‘SARAH, NORA WILL MAKE AMAZING MENTORS’
More talents to benefit from the Arab Space Pioneers Programme with UAESA
The UAE’s top women in space will make ‘amazing global mentors,’ according to Shelli Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer of the US Space Foundation, who is one of only 35 women worldwide to be selected by the United Nations as a mentor for its Space4Women programme.
Currently in the UAE to take part at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Space Week sessions and the US Mission to the UAE’s Winter Programme of events, Brunswick spoke to Gulf News in an exclusive interview on Monday after an outreach session at the Dubai Entrepreneurship Centre.
Brunswick said she was impressed by the female talents in the UAE’s space sector. Having met Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Arab woman astronaut, Brunswick said they are amazing leaders who would make amazing mentors.
Wonderful opportunity
“Sarah and Nora will be amazing mentors and I think the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs would be honoured to have them or anyone they recommend [from their team] as a mentor,” she said.
“I think the UN will shortly open the programme for individuals to apply to be mentors, both men and women. It is a wonderful opportunity globally for individuals to find a mentor and a role model that is in their region that can help them with their discipline.”
Often, she said, a mentor can help one get awareness and access to training and connect with the right organisations to help women become part of the space eco system.
“I have had wonderful mentors in my life growing up in my career. This is my way of giving back to the next generation by being a mentor … You can be a mentor at any stage of your career and mentor the next generation,” said Brunswick, who brings a broad perspective and deep vision of the global space ecosystem. “Many times women that reach out to me are entrepreneurs looking to develop their company or looking for a transition from one industry to come into the space sector. The right mentors can help them,” she elaborated.
Speaking about Space Foundation’s collaboration with the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), Brunswick said more regional talent stand to benefit from the Arabic version of the Arab Space Pioneers Programme, the first intensive scientific training scheme of its kind in the Arab World, jointly organised by both the entities last month.
I think the UN will shortly open the programme for individuals to apply to be mentors, both men and women.”
Shelli Brunswick | COO, US Space Foundation