Yesterday we introduced you to one woman who will be speaking on our “Stellar Women in the Space Industry” panel May 13 as part of the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Mother’s Day Summit May 11-13, and we have another out-of-this-world leader from the panel to share with you today.
Dr. Adi Ninio Greenberg, a planetary scientist with expertise in new space trends, is a senior adviser at the Israel Space Agency and has served for over a decade in the Israel Air Force—ultimately serving as the head of the Space Technologies section, where she oversaw development projects in remote sensing systems, nano satellite constellations, air launch, and more. Ninio Greenberg is a founding member of the WiSpace Association, which helps professional women grow their careers in the Israeli space sector, as well as the founder of SpaceGirlz, an entrepreneurial program encouraging young women to pursue STEM-focused higher education through the excitement and challenge of space exploration.
Ninio Greenberg shares here about her enthusiasm for space and learning, independence, the power of community, and more. Read on, and don’t forget to register to watch her discussion next week!
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day? What do you hope to share with the world?
This is an opportunity to set an example that we can combine a scientific career and motherhood and succeed in both! This is an example for our children.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
The love for planetary sciences and the desire to promote it motivates me. Research, technological entrepreneurship, and education of the younger generation are important missions for me.
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is my MOM, Hana. She raised us to believe in ourselves and fulfill our dreams. My mother is an optimistic and strong woman, and on Mother’s Day I want to congratulate her.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I am a science and technology senior adviser at the Israel Space Agency.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
[The set of challenges mothers face] is not new, and in the COVID-19 year it even intensified, so that mothers pay the price. At home, my and my husband’s careers are equally important—and this is a message that is important to convey.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
As a mother, I am anxious about cases of violence towards children. The need to protect them, give them the confidence in themselves and provide them with the tools to protect themselves is very important. I think it is common to all mothers around the world.
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?
I think the world is changing but the change is too slow. I would like to accelerate processes to improve the state of education in the world and employment, and of course I would like to see full gender equality starting tomorrow morning.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I have received is to believe in myself and not hesitate to fulfill my dreams. It may be a cliché, but clichés become clichés because they are true.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Each generation is always more successful than its predecessor. My message, however, is that within the daily race and technological flooding, do not forget the basic and important skills: friendship, compassion, honesty, and helping others.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
When I was little, my dad taught me astronomy. He told me about the speed of light and the stars. Inspired by him, I decided to become a space explorer when I grew up.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Be attentive to yourself, be independent in thought and decision-making, and be at the forefront of your own stage.
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 complex issue because there is no one right answer and even if there is, it may change over time. It is important to be attentive to yourself and those around you, weigh the aspirations against the constraints, and choose what suits you considering the people who are important to you.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
My best advice is to learn what you love, become an expert as much as you can, and connect with a group or community of girls or women who share the same aspiration. Being part of a community may encourage and empower you on the path to achieving the goal.
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We’re so excited by the work done by Dr. Adi Ninio Greenberg—both in the space industry and in her work motivating and encouraging young women. Register for the Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit to learn from her and other extraordinary women from around the world leading the way, driving conversations, and inspiring the next generation.
