Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Kelly Page, President of Barrios Technology, a woman-owned and operated small business with a long-standing legacy supporting NASA and advancing space exploration. Kelly shares her journey from growing up surrounded by the space industry to becoming the second-generation leader of a trailblazing woman-owned business with the guidance of her mother and former guest, Sandy Johnson. Kelly reveals the challenges and rewards of leading alongside family, her visi...
Jun 30, 2025•40 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, we're joined by Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space and Craig Technologies. As the first female founder to take a space company public, Carol shares the journey that led her from a career in the Navy to building a legacy in space and defense. She also discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the aerospace industry, from fundraising hurdles to breaking through outdated expectations. ~~~ Where to Find Carol Craig Technologies LinkedIn Where to Find Sidus Space Si...
Jun 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Labra, Vice President of the Science and Space Human Exploration Division at KBR. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Houston and a career in aerospace spanning more than three decades, Laurie leads a team of over 2,750 employees and oversees multiple high-value contracts that support NASA’s most critical human spaceflight missions. After beginning out as an astronaut instructor for the Space Shuttle Program, Laurie has advanced to ...
May 26, 2025•27 min•Ep. 43
In this episode, we’re joined by Meghan Pipitone, Advanced Project Engineer at Honeywell and co-inventor of life-sustaining technologies for spacecraft and marine environments. With a background in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego, Meghan has played a key role in developing CO₂ removal systems for NASA missions, including the groundbreaking Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid System (CDRILS). Meghan’s work sits at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, pushi...
May 12, 2025•33 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsten Whittingham, President of MAX SPACE, the company developing expandable space habitats designed for greater livability, lower cost, and easier launches. With a background in aerospace engineering and leadership roles at Axiom Space and Pratt & Whitney, Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and a passion for operational excellence to the future of space infrastructure. Listen now on all platforms! --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily ...
Apr 28, 2025•44 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Maraia Tanner, Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of STAR HARBOR, the company behind the world’s first publicly accessible spaceflight training facility. With a degree in astrophysics from UC Irvine, Maraia’s career spans the commercial and defense sectors, including engineering roles at TRW, Northrop Grumman, NASA, and JPL. She’s contributed to major missions like the Mars Sample Return and Space Interferometry Mission, co-authoring work on the structural challenge...
Apr 14, 2025•38 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Fell, an Outreach and Marketing specialist at Lunar Outpost Oceania and a PhD candidate in Quantum Cognition. Lauren’s cutting-edge research explores how quantum concepts shape human intuition, particularly in trust-based decision-making. Lauren has contributed to projects like reforestation in the Galapagos and paleontology in Argentina and was honored with the Inspiring Future Leader Award at the QLD 40 under 40 Awards in 2023. Her work has been publishe...
Mar 31, 2025•45 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Lucas, a trailblazer in space and education. From working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to becoming a technical instructor for astronauts and flight controllers, Michelle’s career has been driven by her passion for space. But her journey didn’t stop there. Michelle founded Higher Orbits, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders through the wonders of space. Tune in to hear how Michelle is using her experiences to spark curi...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min
In today's episode, we're joined by Diane Howard, Principal of sur l'espace PLLC and Visiting Professor at UT Austin School of Law/Strauss Center for International and Security Studies. Diane takes us through her unique career journey, from the fashion industry to space law, and ultimately to her former role as Director of Commercial Space Policy at the National Space Council in the Executive Office of the President. --- Where to Find Diane: Linkedin --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced by Sicily ...
Feb 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 37
In today's episode, we're joined by Meagan Crawford, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund, Co-Founder of the NewSpace Business Plan Competition, and Host of the Mission Eve Podcast. This week, Meagan dives into her journey of starting her own VC firm, how startups can find success through space business plan competitions, and the importance of women of all ages pursing space related endeavors to achieve human civilization in space. --- Where to Find Megan: Mission Eve Podcast SpaceFund N...
