We’re thrilled to introduce you to Christina Korp, co-founder of Space For A Better World, who joined us for a second time last month during our Amplifying Her Voice: In Moms We Trust summit to speak about space, technology, women leaders, research, and caring for our planet.
Korp, also known as the Astronaut Wrangler and also Buzz Aldrin’s former manager, is a marketing executive, producer, educator, science advocate, and “space believer.” Last year she produced “Our Story 100: Portraits of Change,” an interactive photo mosaic and art installation honoring the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote in the United States. She has also co-produced the Apollo 50th Gala at the Kennedy Space Center, co-produced the Emmy-nominated and Webby-winning “Buzz Aldrin’s Cycling Pathways to Mars” VR experience.
Here, she discusses women she admires, making a difference in the world, and making space for everyone.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
Space for a Better World. [I came to share] ways space research, development and technology are the keys to saving our planet.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
Making a difference in the world.
Who is your role model, and why?
Michelle Obama. She is the embodiment of grace, intelligence, empathy, and kindness: a true leader in the world. And NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, because she’s not only an accomplished explorer as an astronaut, aquanaut, engineer and artist—she truly wants to use her experience to help save our planet and promote the idea of our shared humanity as Earthlings on the same planet.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
SPACE For a Better World at www.allforabetterworld.com.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Women carry the burden of looking after their families for domestic needs, but they are also increasingly the breadwinner of the family. It’s a lot. Finding a way to make time to take care of themselves is one of the toughest things facing women who are usually taking care of others.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
Women are often the primary people directly affected by these issues. There are too many reasons to list on the systemic issues that make this true.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
More mothers are full-time working mothers now. And like myself, many women are the primary breadwinners of their families. My hope is that that will also lead to equal opportunities for our daughters in the future.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Tell yourself yes. Many times we talk ourselves out of opportunities. Often we are our own worst advocates. Be your own advocate.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
That we are all humans on the same planet. One thing that this pandemic has shown us is that we share the good and the bad. We need to take better care of each other and the world around us. Going to space really drives that home. Once we leave Earth it’s clear we are all Earthlings and we need to treat each other like crewmates.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
My grandmother on my father’s side, Mary Ann Rasch, had a huge impact on me. She had a humble start, she worked in a factory her whole career and she didn’t get to travel as much as she would have liked, but she had such a great sense of humor and never took herself too seriously. Her spirit stays with me all the time.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Remember not to forget to take care of yourself. We’re so busy looking after others that sometimes we forget to get the rest we need.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
This is a tough topic because I tend to be a workaholic. It’s partially because I love the work that I do. But since I’ve had kids, I’ve tried to eat dinner without a phone nearby. We watch family-friendly programs after dinner and spend time together as a family. Making time for family as a priority shows how important it is to step away from work. Also, as an American, I think we need to take family vacations more seriously. Other people in the world tend to do a better job at this than us.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
I think in past generations women were worried about the lack of opportunity so they found themselves competing with each other. But I think we’re finding that we’re a lot more successful if we work together to provide more places for more women at the table. I love working with other women who value our talents, skills and expertise and finding ways to complement what each of us bring to the table.
It’s not a competition. Life has room for everyone.
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We are so excited and honored to continue working with Christina Korp, all the remarkable women in the space industry, and so many more accomplished leaders in their fields. We’re moved by the enthusiasm, support, and generosity shared by these talented women as they advocate for progress, for women, and for all of humanity. Keep following us for more stories about incredible women, and make sure you register for Amplifying Her Voice: Stronger Together to catch Korp again as she discusses inclusion and investing in space tech—and as we’re joined by the men and fathers in our lives in honor of Father’s Day.
