In Her Orbit

Hosted by Shawn Linam

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Shining a light on trailblazing women in the space industry, Qwaltec Co-Founder and CEO, Shawn Linam, talks with women about their careers and the feminine experiences of working in a male-dominated industry. Join us every other Monday in celebrating these women and their successes, reaching new heights In Her Orbit!

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60 recent

October 13, 202647 min

Dr. Tiffany Vora: No Cheating on Mars

Dr. Tiffany Vora, molecular biologist, science communicator, and President of Explore Mars, joins us to discuss her unconventional career journey from biotechnology research to spearheading the infrastructure for life on Mars. She shares how effective science communication can help bridge the gap between complex technologies and the public, and why solving challenges associated with living on Mars could also help us build a more sustainable future here on Earth. Tiffany also discusses her experience with Homeward Bound, a global leadership initiative for women in science, and the importance of building confidence, embracing imperfection, and creating opportunities for others to lead. --- Where to find Tiffany: https://www.tiffanyvora.com/ Substack --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

September 22, 202634 min

Cassie Lee: Your Uniqueness Is Your Value

In this episode we're joined by Cassie Lee, Vice President of Business Development at Star Catcher, to talk about building a career in space that doesn’t always follow a straight line. From aerospace engineering at NASA to journalism, climate technology, philanthropy, and now building the first power grid in space, Cassie shares how unexpected opportunities have shaped her career. Cassie also discusses the importance of creating a sense of belonging in the space industry, her work co-founding the Brooke Owens Fellowship, and why the next generation of space leaders should embrace the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the industry. Brooke Owens Fellowship: Apply Here by October 4th, 2026 ! --- Where to find Cassie: Linkedin Learn more about Star Catcher: Star Catcher's website Linkedin Instagram Youtube X --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

September 1, 202637 min

Debra Facktor: Letting Your Values Be Your Guide

Shawn sits down with Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. to explore a career shaped by curiosity, pioneering spirit, and community. Debra shares how a chance realization in high school led her to aerospace engineering, her experiences as one of relatively few women in the field, and her unexpected path to leading a U.S. office in Moscow during the transition from the Cold War to international space collaboration. She also discusses her work with Kistler Aerospace, one of the early pioneers of privately funded commercial spaceflight, and the lessons those early ventures helped bring to today’s commercial space industry. Make sure to check out this incredible conversation on finding your north star and letting your core values guide the way! --- Where to find Debra: Linkedin --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

August 18, 2026Episode 6545 min

Alex Duran: Integrating Motherhood into the Mission

In our first episode back from our summer break, we are joined by Alex Duran, a Technical Program Manager at Viasat. Alex takes us behind the scenes of building and testing a satellite the size of a school bus on the Viasat-3 Flight 2 and Flight 3 programs, from integrating thousands of components to navigating the inevitable challenges that come with getting a spacecraft ready for launch. Alex also shares her experience leading the Viasat Women’s Alliance and how it helped her combat imposter syndrome while also building a strong community of women with similar challenges to lean on and grow with. --- Where to find Alex: Linkedin --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

July 7, 2026Episode 6438 min

Kelli Kedis Ogborn: What It Takes to Build a Trillion-Dollar Space Economy

In this episode, we’re joined by Kelli Kedis Ogborn, a space economy strategist and Strategic Advisor for Global Markets and Industry Engagement at the Commercial Space Federation (CSF). Kelli shares her story from studying international security and conflict resolution to becoming a leading voice in commercial space, explaining how strategy, policy, investment, and global partnerships are shaping the future of the space economy. She also discusses the importance of building sustainable space infrastructure, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact, and balancing an international career with motherhood. --- Where to find Kelli: LinkedIn Website --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

June 16, 2026Episode 6332 min

Jasmine Singh: Follow the Water

In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Singh, a planetary scientist, science communicator, and graduate researcher studying some of the most exciting questions in space exploration today. Jasmine shares her journey from a childhood fascination with the solar system to working on NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which is investigating the habitability of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa and its vast subsurface ocean. We also explore her passion for science communication, how she built an online community of more than 100,000 space enthusiasts, and why representation, outreach, and public engagement are critical to the future of STEM. --- Where to find Jasmine: Twitter Instagram Bluesky Website For outreach, collabs, and inquiries: jasminesinghastronomy@gmail.com --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

May 26, 2026Episode 6235 min

Lisa Morris: From Factory Floors to the Final Frontier

In this episode, Lisa Morris, Vice President of Operations at Solestial, walks us through her career from an industrial engineer to a leader in advanced manufacturing and commercial space. We also dive into Solestial’s groundbreaking space solar technology, the rapid growth of Arizona’s commercial space ecosystem, and Lisa’s perspective on building resilient teams and scalable solutions that will power the future of space exploration. --- Where to find Lisa: LinkedIn Where to find Solestial: Solestial Solestial's Instagram --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

May 11, 2026Episode 6136 min

Kristina Gatto: Creating Astronomy's Largest Group Chat

In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Gatto, an astrophysicist, content creator, and founder of NOVA (the Network for Outreach and Vocation in Astronomy), to talk about her journey from a space-obsessed kid in New Jersey to a physics PhD student and astronomy advocate. Kristina shares how encouragement, mentorship, and community helped her overcome self-doubt and pursue astrophysics. We also explore her passion for outreach which led her to the creation of NOVA, a network of students from all over the world helping each other achieve careers in space. --- Where to find Kristina: NOVA's Website TikTok Kristina's Instagram NOVA's Instagram --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

April 23, 2026Episode 6038 min

Charlie McGillis: Securing the Final Frontier

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie McGillis, a retired Air Force Colonel and founder and CEO of 2 Polaris & Beyond, LLC. Charlie shares how her early curiosity, shaped by travel, a military family, and mentorship, led her to engineering, a long-held career as an intelligence officer, and ultimately, to use her expertise in national security to start her own business in the space industry. Charlie also reflects on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for empowering and guiding women in STEM. Tune in now! --- Where to find Charlie: Charlie's LinkedIn 2 Polaris & Beyond --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

April 9, 202633 min

Laura Stiles: From Trainer to Astronaut in 48 Hours

Join us for a conversation with Laura Stiles, Director of New Shepard Flight Operations at Blue Origin and a newly minted Blue Origin astronaut, to explore her journey from studying engineering physics to launching to space. Laura shares how an early NASA internship sparked her passion for aerospace, how she found her place in the industry through different roles at Blue Origin, and what it’s like to train commercial astronauts. We also dive into her last-minute selection to be a crew member for the NS-38 mission in January of 2026 and how this experience will impact both her work and personal aspirations. --- Where to find Laura: Laura's LinkedIn Laura's Instagram --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz --- Supported by Qwaltec --- Find In Her Orbit on: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

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