Wanda Austin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wanda Austin
Born	1954 (age 70–71) New York City, New York, U.S.
Education	Franklin and Marshall College (BS) University of Pittsburgh (MS) University of Southern California (PhD)
Occupation	Engineer
Engineering career
Discipline	Aerospace
Institutions	American Academy of Arts and Sciences National Academy of Engineering American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics NASA Advisory Council Review of United States Human Space Flight Plans Committee Defense Science Board

Wanda M. Austin (born in 1954) is a famous American aerospace engineer. She used to be the president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation. This was a big deal because she was the first woman and the first African-American person to have that job.

Wanda Austin also became the temporary president of the University of Southern California (USC). Again, she was the first woman and the first African-American to hold this important role. She has worked on many special committees for the White House. She is known for her amazing work in engineering, space, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.

Early Life and School

Wanda Austin was born in The Bronx, a part of New York City. She went to a special science high school called Bronx High School of Science.

She studied math at Franklin & Marshall College and earned her first degree. Then, she got a master's degree in systems engineering and math from the University of Pittsburgh in 1977. Later, in 1988, she earned her highest degree, a PhD, from the University of Southern California (USC). Her PhD work was about understanding how language can be used in system modeling.

Wanda Austin's Career

After finishing her master's degree in 1977, Wanda Austin started working at Rockwell International in California. She helped with missile systems there.

In 1979, she joined The Aerospace Corporation. She held many important jobs there, including leading the Engineering and Technology Group. From 2004 to 2007, she was a Senior Vice President. Then, on January 1, 2008, she became the CEO of the company. She led The Aerospace Corporation for almost nine years before she retired on October 1, 2016.

Helping the Government

Wanda Austin has advised the U.S. government on important science and space topics.

• In 2009, she was part of a committee that planned for human space flight.
• In 2010, she joined the US Defense Science Board.
• In 2014, she became a member of the NASA Advisory Council.
• In 2015, President Barack Obama chose her to be on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This group of top scientists and engineers gives advice directly to the President.

After Aerospace Corporation

In December 2017, Wanda Austin started her own company called MakingSpace, Inc. This company helps with leadership and STEM education. She is still its CEO.

On August 7, 2018, she was asked to be the temporary president of the University of Southern California. She helped lead the university during a difficult time. USC later created a special scholarship in her name to thank her. Today, she is a Trustee and a professor at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering.

Wanda Austin is also a member of many important groups. These include the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She helps lead discussions among top executives from big companies around the world. She also serves on the board of directors for companies like Chevron Corporation and Amgen Inc.. In January 2024, she was nominated to join the board of directors of Apple Inc..

Her Book

In 2016, Wanda Austin wrote a book called Making Space: Strategic Leadership for a Complex World. It shares her ideas on how to be a good leader.

Awards and Honors

Wanda Austin has received many awards for her contributions.

• She earned the National Intelligence Medallion for Meritorious Service.
• She also received the Air Force Scroll of Achievement.
• The National Reconnaissance Office gave her their Gold Distinguished Service Medal.
• The Aerospace Group named her Women of the Year and gave her the Robert H. Herndon Black Image Award.
• In 2007, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame.
• She received the Black Engineer of the Year Award in 2009.
• In 2010, she received the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management.
• She was also elected to the University of Southern California Board of Trustees in the same year.
• She received the Horatio Alger Award in 2012.
• In 2018, she received the USC Presidential Medallion.
• USC also gave her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2019.

See also

In Spanish: Wanda Austin para niños