Executive Director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT)
Executive in Residence (XIR), Space Foundation

Melanie Stricklan is the Executive Director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) and the Executive in Residence (XIR) at the Space Foundation, where she leads transformative initiatives to develop space talent, drive U.S. innovation, and provide strategic counsel on vision and execution strategies for the Space Foundation.

As Executive Director of SWFT, Melanie spearheads efforts to Inspire, Prepare, and Employ the next generation of space professionals. She oversees national workforce programs, industry partnerships, and data-driven talent development strategies to address the space industry’s growing STEM workforce challenge. Under her leadership, SWFT is driving National Space Day STEM competitions at the national level, expanding the National Space Intern Program, and leading a 30-company industry cohort committed to strengthening the space workforce pipeline.

In her role as Executive in Residence at the Space Foundation, Melanie provides strategic counsel on vision, execution strategies, and business operations, advising the CEO and senior leadership on organizational growth, industry collaboration, and long-term impact. She drives cross-sector partnerships, innovation initiatives, and enterprise-wide strategies to continue to position the Space Foundation as a global leader for space—connecting people, creating opportunities, and inspiring generations.

A seasoned aerospace executive, veteran, and entrepreneur, Melanie has been at the forefront of technical innovation, space technology, and national security initiatives. As co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, she pioneered AI-driven space domain awareness solutions, leveraging advanced analytics, digital engineering, and next-generation modeling to enhance decision-making for government and commercial space operators. Her expertise in workforce strategy, space technology, and business transformation continues to shape the future of the space industry.