Lynn McDonald

Space Industry Leader | Veteran | Entrepreneur

Region:          Northern America; Oceania

Field:              Space Engineering

Profile:     I have been in the Space industry for 25 years and I have loved every minute of it! I retired from the US Air Force as a Colonel in 2019. During my time in the US Air Force, I gained experience in satellite operations, space launch, operational test of space programs, space-based intelligence, systems engineering, and multiple executive and command positions. After retiring from the US Air Force, I started my own business in Space operations consulting and then joined Microsoft as a Space Engineer. I’m currently the Azure Space Lead for Microsoft in Australia. It’s an exciting time in the global Space industry and I’m thrilled to now be a part of the Australian Space industry.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University, Fresno; a Master of Business Administration, Leadership Studies from Baker College; a Master of Military Operational Art from US Air Force Air Command and Staff College; and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College. I am passionate about Space, leadership, mentoring, and fostering diversity and inclusion in Space and STEM industries. I love what I do in the Space industry, but my greatest joy comes from mentoring, coaching, and helping others achieve their goals. Stay tuned for my next entrepreneurial endeavor in this “space”!

Network Activities:     My focus for 2021 is contributing to the growth of the Australian Space industry and fostering inclusion and diversity in Space and STEM career fields. Specifically, I’m interested in enabling women in Space and STEM career fields, empowering them with knowledge, and mentoring women to achieve their goals.

Plans for 2021 include:

• Participate in speaking and mentoring events with Space4Women and Space organizations with a focus on elevating women’s voices and empowerment in STEM career fields.

• Transform my Space consulting business to focus on coaching women in STEM careers to map their career progression, create a plan to achieve their goals, and navigate challenges along the way.

• Create a blog and podcast focused on empowering women with essential and candid information to help them achieve their goals in Space and STEM.

• Create partnerships in industry and educational entities to increase young women’s opportunities in STEM career fields.