As NASA and the nation prepare the way for the first woman to set boots on the Moon through the Artemis program, we celebrate the many “firsts” achieved by the women of Marshall Space Flight Center. Marshall is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month, highlighting the work and contributions of team members across the center. Led by our first woman center director, these “first ladies” of Marshall are guiding and supporting our missions through engineering, science, communications, legal counsel, and other roles.
Jody Singer
Title: Director
My role at NASA: Managing Marshall and Michoud Assembly Facility. Marshall is one of NASA’s largest field installations, with nearly 6,000 on- and near-site civil service and contractor employees, with an annual budget of approximately $3.6 billion.
Hometown: Hartselle, Alabama
Years at NASA: 36
Why I do what I do: Being the Marshall director is an honor of a lifetime. I do what I do because I love what our agency, and the people who make it possible, do. It’s not hard to dedicate your life to something that betters humankind with every triumph, supports jobs nationwide, and inspires the next generation of explorers and scientists. Every day I am inspired by the talented workforce that continues to deliver on our missions despite technical challenges, pandemic impacts, and natural disasters. I work hard for the people of Marshall, who are the best part of what we do. We are going forward together with our many partners in industry, academia, and this community. I always say, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, let’s go together.”
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? I am looking forward to seeing the first woman, along with the next man, set foot on the surface of the Moon. I can’t wait to look up at the Moon and realize a woman is there, for the first time. This is just one reason the Artemis program is inspiring, and why I’m working so hard to let people know what we are doing at Marshall to support it.
Women who have inspired or influenced me: My mother and sister inspired and encouraged me to chase my dreams and to pursue a STEM field.
I have looked up to so many other strong women who led the way and took the time to mentor me and share with me their lessons learned, which included being a resilient and caring leader who could be comfortable in my own skin. They also challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and not be afraid of failure. One of those is Carolyn Griner, who served as the Marshall deputy director and for a time as acting director. Even after her retirement in 2002, she coached me on how to bring a team with you as you have to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. That lesson sticks with me even today. I want to thank the women and men who have helped me along the way.
I am also inspired by the talent and determination of young women today. I hope one day that they too will have a career in human exploration. I challenge them to be resilient, work hard, and accept challenges throughout their professional life. I would also tell them to never lose their enthusiasm, and always be ready to learn even decades into their careers!
Lisa Watson-Morgan
Title: Human Landing System Program Manager
My role at NASA: As the HLS Program Manager, I am responsible for the cost, schedule, and technical requirements for our return to the Moon, which is incredibly exciting. We are in the process of selecting our contractor that will become our partner (or partners) to help with the journey back to the lunar surface. When we return, we are going to a new location — the South Pole — instead of the equatorial landings made during the Apollo era. In addition, we will be sending the first woman and the next man, which is another exciting element.
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
Years at NASA: 31
Why I do what I do: I am driven by the complex, one-of-a-kind nature of our work. I like challenges. I like working as a team to complete a common goal. I like listening to the team’s ideas, the challenges, risks, technical designs, ensuring safety, etc. I learn something every day.
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? Land and walk on the Moon, of course.
Women who have inspired or influenced me: Ann McNair, Teresa Vanhooser, Jody Singer, Lesa Rowe, Kathy Lueders, Tereasa Washington, Caroline Griner and Dr. Jan Davis.
Audrey Robinson
Title: Chief Counsel, Marshall Space Flight Center
My role at NASA: I provide functional leadership advice, counsel, and legal representation on a wide variety of legal issues related to all aspects of NASA activities.
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
Years at NASA: 35
Why I do what I do: My desire to make a difference.
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? I’d like to see the first woman become NASA Administrator.
Women who have inspired or influenced me: First and foremost, my mother, Ivory Jackson, who is the strongest woman I know. She has endured and overcome unbelievable obstacles and tragedies in her life while remaining steadfast, kind, and faithful to her family and community. She is our rock.
My grandmothers, Willie Mae Myrick and Mary Robinson, were also incredible women who poured their strength, faith, and resiliency into me. I come from a long line of strong women who loved their families fiercely and worked hard to ensure that our needs were met. They were skilled at making a way out of no way.
A few teachers along the way who believed in me, like my first-grade teacher Nannie Joiner and my 10th-grade teacher Shirley McClain.
Some stellar NASA former supervisors like Susan M. Smith, retired Chief Counsel at Marshall, and Brenda Manuel, retired NASA Associate Administrator in the Office of Diversity & Equal Opportunity, And NASA colleagues who served as friends and mentors, including Tereasa Washington, Ann McNair, Sumara Thompson King, Pam Hanes, and Monica Ceruti.
So many women have inspired me and influenced my life and career, including my close friends, the young women I mentor, the women I work alongside, and so many others who are engaged in the battle to realize their goals and to pave the way for others to reach their goals as well.
Mary Beth Koelbl
Title: Director, Engineering Directorate
My role at NASA: I provide leadership for the Engineering Directorate to deliver cost-effective and quality technical products and services. I also provide strategic direction to ensure our resources and investments are aligned with the agency’s goals and objectives, and to develop the workforce for the future.
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Years at NASA: 35 in June
Why I do what I do: The people. There is such a great group of people at Marshall. I can’t wait until we are back at work in person!
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? Boots on the Moon, of course! Followed by some great scientific discovery while they’re up there.
Women who have inspired/influenced my life and career: My mother, of course, is my greatest inspiration. She was the reason I wanted a career in the first place. She has been my biggest supporter and I work every day not to disappoint her. My sister has also been quite influential. She is a great listener, offers the best advice, and remains my best friend.
June Malone
Title: Communications Director, Marshall Space Flight Center
My role at NASA: I lead a team of excellent communication professionals and oversee all internal and external communications efforts for the center, using all tools imaginable. We tell our story to the world, sometimes one person at a time, and at other times, to millions at once.
Hometown: Hoyleton, Illinois
Years at NASA: Almost 30
Why I do what I do: Because of the excellent people on my team and because of NASA’s unique mission. We must never lose sight of how others view NASA.
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? That women in their roles are not seen as a barrier breaker — that it’s a norm. That women are seen as strong and capable people in the workforce. I am excited to see the first woman on the Moon, and hope to see human explorers on Mars in my lifetime.
Women who have inspired or influenced me: My grandmothers. They were simple, kind, thoughtful, and patient. They were not formally educated, but were smart and wise women who deeply cared for others. Likewise my daughter – she’s never seen any boundaries that she didn’t think she could cross.
Shelia Nash-Stevenson
Title: Science Projects Manager
My role at NASA: It is my responsibility to work with the team, normally consisting of Marshall scientists and engineers, U.S. industry and academic partners, and international partners, to develop the plan for project success and to assure that plan is properly implemented. I make sure they have what they need to accomplish their tasks.
Hometown: Hillsboro, Alabama
Years at NASA: 32
Why I do what I do: I enjoy working with a team whose common goal is mission success, and who will do everything they can to make it happen, even if it means helping a teammate outside their area of expertise. The team realizes that each member has to succeed for the mission to be successful.
What is the next “first” by a woman you hope to see at NASA? I would like to see the first woman become NASA Administrator.
Women who have inspired/influenced my life and career: My mom taught me to never let anything get the best of me, and never to give up.
Also female high school teachers who expected me to do well, and I didn’t want to let them down. One female high school teacher did not feel I belonged in the Honor Society until I provided paperwork that proved I did. This taught me that not everyone will think I belong — it’s up to me to prove that I do.