How a Leading African American Woman, President & CEO Shattered the Glass Ceiling
Dr. Wanda M. Austin
Los Angeles, CA– On Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., the California African American Museum’s History Council (CAAM) presents Conversations at CAAM, a glimpse into the life of Dr. Wanda M. Austin, President and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation. Aerospace Corporation is a non-profit dedicated to the objective application of science and technology as a means of solving critical issues affecting our national security space program. Dr. Austin, recently named one of “100 Women Leaders in STEM” (Science, Technology, Education and Math) by the STEMconnector, will discuss the trials and successes of climbing the corporate ladder.
The Aerospace Corporation has nearly 4,000 employees and annual revenues of more than $850 million. She assumed this position on January 1, 2008. Austin previously was senior vice president of the company’s National Systems Group, which supports the national security space and intelligence community in the acquisition, launch and orbital operation of advanced technology space systems and their ground data stations. She was senior vice president of Special Studies from January 1 to April 1, 2004, and from June 2001 through December 2003 was senior vice president of the Engineering and Technology Group, directing a staff of 1,000 engineers and scientists working in a wide range of space-related disciplines.
Before being named senior vice president, Austin was general manager of the Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Division, where she was responsible for systems engineering support to the Air Force in the architecture, acquisition, development, and orbital operation of advanced satellite communications systems and programs. She was general manager of the Electronic Systems Division before her assignment to the MILSATCOM organization. Before joining Aerospace, Austin was a member of the technical staff at Rockwell International. She is internationally recognized for her work in satellite and payload system acquisition, systems engineering, and system simulation.
Austin is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.
Austin has received numerous awards and citations. Among them are the National Intelligence Medallion for Meritorious Service, the Air Force Scroll of Achievement, the National Reconnaissance Office Gold Medal, the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center’s Martin Luther King Spirit of the Dream Award, and the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award. She was inducted into the WITI (Women in Technology International) Hall of Fame in September 2007. In 2008, Dr. Austin received a Special Achievement Award from the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles.
Dr. Austin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College, Master’s Degrees in Systems Engineering as well as Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctorate in Systems Engineering from USC. CAAM’s History Council member, Ruby Quallsgray, will interview Austin and take questions from the audience immediately following the discussion. Quallsgray is a retired Boeing Company employee whose career includes 24 years of experience and success within the aerospace and defense industries.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.caamuseum.org. Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM at 39th and Figueroa.
Current Exhibitions in the CAAM Galleries : “Promises of Freedom: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection” through September 2, 2012
“The Legacy of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company: More Than a Business” through March 3, 2013
“Shared Thread/CAAM’s Courtyard” June 28, 2012 through December 30, 2012
“Lois Mailou Jones – A Life in Vibrant Color” July 12, 2012 through September 16, 2012
The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California
African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection, CAAM hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions throughout the year. CAAM also provides a diverse number of programs during the year including Conversations at CAAM, Films at CAAM and Target Sundays at CAAM. The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions through California and the nation.
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