Shelli Brunswick is a globally respected leader shaping the future of the space ecosystem through strategic leadership, advocacy, and education. As Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation, Shelli oversees the organization’s three core divisions—Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance—driving impact across industry, government, academia, and communities worldwide.
From Military Service to Global Space Leadership
Shelli’s journey into the space sector began with her service in the United States Air Force, where she joined directly out of high school. While serving, she pursued her education at night—an early demonstration of the discipline, resilience, and determination that would define her career. She went on to become a space acquisition and program management officer, working on critical space-related projects at a time when access to the industry was largely limited to civil agencies and the military.
Her final years on active duty were spent on Capitol Hill as a congressional liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she gained firsthand experience navigating space policy, budgets, and appropriations. This chapter gave her deep insight into advocacy, collaboration, and the policy processes that underpin large-scale innovation.
A Career Built in Chapters—and Purpose
Shelli often describes her career as unfolding in distinct chapters. Early assignments in Turkey and Germany exposed her to diverse cultures and perspectives, shaping her global outlook. Her transition from enlisted service to commissioned officer marked a pivotal moment—connecting her deeply to the vast potential of the space industry. She later earned her master’s degree, completed Air War College, and emerged as a leader uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, policy, and workforce development.
Her current chapter at Space Foundation, particularly through the launch of the Center for Innovation and Education, represents what she considers her most impactful phase yet—one defined by scale, opportunity, and the ability to influence lives worldwide.
A Global Voice for Workforce Development and Inclusion
Shelli is a prolific author and contributor to leading consumer, technology, and space-focused publications, including SpaceNews and the Forbes Technology Council. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, she delivered more than 100 speeches and presentations in a single year, addressing audiences across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas on leadership, career navigation, and workforce development.
Her influence extends beyond stages and publications. In recognition of her commitment to empowering women in technology, Shelli was named Role Model of the Year (2020) by the WomenTech Network.
Creating Access Through Space
When asked about her next big dream, Shelli is clear and unwavering: to create access and opportunity around the world through space-inspired curriculum, entrepreneurship, and teacher training. Her vision centers on unlocking the practical benefits of space technology for everyday life—ensuring innovation reaches all communities, not just a select few.
“I want to change the world by unlocking opportunities through partnership and collaboration to ensure all people are benefiting from space technology innovation in their daily lives. Together we can change the world.”
A Leader Shaping the Future
Shelli Brunswick’s leadership is defined by purpose, partnership, and global perspective. By bridging government, industry, and education, she continues to expand who gets to participate in—and benefit from—the rapidly evolving space economy. Her work stands as a powerful reminder that the future of space is not only about exploration, but about people, access, and shared progress.
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