Space Commerce Institute Partners with Azercosmos to Launch Mentorship Program for Women in Azerbaijan

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 24, 2024 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute is partnering with Azercosmos, Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to launch a three-month program, Space Mentorship for Women.

The program will connect five women inspiring to be in the space industry, ages 18-35 from Azerbaijan, with five international industry experts. These mentors meet with their mentees one-on-one each month, and these sessions will be supplemented by monthly seminars from other space industry experts. By fostering a supportive community, the program aims to empower these women to unlock their full potential and engage in global collaboration.

Mentors include:

• Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship, Space Foundation
• Natavan Hasanova, strategy and business development director, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Esmira Bayramova, DevOps manager, Capella Space
• Ramatha Sørensen, program manager, OIP Space Instruments
• Alexandra Jercaianu, strategic partnerships and business development Expert | SGAC DGE-PG Member

Kelli Kedis Ogborn remarked, “In space, mentorship is crucial. It’s not about gender or borders; it’s about diverse global perspectives driving innovation, exploration and the future of the industry. We are proud to partner with Azercosmos for this important program and play our part in advancing the next generation of women Azerbaijani space leaders. The future is ours to build together.”

Space Mentorship for Women will collaborate with international initiatives, including the UNOOSA Space4Women Mentorship Program. This program provides personalized mentorship for women, guiding them on their educational and career paths. With the objective of kindling a passion for space-related fields, the program seeks to instill confidence in women, empowering them to pursue careers within the space industry.

“Individually we are one drop, but together we are an ocean. The partnership with Space Foundation is another great milestone in projects related to women’s empowerment,” said Strategy and Business Development Director at Azercosmos Natavan Hasanova. “Being a guide and mentor for women specifically in space industry-related education and careers is a challenge and myriad wonders. Hopefully, our collaboration will lead to fruitful results and continuous joint projects.”

The program is scheduled to take place March-May 2024. The deadline to submit the application is Feb.14; apply here: https://forms.gle/u7CrmcQrkgxdrpHt8.

About Space Commerce Institute

Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education , is dedicated to opening and expanding opportunities to connect with the most dynamic economy in the world through information, experience, training, mentorship and consultancy. With jobs, services and markets forecasted for considerable growth, Space Commerce Institute allows participants to learn from experts who have perfected what it takes to navigate the evolving mandates from concept to creation and grow businesses in the global space economy. Capitalizing on four decades of advocacy for the space community and leveraging Space Foundation’s unparalleled global network of space leaders, Space Commerce Institute provides accessible, actionable, tangible and targeted programming to bridge the knowledge gap and move participants swiftly toward their goals. To learn more about Space Commerce Institute, visit: www.SpaceFoundation.org/sci.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Commerce Institute, Azercosmos, Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan,  UNOOSA Space4Women Mentorship Program, space mentorship, space industry, space commerce, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate, space exploration, space education, space derived, entrepreneurship, women empowerment

Media Contacts:

Nigar Kazimova
External Public Relations and Communications Manager
Azercosmos
994553453099

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]

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