Feb 10, 2025•43 min•Ep. 36
In today's episode, we're joined by Beth Mund, Owner of Stellar Communications, Executive Director and Founder of STORIES of Space, and Host and Creator of the Casual Space Podcast. In this week's conversation, Beth takes a seat at the other side of the podcast table where she shares her experience as a a former Public Affairs Officer at NASA'S Johnson Space Center, how that experience led her to creating her podcast and non-profit, and the challenges and joys of being an analog astronaut. ~~~ W...
Jan 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 35
Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Marisa Achée, the Chief Business Development Officer at a.i. solutions. Join us in this week's conversation where we discuss the marriage between engineering and business development, fostering an employee-centric company culture in small businesses, and how to collaborate with your competitors, transforming them into "competimates". ~~~ Where to Find Marisa https://www.facebook.com/aisolutionsinc https://twitter.com/ai_sol https://www.linkedin.com/company/...
Jan 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 34
Today on In Her Orbit, we’re bringing together some of our favorite moments from our first year of podcasting. The conversation ranges from professional success and mentorship, to community and family, bringing a comprehensive picture to the female experience in the space industry. —- Guests featured: Dr. Tanya Harrison // Apple | Spotify Loretta Hidalgo-Whitesides // Apple | Spotify Brittany Pitcel // Apple | Spotify Dr. Christyl Johnson // Apple | Spotify Kellie Gerardi // Apple | Spotify Nega...
Dec 30, 2024•38 min•Ep. 33
Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Sheila Lucas, A Strategic Growth Leader focusing on Strategy & Business Development and Space Ground Solutions at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.. Join us in this week's conversation where we explore the multitude of pathways to the space industry, and the importance of fostering confidence in young women and girls as they embark on their professional journeys. ~~~ Where to Find Sheila: https://www.instagram.com/sheilaleonelucas/ https://www.link...
Dec 09, 2024•37 min•Ep. 32
In today's episode, we're welcoming Sandy Barker, Associate Director and Export Control Officer at The University of Texas at Austin. Join us as we discuss Sandy's experience at NASA JSC, The Texas Rocket Engineering Lab (TREL) at UT Austin, and how a strong support system is crucial to personal and professional success. --- Where to find Sandy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandybarker --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on:...
Nov 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 31
In today's anniversary episode, we are joined by Karsen Kitchen, the Founder and CEO of Orbitelle, Student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Blue Origin Astronaut. While Karsen has been working towards her BA in Communications at UNC, she founded Orbitelle, a foundation dedicated to supporting young women in the space industry, and made history as the youngest woman to cross the Kármán Line on Blue Origin's NS-26 mission. Join Shawn and Karsen in this week's discussion as we explore how regardless of your...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 30
Today on In Her Orbit we’re joined by Irene Chan, a Flight Planning Engineer at Summit Technologies & Solutions, Inc. where she brings her passion for problem solving to life in support of the International Space Station. In this episode we discuss the importance of finding a supportive profesional community, turning your passions into a career, and how staying true to yourself will reap the greatest reward. - - - Where to find Irene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneschan/ https://www.insta...
Oct 28, 2024•43 min•Ep. 29
In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Dr. Timiebi Aganaba, a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in Society. We're so excited to have her join us and share her trailblazing story of being at the forefront of space innovation across the world, inspiring generations of women along the way. --- Where to find Dr. Aganaba: https://search.asu.edu/profile/3344008 Ladies Do Launch Podcast --- Hosted by Sh...
Oct 14, 2024•55 min•Ep. 28
This week we're joined by Caryn Schenewerk, the President and Founder of CS Consulting LLC, where her decades of experience in space law and public policy provide clients with unparalleled strategic guidance. Join us as we discuss Caryn's transition from government offices to commercial space, the growing space law and policy sector, and a glimpse into its future through Caryn's experience as a Commercial Space Law professor at Georgetown University! --- Where to find Caryn https://www.csconsult...
Sep 30, 2024•46 min•Ep. 27
In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Amanda Golembieski, the Principal Systems Engineer at Qwaltec! Join us in our conversation about finding hands-on opportunities in college, what it's like working at Johnson Space Center, and how a supportive professional community is crucial to managing your personal and professional journeys. --- Where to find Amanda: https://www.qwaltec.com/ LinkedIn --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- F...
