, “By sharing our stories, we can help inspire others.” She noted that at Millennium, initiatives like “Supporting Women in Millennium” aim to create supportive networks for women in STEM fields. Shimata echoed this sentiment, advising women to seek communities that uplift and motivate them.
Dr. Sengupta, who founded Hydroplane to address the lack of female-led aerospace companies, stressed the importance of women leading change in the industry. She remarked, “There’s almost no women who are starting aerospace companies. Five years in, we’re still going strong.”
The panelists also touched on the evolving landscape of the space industry. As the costs of launches decrease and opportunities increase, they see immense potential for innovation. Shimata highlighted Varda’s success in retrieving products from space, underscoring the company’s role in pioneering commercial reentry missions.
Pittaluga shared her insights on effectively communicating complex information. “I am not the technical expert on small satellites, but my superpower allows me to sit with the engineers and look at what they’re talking about from an outsider’s perspective,” she explained. This ability to translate technical jargon into accessible language is crucial for connecting with broader audiences.
As the discussion concluded, Shimata and Pittaluga reflected on the challenges they faced as women in their fields. Both emphasized persistence and building credibility through integrity. “You have to build upon your integrity, and then people start to trust you with projects,” Shimata advised.
The “Women Redefining Tech & Space” panel not only showcased the contributions of women in aerospace but also served as a call to action for increased representation and support in the industry. As these leaders continue to break barriers, their stories offer inspiration for the next generation of innovators.
