Few people embody this vision more powerfully than Dr. Mindy Howard. An astronaut trainer, space psychologist, and founder of Cosmic Girls Foundation, Dr. Howard has dedicated her career to preparing the next generation of global leaders for the future of space. Through Cosmic Girls, she has inspired and connected more than 1,100 girls across over 140 countries, proving that talent knows no borders when opportunity is made accessible.
In a landmark collaboration with Mission ShakthiSAT-one of the world’s largest all-female satellite education initiatives-Cosmic Girls joins not as the representative of a single nation, but as the voice of a truly global sisterhood. This partnership reflects a shared belief that the future of science, innovation, and space exploration will be built through international collaboration, diversity of thought, and the empowerment of young women across every continent.
In this exclusive conversation withSukruti Narayanan from Desi Australia, Dr. Mindy Howard shares why this historic partnership matters, how Mission ShakthiSAT is redefining global STEM education, and why empowering girls today is one of the greatest investments humanity can make for tomorrow.
1. Why was it important for Mission ShakthiSAT to include Cosmic Girls as a global delegation rather than a national delegation?
Unlike most participants, Cosmic Girls does not represent a single nation. We represent a global community of more than 1,100 girls from over 140 countries who share a passion for STEM, leadership, and space exploration.
By including Cosmic Girls as a global delegation, Mission ShakthiSAT recognizes that the future of science and space exploration will be built through international collaboration. Our selected participant represents not only her own country, but also the collective aspirations of girls from around the world who are pursuing STEM and dreaming of contributing to humanity’s future.
2. Why is expanding access to STEM opportunities for girls around the world central to the mission of Cosmic Girls?
Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.
Across our global community, we see girls with incredible curiosity, creativity, and potential. However, many lack access to role models, mentors, resources, or opportunities that help them envision a future in STEM.
Cosmic Girls exists to help bridge that gap by connecting girls with scientists, engineers, astronauts, and innovators while building the confidence and leadership skills needed to pursue ambitious goals. We believe the world needs the contributions of talented girls from every corner of the globe.
3. What does Mission ShakthiSAT mean to you as the Ambassador of the Cosmic Girls global delegation?
Mission ShakthiSAT brings to life many of the values that Cosmic Girls was built upon: collaboration, leadership, learning, and international friendship.
Most of our programs take place virtually, so I am especially excited to see girls from different countries come together in person to work on a shared space mission. Watching young women collaborate across borders to contribute to a satellite mission is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through teamwork and shared purpose.
This is why Cosmic Girls is proud to partner with Mission ShakthiSAT-to inspire girls to learn from one another, work together, and realize that they are part of a global community capable of achieving extraordinary things.
4. Why was Mia Leplat (from France) selected to represent the Cosmic Girls global delegation, and how does she plan to share her experience with the wider Cosmic Girls community?
Mia was selected because she demonstrated strong commitment, leadership potential, curiosity about space science, and a genuine desire to inspire other girls.
She is excited to work alongside girls from around the world and put her learning into practice through the satellite mission. Upon her return, Mia plans to document her experience through a video blog and host a webinar for the Cosmic Forum, our global online community, so she can share what she learned and inspire other girls to pursue opportunities in STEM and space exploration.
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Your every dollar matters!
– Sukruti Narayanan
