International Women’s Day: In space and underground with Kelly and Kristi Latimer

US Air Force Academy astronautical engineering alumna … US Air Force veteran pilot … first female research test pilot at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center … current Virgin Galactic director of Flight Test. These are just some of Kelly Latimer’s achievements as a leader in aviation and aerospace.

On Friday, March 8, Kelly joined us for a virtual conversation to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). Kelly shared her professional journey, from her early interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to her impressive career in the sky and in space.

Anytime I've done something high risk, high stress, I remind myself — you've prepared for this. You have a checklist. You’re going to go through it step by step. Be focused, be prepared, step through your plan.

Kelly Latimer

US Air Force Academy astronautical engineering alumna

International Women’s Day is observed across the globe on March 8 to recognize women for their accomplishments, and to highlight the importance of achieving gender equality and women’s well-being.

Mott MacDonald’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have focused on increasing the representation of girls in STEM. We have sponsored and volunteered for Science World’s Girl and STEAM and Future City competitions. We have a longstanding partnership with Flight Works Alabama, which includes workforce development opportunities for young women and STEM toolkits for elementary and middle school students. We’re proud that these toolkits are in over 200 schools across the United States.