leading the Way for Women in Aerospace and Beyond
Mishaal Ashemimry, an esteemed aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in the space industry, continues to break barriers and inspire aspiring scientists globally. As the Vice President for Diversity Initiatives at the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and a special advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Ashemimry’s career trajectory exemplifies perseverance and innovation in fields traditionally dominated by men.
In 2010, Ashemimry founded Mishaal Aerospace with the ambitious goal of building rockets, a dream that propelled her into the spotlight as the first female aerospace engineer in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Her journey to the top, however, was not without its challenges. “There were definitely many hurdles [at the beginning],” Ashemimry recalls. “The first one was the fact that aerospace engineering wasn’t available in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, I had to start my journey early from middle school and high school to prepare to get into aerospace engineering. Hence, I lived in the US most of my life away from my mom. This was tough, but necessary to get to where I am today.”
Ashemimry’s career is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her advice for aspiring scientists is both motivational and empowering: “The view from here [the top] is pretty amazing! So, don’t let anyone clip your wings. The sky, as they say, isn’t the limit–it’s just the beginning!”
Beyond her engineering feats, Ashemimry is also a commercial pilot, speaker, and influencer, leveraging her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within the aerospace sector. Her work with the IAF and the Saudi Space Agency aims to foster an environment where more women can enter and thrive in the industry.
Ashemimry’s story is an inspiring example of how women are leading in industries that were once difficult for them to join. Her success encourages young girls everywhere to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles, and highlights the importance of diversity in driving innovation and progress in aerospace and other fields.
Post Comment