Hampton University alum, Ashley McQueen, a NASA Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) and special emphasis program manager for Native Americans, said Hampton offered rigorous academics and opportunities for professional development. McQueen uses the skills that she acquired from Hampton at NASA in her work advocating for Native American communities. Requirements such as public speaking ensured she was a confident presenter, and her professors, too, embodied principles of excellence that she carried to this day.
Other HBCU graduates such as Tawnya Laughinghouse, a Spelman alum, also attributes her HBCU education to much of her success. “Those of us who attended these institutions have long known the value of an HBCU education and experience,” said Laughinghouse, manager of the Technology Demonstration Missions program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. “It’s important for all communities to recognize the high potential and extraordinary accomplishments of HBCU graduates.”
Laughinghouse admired Spelman’s legacy, referencing leaders such as Rosalind Brewer, one of two Black women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and Stacey Abrams, who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize this year. “America is diverse. Our companies and federal agencies need to reflect that. I see my diversity as a benefit and I attribute it to my success.” said Laughinghouse.
Laughinghouse recited a line from one of Spelman’s hymns, quoting it as her personal mantra: “Some days it may seem like the hill is too high to climb,” Laughinghouse said in an interview. “But just look at all of those who have come before you. It’s because of them that you can reach the top.”
McQueen said one of her most treasured experiences was the diversity within the Black community that she was able to experience at Hampton. “There were people from a variety of different backgrounds and being around them made me smarter. It was the first time I appreciated the richness of the community that I’m proud to be a part of.”
NASA’s Minority University Research & Education Project (MUREP) is one way that NASA gives back. This project not only provides financial assistance to Minority Serving Institutions by offering competitive awards as a means of enhancing their research, academic and technology capabilities, but it sets out to invest in a diverse workforce.
“HBCUs produce skilled, diverse students who are needed in the STEM workforce,” said Torry Johnson, manager for MUREP. “Diversity is key to NASA’s mission success and we look to those students to bring a variety of talent and perspectives to further our knowledge of the unknown.”
McQueen said it’s a challenge being the only woman or person of color in the room, and there have even been times where she felt she was passed over for opportunities because of her skin color. She chooses not to let the motivations of others bring her down, and instead chooses to focus on making a positive impact in her position.
