As a Brooke Owens Fellow – or “Brookie” – you are held to a higher standard than most undergraduate students attempting to break into the aerospace industry. You are expected to always think critically, act professionally, and remember that creativity and innovation are integral aspects of success. Considering the application process, it is already known that all 40 of the 2018 Brookies possess these traits (along with a common thread of a strong passion obsession for space and aviation), but the founders of the program Lori Garver, Will Pomerantz, and Cassie Kloberdanz Lee are constantly looking for ways to challenge each Fellow.
The Brooke Owens Fellowship Summit was a five-day program that aimed to increase each Brookie’s profession development, networking skills, and overall excitement for the industry that has completely captured their hearts. From working to battle orbital debris in my first all-female project team, to practicing a spoken word poem with an astronaut (!!!), the Summit was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to find new strengths within myself. With personal tours of the Udvar-Hazy museum conducted by the National Air and Space Museum director, Ellen Stofan (first female director – woohoo!!), and one-on-one mentor sessions with Jeff Foust (SpaceNews) and Emily Calandrelli (The Space Gal), I was spoiled. While it sucks not permanently sharing a hotel floor with 39 of my new best friends, I know that it doesn’t end here. This is just the beginning.
My name is Payton Barnwell. I am a rising Mechanical Engineering senior at Florida Polytechnic University (Lakeland, FL) and a proud member of the 2018 Brooke Owens Fellowship class. After graduation, I hope to continue working within the NewSpace industry in a role which includes interdisciplinary and customer-facing tasks that increase company development while utilizing my technical background. Wherever I go, I know I’ll always have the support of my Brooke Owens sisters, my countless industry mentors, and my amazing team here at Generation Orbit. GO Boldly!
Being a part of Dawn Brooke Owens namesake is an honor that I will continue to carry with me. Taken too soon, Brooke’s hard work and kindness will live on forever through all that knew her and all that wish they did. For more information on ways to support the Brooke Owens Fellowship, please head over to www.BrookeOwensFellowship.org.
