IRON DAMES VISIT NASA TO ADVANCE WOMEN IN SPORTS AND STEM

With March being Women’s History Month in the United States, focusing on women who advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting had the opportunity to make a special visit to NASA ahead of the 12 Hours of Sebring in the IMSA Sportscar Championship. The visit served as a platform to highlight the Iron Dames’ commitment to promoting women in all spheres of sport and to inspire other women with values of passion, determination, and excellence.

The drivers presented the Iron Dames project at the Kennedy Space Center’s MBR (Mission Briefing Room) to almost 150 NASA team members who contribute to the agency’s ground-breaking work. Topics ranged from Deborah Mayer’s vision of a revolutionary project, to navigating and succeeding in male-dominated sectors, to sharing personal career highlights and challenges. The exchange concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing both the Iron Dames and NASA team members to engage in meaningful discussions and share insights into their respective fields.
 
The itinerary continued with visits to various NASA facilities, including the Launch Control Center (LCC) and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Additionally, the Iron Dames had the opportunity to take part in a driving tour of the Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) area to witness the iconic launch pads, further highlighting the intersection of technology, engineering, and motorsport.

This collaborative initiative not only showcased the achievements of women in both motorsport and space exploration but also emphasised the shared values of perseverance, innovation, and breaking barriers. Through experiences like this, the Iron Dames hope to encourage greater representation and opportunities for women in industries and inspire more women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.