About Us
Our Vision
We envision a world where women can lead, innovate, and shape the future of space exploration, free from barriers or limitations. Through connection, collaboration, and support, we strive to create a more inclusive space community where women can thrive and make lasting contributions to the industry.
Our Mission
Women In Space (WIS) is dedicated to advancing the representation, leadership, and visibility of women across the space industry. We build an inclusive community that fosters connection, collaboration, and professional growth while celebrating the contributions of women in space exploration, science, and innovation.
Our Inspiration
Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring a Mission.
Women In Space is proudly inspired by the late Sumethirai Nandhakumaran, whose passion for engineering and dedication to aerospace continue to inspire our work. Her dedication and perseverance serve as a lasting source of inspiration as we work to connect, inspire, and empower women across the space industry.
Sumethirai Nandhakumaran
Women In Space is proudly dedicated to the memory of the late Sumethirai Nandhakumaran, whose passion for engineering and contributions to the aerospace industry continue to inspire our mission. After earning her Electronics Engineering degree from Carleton University, Sumethirai built a successful career as an Electronics Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace in Canada. Notably, she worked as a flight control electronics design engineer on the Lockheed Martin X-33. Through her achievements, she demonstrated the impact women can have in advancing aerospace and technology.
Her dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments serve as a lasting source of inspiration for women pursuing careers in STEM and the space industry. Her journey continues to inspire our commitment to fostering a supportive community that connects, inspires, and empowers women across the space industry.
What We do
Connecting Women. Building Leaders.
Advancing the Space industry.
WIS provides networking, mentorship, leadership development, and professional growth opportunities that empower women at every stage of their journey in the space industry. We connect students and professionals with resources, role models, and industry partners while fostering an inclusive community that encourages collaboration, representation, and leadership. Together with our volunteers, sponsors, donors, and allies, we are helping shape a more diverse future for space exploration, science, engineering, and innovation.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Empowerment
We aim to empower women in the space industry by breaking barriers in a field where women currently make up only about 20% of the workforce and approximately 11% of astronauts (UNOOSA, 2025). We support this by providing access to mentorship, opportunities, and resources that help women pursue and thrive in their career ambitions.
Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community where women from all ethnic backgrounds feel valued, supported, and able to fully thrive in the space industry. We strive to remove barriers to participation by building belonging, amplifying diverse voices, and making opportunities and resources more accessible to all.
Representation
We aim to increase the visibility of women in the global space industry by providing meaningful representation and inspiring more women to pursue their ambitions in the field. We achieve this by highlighting role models, sharing their achievements, and amplifying their voices within the community.
Collaboration
We foster collaboration by building strong connections between students, professionals, and industry partners. Through mentorship, networking, and partnerships, we create opportunities that strengthen the global space community and support women at every stage of their careers.