Meet Dana
I believe that in order to involve more girls and women in STEM/STEAM careers and education, we need to stop asking “Are you good at math?” and start asking “What are you interested in and what are the problems that need to be solved?”. Name an interest and there is invariably a related STEM/STEAM career.
I believe that “STEM” (science, technology, engineering and math) needs to evolve to “STEAM” (adding an “A” for Arts) for the very reason that who we are is so much more than what we do. We need to not only nurture our minds, but also our bodies, hearts and spirits.
From Rocket Scientist to Advocate
When the countdown gets to 30 seconds, there is nothing that can be done to stop the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The day before, the clock stopped at 31 seconds and did not restart, due to the weather at an emergency landing site. But today was different. The weather was perfect on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral and all the other required sites.
35…34…33…32…31…30…
Everyone in payload mission control, including a 24-year-old young woman who had been in Florida for the previous 6 months participating in only the second Shuttle launch since the Challenger tragedy, stood, raced to the door to the outside and watched Atlantis rise above the orange groves, gracefully thundering into orbit.
This was to be one of the first of many once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the less-than-probable career for this woman, end electrical engineer by degree, starting out before STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), and STEAM (“A” added for arts) were a thing.
Fast forward 30 years. This same woman, now a successful and seasoned professional in the aviation and aerospace fields, finds herself no longer employed in the career that was not only what she did, but who she was.
This is me.
Business Woman
Dana is passionate about increasing the number of women in aviation and aerospace, particularly in leadership roles. Her business is grounded in both empowering young women to excel by bringing all of their unique gifts and talents to these industries and in helping companies design and implement cultures, strategies and programs that attract and retain stellar female talent.
Engineer
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in electrical engineering and over progressing to executive leadership roles in aviation and aerospace companies, ranging from Fortune 50 corporations to entrepreneurial start ups, has positioned Dana to be an expert in not only what it takes to success as a woman in a male-dominated organization, but also an expert in what companies need to do to attract, promote and retain female talent.
Author
From being chosen a member of the launch team for the very first classified Space Shuttle mission to flying to .97 mach in a business jet during an autopilot flight test, Dana has had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are included in a memoir about her career. She is vulnerable in sharing both triumphs and challenges as she documents her journey as a woman navigating industries dominated and led by men. Watch for the launch in 2024.
Philanthropist
Dana sits on the board of the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, rated one of the top 10 air and space museums in the United States and top 20 in the world. Additionally, she sits on the Wings Captain Jeppesen Foundation Board, the primary mission of which is to encourage kids to become aviators. This year, the Captain Jeppesen Foundation awarded over 20 full private pilot's license scholarships to kids between the ages of 16 and 19.
Educator
Dana is the secretary of the Colorado Skies Academy School Board. Colorado Skies Academy is a charter STEM/STEAM middle school focusing on project based learning around aviation and aerospace projects in the highly acclaimed Cherry Creek School District. Additionally, as a proud alumni of Colorado State University, Dana is a member of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Industry Advisory Board.
Artist
Passionate about the arts from an early age, Dana is an expert pianist, knitter and crocheter and has recently started dabbling in watercolor painting.
Dog Mom
Dana grew up with Scottish Terriers and has raised 6 of her own as an adult. She currently has 2 West Highland White Terriers, Sydnie and Otto, and her fur babies are the loves of her life.
Nature Lover
Dana lives in Parker, Colorado with her partner, Eric, and spends as much time as she possible can in her second home in Vail, Colorado. Dana is an avid skier, hiker and biker and never feels more like herself when she is spending time in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Chat with Dana
Schedule a free 15-minute call to learn more about how Dana can help you NAVIGATE your career as a woman leader in aviation.