This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic STS-7 mission and becoming the first American woman in space. 

To honor her, we’re hosting a day filled with conversations with extraordinary women in science and all-ages STEM activities. Come honor and celebrate the women and gender-expansive innovators in STEM and show us how you #ShineLikeSally!

The day kicks off with 'Sally Speaks,' 20-minute Ted Talk-style lectures from eight innovative women scientists:

  • Linda Dawson, former NASA engineer
  • Rachel Dempsey, Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH)
  • Dana Karwas, Director of the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media (CCAM) at Yale University
  • Kavya Manyapu, NASA engineer
  • Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, astronaut
  • Harshita Nedunuri, Ultra Space Research Fellow at CCAM
  • Jaleesa Trapp, PhD Student, MIT Media Lab
  • Erika Wagner, Blue Origin Senior Director, Emerging Market Development 

Afterwards, engage with folks in the space industry at a Resource Fair focused on women in STEM, featuring groups like Women in Aviation, GEMS, SPIN and more. Blue Origin's Club for the Future will be here to unveil their Postcards to Space mailbox, with an opportunity to write a postcard of your very own.


FREE with Museum Admission. 
This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool.


If you are 21+, the festivities continue with our Sally's Night After Party. Click the button below to learn more.

21+ After Party Info

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM


Schedule

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Resource Fair
Engage with folks in the space industry at a Resource Fair focused on women in STEM, featuring groups like Women in Aviation, GEMS, SPIN and more.

10:30 AM - Ribbon Cutting for Blue Origin's Postcards to Space Mailbox

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM - Weekend Family Workshops
Hands-on, family crafts investigating science, engineering, and aerospace topics in fun and surprising ways.

11:00 AM to 2:40 PM - 'Sally Speaks' Lectures
Short, 20-minute Ted Talk-style lectures from eight innovative women scientists:

  • 11:00 AM - Linda Dawson
  • 11:40 PM - Kavya Manyapu
  • 12:10 PM - Rachel Dempsey
  • 12:40 PM - Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger
  • 1:10 PM - Jaleesa Trapp
  • 1:40 PM - Erika Wagner
  • 2:10 PM - Dana Karwas and Harshita Nedunuri

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM - Weekend Family Workshops
Hands-on, family crafts investigating science, engineering, and aerospace topics in fun and surprising ways.


Event schedule is subject to change.
Note: The Spacesuit Design Challenge Fashion Show has been cancelled.