Very much a man’s world during the first thirty years of its existence, NASA began regularly recruiting female personnel during the 1980s. Though the first who took on technical roles at Kennedy Space Center had to face challenges (one recalls being mistaken for a secretary), the environment has completely changed, with women working in many fields, often as team leaders.
Kathy Leuders, program manager for the Commercial Crew Program, had noticed inequality at some of the worlds’ other space agencies so understands how women like herself can serve as role models for girls not only in the United...