(July 9, 2025 – New York City) – SSPI-WISE (SSPI Women in Space Engagement) has announced the results of its 2025 leadership election, which took place over the final week of June. After serving a year as Vice President, Justyna Kosianka of Ursa Space was approved by the membership to ascend to the role of President. The membership of SSPI-WISE has also elected former Co-Chair of the STEM Outreach Working Group Lyn Chassagne of BlackSky as its new Vice President. Presidents and Vice Presidents of SSPI-WISE serve one-year terms with the Vice President taking on the role of President in the year following her service as Vice President. Chairwoman Tina Ghataore of Aerospacelab begins the second year of her three-year term in 2025 as well. Outgoing President Vinitha Lalvani of AvL Technologies will now serve as Co-Chair of the Sustainment & Infrastructure Working Group. “SSPI is grateful for the leadership commitment shown by so many women,” said executive director Tamara Bond-Williams. “We especially thank Vini Lalvani for her exceptional service and look forward to her years of experience with WISE being a true benefit to the Sustainment & Infrastructure Working Group. It is especially exciting to see so many first time leads this year – a testament to the fact that WISE’s mission resonates with the women of our industry.” SSPI-WISE’s membership also elected seven new candidates to leads positions and two returning leads to new positions: - Aysha Alharam, Chief, Satellite Design Department, Bahrain Space Agency will serve as Co-Chair of the recently established SSPI-WISE East Working Group
- Divya-Kala Bhavani, Public Relations & Comms, Dhruva Space will now serve as Co-Chair of the recently established SSPI-WISE East Working Group
- Sarah Freese, Account Executive, AWS will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Marketing & Networking Working Group
- Krista Hazen, Senior Director (External Communications), Mynaric will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Marketing & Networking Working Group
- Celina Luna, Engineering Student will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE STEM Outreach Working Group
- Simone McKinsey, Brand Strategist & Creative Director, Rise Brand Design will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Marketing & Networking Working Group
- Genna Ng Qing Yi, Venture Partner, Beyond Earth Ventures will serve as Co-Chair of the recently established SSPI-WISE East Working Group
- Ruth Okoh, Managing Director, Spaceboss Aerospace Consulting Ltd. will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE STEM Outreach Working Group
- Toni Lee Rudnicki, Founder, TLR Consulting LLC will now serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Mentoring Working Group
Continuing to serve as SSPI-WISE leads and officers are: - Alix Wright, Senior Vice President, Marketing Communications, Speedcast will serve as SSPI-WISE Secretary
- Mary Clark, Project Administrator, AvL Technologies will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Mentoring Working Group
- Melissa Hansley, Sales & Business Development Manager, Intellian Technologies will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Sustainment & Infrastructure Working Group
- Jennifer Hoil, Director of Product Marketing, ST Engineering iDirect will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Sustainment & Infrastructure Working Group
- Andrea Maleter, retired, Space Business Booster will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Mentoring Working Group
- Katina Mruk, Associate Director, Strategy and Transactions, RKF Engineering will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Sustainment & Infrastructure Working Group
- Audrey Puderbaugh, Spacecraft Engineer, Iridium will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE STEM Outreach Working Group
- Manal Tadros, Boeing Satellite Systems Insurance Office Manager, The Boeing Company will serve as Co-Chair of the SSPI-WISE Marketing & Networking Working Group
SSPI-WISE was founded in December 2020, with the goal of engaging women in the space and satellite industry on topics ranging from STEM outreach and mentoring to networking and elevating women. SSPI-WISE membership is open to women who are SSPI members, and has a mailing list option for those who identify as allies of women. Members may serve on working groups including working groups that focus on STEM Outreach, Marketing & Networking, Sustainment & Infrastructure and Mentorship. SSPI-WISE holds networking events at various conferences, and bi-monthly meetings that are open to men and women, with informative guest speakers.
About SSPI
Founded in 1983, Space & Satellite Professionals International (www.sspi.org) is the global platform for talent, leadership, and market engagement in the space and satellite industry. SSPI connects people and companies across the entire $1 trillion space ecosystem, advancing careers, expanding professional networks, and building an inclusive, international community.
SSPI drives workforce growth through leadership development, talent recognition, and global events that bring the industry together. Through its SSPI-WISE (Women in Space Engagement) group and Space & Satellite Futures initiative, SSPI strengthens the visibility and advancement of women in space and satellite, fosters mentorship and community at every career stage, and elevates the leaders shaping the industry’s future. SSPI shares powerful stories of how space and satellite technologies improve life on Earth and create solutions for markets including defense, civil government, maritime, energy, agriculture, and more through its Better Satellite World campaign. These stories inspire investment, attract talent, and increase the industry’s impact on global progress by showcasing the immense value space and satellite provides to civil governments, defense organizations, and vertical markets.
For More Information
Victoria Krisman
Communications Manager
Space & Satellite Professionals International
vkrisman@sspi.org
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