Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and soon-to-be astronaut, has defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings throughout her career. As the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, a company recognised by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America, Bowe has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in STEM.
Aisha is set to become the first Black woman to travel to space in 2024 aboard the New Shepard rocket, part of Jeff Bezos’s spaceflight company, Blue Origin.
In this exclusive interview, Aisha shares insights into her journey, from her early days at NASA to her entrepreneurial ventures. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working as an aerospace engineer, the motivations behind founding STEMBoard and LINGO, and her strategies for inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM.
Here are the edited excerpts:
Mastufa: What was it like working as an aerospace engineer at NASA? Tell me two great things about being a rocket scientist that our readers can benefit from.
Aisha: Working at NASA was an incredible experience. I was surrounded by brilliant minds who were passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job was working on problems that had no easy solutions. It forced me to think creatively and come up with innovative approaches. This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is essential in any field, as it allows you to find new and better ways of doing things.
Another great thing about being a rocket scientist is the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than yourself. You’re working on projects that have the potential to change the world. It’s incredibly motivating and fulfilling to know that your work is making a difference.
Mastufa: How did you transition from a career at NASA to founding your own companies –STEMBoard and then LINGO. What was your ultimate vision? Looking back, how do you see the impact of this journey?
Aisha: I wanted to gain a broader range of experiences, such as public speaking, fundraising, and managing engineering teams. I saw the startup community in San Francisco as an ideal place to achieve these goals. So, I decided to give myself five years to build a successful business. If I could do it, I would continue on this path.
My ultimate vision was to create companies that could make a positive impact on the world. I wanted to empower people through education and technology. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the journey and the impact we’ve made. STEMBoard and LINGO have helped to develop the skills of countless individuals and contribute to important causes.
Mastufa: What were some of the top challenges you faced in the initial days of your businesses?
Aisha: There were countless challenges, but one of the biggest was figuring out how to achieve product-market fit. We also struggled with cash flow and marketing. However, I realised that I wasn’t focusing enough on people and talent. What I needed to do was to really develop an HR approach that would allow me to cultivate the best talent, and then the talent would help me to grow the business to the next level.
I learned that sometimes the things you think are most important aren’t actually the most critical. It’s essential to be honest with yourself and address the pain points head-on. By taking a 360-degree approach, you can identify areas for improvement and grow your business more effectively.
Mastufa: As an inspiration to many, how do you motivate young women to pursue careers in STEM, and what strategies have you found most impactful in encouraging them to overcome barriers in these fields?
Aisha: I believe that providing young women with access, exposure, and opportunity is key to inspiring them to pursue STEM careers. Seeing someone who looks like you can be incredibly motivating. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with incredible role models who showed me what was possible.
It’s important to start early. Get students involved in STEM activities as soon as possible, whether it’s through internships, clubs, or mentorship programmes. This helps them see the practical applications of math and science and understand why these subjects are important.
Another effective strategy is to simply show up. You don’t have to be a manager or an owner to be a role model or mentor. By being present and supportive, you can make a significant difference in someone’s life. I’ve personally mentored a 13-year-old girl who is now an aerospace engineer.
Mastufa: How can we encourage more women in India to pursue careers in STEM? Despite 52% of women graduating in STEM fields, only 29% join the workforce. What do you think drives this gap?
Aisha: One of the things I’m excited to explore here is the concept of entrepreneurship. It’s often associated with building large companies or raising millions of dollars, but entrepreneurship can start with solving small problems in your community. I’ve met many women who have found solutions to childcare, transportation, and other challenges. This kind of entrepreneurial spirit can be a great way for women to enter the STEM workforce and make a positive impact.
Instead of focusing on traditional corporate careers, women can consider starting their own businesses or working for smaller, more flexible companies. By building the environment they want to work in, they can create opportunities for themselves and others.
Mastufa: You mentioned your mentors and role models. Who are your role models, and how have they influenced your career path?
Aisha: One of my early role models was a renowned professor who taught my graduate school program at the University of Michigan and later became the head of a science mission at NASA. He showed me that nothing is out of reach and inspired me to strive for excellence.
I believe in challenging the status quo and pursuing ambitious goals. I’m committed to living a life of purpose and making a positive impact on the world. My mentors have helped me to develop this mindset and pursue a career that aligns with my values.
Mastufa: What are you most excited to explore and experience in India? What are your goals for this visit?
Aisha: I’m on day two of a two-week tour, and I’m excited to meet as many people as possible. Yesterday, when I spoke to some of the entrepreneurial groups, I was impressed by their innovative ideas and their potential for growth with a little more practice.
Today, I worked with a group of women who are focused on STEM for peace. They’re discussing ways to promote equity and safety in technology environments. I never imagined having such a meaningful conversation until I came to Delhi. I can’t wait to visit the other four cities and connect with the people there.
Mastufa: What are your top priorities for 2024?
Aisha: My top priority is training for my upcoming role as a flight participant on a commercial space flight.
I’m excited to experience microgravity and contribute to research in space. I’m also delighted to be collaborating with various institutions on projects that will advance the field of space and science.
I want to expand the reach of my coding kit product to new markets around the world. My goal is to create a billion-dollar company that empowers people to learn, explore, and innovate. I want people to use our products to launch their own projects, work on earth monitoring missions, and ultimately create companies that change the world.