Sep 16, 2024•39 min•Ep. 26
This week's guest is Ariane Cornell, the Vice President of In-Space Systems at Blue Origin. In this episode, Ariane and Shawn discuss Ariane's highlights at Blue Origin, her childhood dreams of space, and how the family unit is crucial to success every step of the way. --- Where to find Ariane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianecornell/ https://www.blueorigin.com/blue-ring --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram L...
Sep 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 25
This week's guest is Jessica Rousset, the Director of Arizona State University's Interplanetary Initiative! In this episode, Shawn and Jessica discuss how having a non-space background can provide unique perspective when looking to our space future, and how full-picture diversity is just the start to effective collaboration. --- Where to find Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalrousset/ https://interplanetary.asu.edu/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Sup...
Aug 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 24
This week we’re joined by Sharon Hagle, the Founder and CEO of SpaceKids Global, a foundation bringing space education opportunities to children nationwide. In this episode, Shawn and Sharon discuss inspiring children to build our space future, the importance of STEAM education, and Sharon’s experience of flying to space with Blue Origin! Where to find Sharon: www.spacekids.global https://www.facebook.com/thespacekidsglobal https://twitter.com/spacekidsglobal https://www.instagram.com/spacekidsg...
Jul 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of In Her Orbit, we’re joined by Coralie Adam, the Optical Navigation Lead at KinetX! Today we dive deep into what it takes to fly a spacecraft through the cosmos and what steps it takes to get there. - - - Where to find Coralie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralieadam https://www.kinetx.com/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook...
Jul 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 22
This week on In Her Orbit we are joined by Sadie Duffy, the founder and CEO of Astralis Technologies! Starting a new business is a daunting task, especially with imposter syndrome causing self-doubt. In this episode, Shawn and Sadie discuss how they moved through it to build successful, ethical, and holistic businesses. --- Where to find Sadie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadieduffy/ https://www.astralistechnologies.com/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported...
Jun 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 21
In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Celeste Ford, the Founder and Board Chair of Stellar Solutions, and Managing Director of Stellar Ventures! Join us as Shawn and Celeste unpack how her experience as one of the first female engineering students at The University of Notre Dame built the confidence she needed to start her own engineering business and now enter the world of venture capital. --- Where to find Celeste: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceford/ https://stellarsolutions.com/...
Jun 10, 2024•37 min•Ep. 20
This week, we are joined by Laura Crabtree, the Co-Founder and CEO of Epsilon3! In today's episode, we discuss Laura's experience training crew at SpaceX, the freedoms that come from starting your own business, and the transition from technical to front-end business roles. --- Where to Find Laura: www.twitter.com/epsilon3inc www.instagram.com/epsilon3inc www.linkedin.com/epsilon3inc www.linkedin.com/lauracrabtree --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwal...
May 27, 2024•36 min•Ep. 19
It's a Mother's Day special! This week, our host Shawn Linam is interviewed by her two daughters, Camryn and Avery Garza. Join us as Shawn and her daughters discuss what it was like growing up with the business, the future of the industry for mothers, and family. --- Camryn Garza on LinkedIn Avery Garza on LinkedIn --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook...
May 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 18
Today's guest is Negar Feher, the CEO of Orbital Outpost X! This week, Negar and Shawn discuss family dynamics, transitioning to the front-end of business, and the growing community of female CEOs! --- Where to find Negar: https://www.orbitaloutpostx.com/ https://sustainablespaceconsulting.com/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook...
Apr 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 17
Today we are joined by Maria Varmazis, host of the N2K T-Minus Space Daily Podcast! In this episode, Shawn and Maria share their thoughts on the importance of communications and media in STEM, the secret behind public speaking, and the connections between the cybersecurity and space industries. --- Where to find Maria: https://www.mvarmazis.com/ https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus Sticky Pickles Spotify // Apple --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qw...
Apr 15, 2024•42 min•Ep. 16
