Members in the News
February Member of the Month - Pam Melroy
February 2025Pam Melroy, NASA's number 2, the Deputy Administrator until January 20, is our February member of the month. Read about her amazing experience and her Australian based IWF roots.
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
My career started as an Air Force pilot and test pilot, and I went on to become an astronaut. After flying three times in space and commanding the Space Shuttle, I left NASA on an executive career first in industry and then back in government in regulation and policy and technology development. I currently (until January 20, 2025) serve as NASA's number 2, the Deputy Administrator.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
Since 2019. I was recruited and joined while living in Australia for a year, and joined IWF-Australia (still a member there too!).
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
For me in Australia in particular I had the opportunity to meet many professional women; it's hard moving to another country to build a friend and professional network. I joined IWF-DC just a couple of years ago but haven't had a lot of time in my current job. For me, networks come naturally as something you should nurture. In particular I like mentoring and connecting people to new opportunities. I look forward to more of that!
Q: What excites you the most right now?
I'm definitely one of those people who is idea driven. New ideas inspire thoughts about how to contribute. And right now, I'm thinking a lot about supply chain and manufacturing in the aerospace industry. It's ripe for a reboot and disruption and I can't wait to wade in!
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
"Freedom's Forge" by Arthur Herman. It's about how American manufacturing pivoted quickly to win WWII for the Allies. Fascinating!!
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
Although I'm relatively new to IWF, so I shouldn't be giving tips, I can certainly say from a lot of experience in professional organizations is that your get what you give. The more you engage and contribute the more you will get out of it.
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
I'm thrilled and inspired by the women I've met! And I love when we have a conversation how intersections and similarities (and differences) with other industries teach me so many new perspectives about my own industry.
Q: Who/what inspires you?
I'm very inspired by the people I lead. They are so very smart, and they teach me so much.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
I love to cook, to work out (mostly dance-inspired), and to collect wine. And I love to entertain (yes, get ready, I'll be hosting a dine-around as soon as I can find the time!).
Q: Favorite place you've traveled?
Without a doubt, Low Earth Orbit. Our Earth is so beautiful and so awe-inspiring. It's our only home and we have to take care of it.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in 2025?
I look forward to resting up and traveling with my husband, seeing old friends and making new ones. I also am excited to spend more time with my grandchildren. And after a few months I'll be rolling up my sleeves, looking for new boards and new consulting opportunities.
Q&A with Pam Melroy
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
My career started as an Air Force pilot and test pilot, and I went on to become an astronaut. After flying three times in space and commanding the Space Shuttle, I left NASA on an executive career first in industry and then back in government in regulation and policy and technology development. I currently (until January 20, 2025) serve as NASA's number 2, the Deputy Administrator.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
Since 2019. I was recruited and joined while living in Australia for a year, and joined IWF-Australia (still a member there too!).
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
For me in Australia in particular I had the opportunity to meet many professional women; it's hard moving to another country to build a friend and professional network. I joined IWF-DC just a couple of years ago but haven't had a lot of time in my current job. For me, networks come naturally as something you should nurture. In particular I like mentoring and connecting people to new opportunities. I look forward to more of that!
Q: What excites you the most right now?
I'm definitely one of those people who is idea driven. New ideas inspire thoughts about how to contribute. And right now, I'm thinking a lot about supply chain and manufacturing in the aerospace industry. It's ripe for a reboot and disruption and I can't wait to wade in!
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
"Freedom's Forge" by Arthur Herman. It's about how American manufacturing pivoted quickly to win WWII for the Allies. Fascinating!!
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
Although I'm relatively new to IWF, so I shouldn't be giving tips, I can certainly say from a lot of experience in professional organizations is that your get what you give. The more you engage and contribute the more you will get out of it.
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
I'm thrilled and inspired by the women I've met! And I love when we have a conversation how intersections and similarities (and differences) with other industries teach me so many new perspectives about my own industry.
Q: Who/what inspires you?
I'm very inspired by the people I lead. They are so very smart, and they teach me so much.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
I love to cook, to work out (mostly dance-inspired), and to collect wine. And I love to entertain (yes, get ready, I'll be hosting a dine-around as soon as I can find the time!).
Q: Favorite place you've traveled?
Without a doubt, Low Earth Orbit. Our Earth is so beautiful and so awe-inspiring. It's our only home and we have to take care of it.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in 2025?
I look forward to resting up and traveling with my husband, seeing old friends and making new ones. I also am excited to spend more time with my grandchildren. And after a few months I'll be rolling up my sleeves, looking for new boards and new consulting opportunities.