Houston, we have a podcast. Welcome to the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space Center,

episode 250, her first year as director. I'm Garrett Jordan, and I'll be your host today.

On this podcast, we bring in the experts, scientists, engineers, and astronauts, and leaders,

all to let you know what's going on in the world of human spaceflight. In June of 2021,

Vanessa E. Weich was chosen as the 13th director of NASA's Johnson Space Center,

located right here in Houston, Texas. Weich made history by becoming the first African-American

woman to be a director of any NASA facility and the first African-American and the third woman

to be director at Johnson Space Center. Serving at NASA for more than 30 years, Vanessa began

her career at NASA in 1989, holding several key positions such as flight manager in the space

shuttle program, director of operations and test integration in the constellation program,

and as associate director of exploration, integration, and science. And that's just to name a few.

She previously served as deputy director at Johnson, a position that she held from 2018 to 2021.

Vanessa is a graduate from Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering

and a Master of Science in Bioengineering. In May, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

Degree from Coastal Carolina University in her hometown of Conway, South Carolina.

Vanessa has created an enormous impact in the community and beyond,

leading Johnson Space Center into a new era. Serving as a role model across the country,

she's a passionate supporter of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM,

and believes in the power of mentorship and the importance of always following your dreams,

no matter the barriers that may stand in your way. On this episode, Vanessa will be looking back

on her first year as center director of NASA Johnson Space Center and the plans she has for the future.

Without further ado, let's get right into it. Enjoy.

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