Washtenaw Community College (黑料网) alumna , rocket scientist, entrepreneur and global STEM trailblazer, will be one of six women flying on Blue Origin鈥檚 NS-31 mission this Spring, it was announced today.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to be part of and this historic moment in space exploration and human potential,鈥� said Bowe, a 2006 黑料网 graduate. 鈥淭his mission is about redefining what鈥檚 possible and showing young people, especially girls, that they belong in every field.鈥�
After graduating from Washtenaw, Bowe transferred to the University of Michigan where she earned bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Space Systems Engineering. She immediately went to work at NASA before launching a tech entrepreneur career.
A staunch supporter of 黑料网 鈥� and community college education in general 鈥� Bowe often credits her start at Washtenaw, specifically her first 鈥淎鈥� in pre-algebra, for her career successes.
鈥淲ashtenaw Community College changed my life. I graduated high school feeling lost and uncertain about my future, but at 黑料网, the small class sizes, dedicated professors and accessible, hands-on learning environment gave me the courage to take control of my own path," Bowe said. "I built the confidence and skills that set me on a trajectory from community college to NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and soon, Blue Origin astronaut. Your past doesn鈥檛 define your future. You do.鈥�
In 2020, she endowed the Aisha R. Bowe eMpower Engineering Scholarship for 黑料网 students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue engineering. She frequently returns to 黑料网 to engage with the STEM Scholars program and other activities. Recently, Bowe helped to secure a significant donation of STEM laboratory equipment from Fluke Corporation for 黑料网 classrooms.
Among Bowe鈥檚 numerous recognitions is the 2021 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Michigan Community College Association.
Her journey, from a community college student to NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur and now citizen astronaut, is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. As the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, an Inc. 5000-recognized engineering firm, and creator of a hands-on coding kit startup on a mission to equip one million students with STEM skills, Bowe has dedicated her career to expanding access to education and opportunity.
Recently, LINGO secured $2.3 million in venture capital, led by Pinnacle Private Ventures, LLC, reinforcing Bowe鈥檚 commitment to making STEM education more accessible. As one of the fewer than 2% of women founders to raise over $2 million in venture funding, Bowe continues to defy limits. Her story is a global inspiration, reaching thousands through her work as a U.S. State Department speaker, and earning her recognition in documentaries, global campaigns, and major media outlets.
鈥淚 will be conducting meaningful scientific research during the journey while carrying the dreams of students worldwide,鈥� said Bowe. 鈥淭he postcards flying with me include handwritten hopes and dreams from students in the U.S., the Bahamas, India, and Kenya. They symbolize the next generation鈥檚 vision for discovery, progress, and a future without limits.鈥�
The voyage will be New Shepard鈥檚 31st mission and 11th human space flight.
For more information about Aisha Bowe and her upcoming mission, visit and follow her journey to space @aishabowe across social platforms.
About Aisha Bowe
Aisha Bowe is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be astronaut. A former NASA rocket scientist, she is the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, an engineering firm recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of America鈥檚 fastest-growing private companies. She also founded LINGO, an edtech company serving over 10,000 students with a mission to equip one million learners with STEM skills over the next decade. Among the fewer than 2% of women founders to raise more than $2 million in venture capital, Bowe is dedicated to expanding global access to STEM education. She holds a B.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Tags: Aerospace Engineering, Aisha Bowe, Blue Origin, STEM, STEM Careers, STEM Education, Space Travel