NASA Celebrates Trailblazers During Women's History Month Event

"Women have made tremendous contributions to NASA over the years," she
said. "They've been astronauts, scientists, engineers, program
managers and served in many other capacities. We have an obligation
to reach out to the next generation and inspire today's girls to
pursue science and technology careers. Expanding opportunities in
these fields will give perspectives and expertise to win the future."

During the event, NASA announced the creation of a new website that
features women in NASA careers telling their stories in their own
words. The website has 32 video interviews with women of diverse
backgrounds who represent different aspects of the agency's work.
Subjects include Garver, astronauts, engineers and scientists. They
discuss their accomplishments and offer encouragement to women and
girls considering technical careers so they can become the
trailblazers of tomorrow. The site also provides information about
NASA internships and career opportunities.

Visit the new website at:

http://women.nasa.gov

Garver took part in the event with NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell
Dyson. Dyson recently returned from a six-month stay aboard the
International Space Station. She shared her experiences aboard the
orbiting laboratory and noted how a NASA role model stirred her
aspirations to become an astronaut. That role model was Teacher in
Space Christa McAuliffe, who died in the space shuttle Challenger
accident along with six fellow crewmates in 1986.

Valerie Jarrett, a senior White House advisor, assistant to the
president for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement, and
chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, also spoke. She
discussed the importance of encouraging young women to pursue a solid
education and providing them with more opportunities to enter any
career field they choose, even those sometimes perceived as traditionally male.

NASA aerospace education specialist Trena Ferrell conducted an
interactive science demonstration. The students also watched a
performance by the Science Cheerleaders, a group of professional
cheerleaders-turned-scientists and engineers who challenge
stereotypes while helping to inspire young women to pursue careers in
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). STEM education is
a key focus of NASA's education efforts aimed at developing the next
generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.

This special Women's History Month event featured a panel discussion
that allowed the students to interact with the female NASA
trailblazers featured in the show.

For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

For information about the White House Council on Women and Girls, visit:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cwg

Source: NASA

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