20 Facts About Wanda Austin

Wanda M Austin was born on 1954 and is a former president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation.

Wanda Austin was both the first woman, and the first African-American, to hold this position.

Wanda Austin was both the first woman, and the first African-American, to hold this position.

Wanda Austin graduated from the Bronx High School of Science.

Wanda Austin joined The Aerospace Corporation in 1979, where she served in numerous senior management and executive positions including senior vice president of the corporation's Engineering and Technology Group.

Wanda Austin served as CEO for ten years and retired on October 1,2016.

In 2009, Wanda Austin served as a member of the US Human Space Flight Plans Committee.

In 2015, Wanda Austin was selected by President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Wanda Austin was succeeded by the university's permanent replacement, Carol Folt, in 2019.

Wanda Austin is currently the Trustee and Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering.

Wanda Austin is a member of the California Council on Science and Technology, the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the International Academy of Astronautics and a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Wanda Austin is a World 50 executive advisor, fostering peer-to-peer discussions among senior executives from some of the world's largest companies.

Wanda Austin previously served on the board of directors of the Space Foundation on the board of trustees for the National Geographic Society.

Wanda Austin continues to serve on the board of directors of the Chevron Corporation, Amgen Inc.

In 2016, Wanda Austin published a book called Making Space: Strategic Leadership for a Complex World.

Wanda Austin is a recipient of the National Intelligence Medallion for Meritorious Service, the Air Force Scroll of Achievement, and the National Reconnaissance Office Gold Distinguished Service Medal.

Wanda Austin was named Women of the Year award and received the Robert H Herndon Black Image Award from The Aerospace Group.

Wanda Austin was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2007, and received the Black Engineer of the Year Award in 2009.

Wanda Austin was elected to the University of Southern California Board of Trustees in the same year.

Wanda Austin is a recipient of the 2012 Horatio Alger Award and the 2012 NDIA Peter B Teets Industry award.