Wanda J Harding

From Atlanta to Mars and back, Wanda Harding is a Rocket Scientist turned STEAM Educator, Consultant, and Youth Ministry Leader. She is one of the only Christian Authors who has also had a career as a leader in the space industry.

Wanda launched her 20+ year career at NASA and became a Senior Mission Manager. One of her most notable missions was the Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover) launch in 2011. Wanda was the only woman of color with a senior leadership role in launching a mission. This leadership role continues to be underrepresented by minorities. During her time with NASA and since, Wanda has served as an inspiration and champion for young people, especially minorities, to pursue STEM Careers.

As a rising star at NASA, Wanda was recruited by NOAA to join the leadership team of the Joint Polar Satellite System program, paving the way for next-generation weather satellite technology. Following her tenure at NOAA, she was awarded the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship to pursue her calling and passion for becoming a full-time educator. She is now a part of the team focused on launching the future STEAM leaders as a high school Math teacher.

Wanda is a native of Atlanta, GA, and a graduate of Hampton University and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Harding earned a second master’s degree in education through the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship.

Her unique combination of experiences at NASA and NOAA, as a Math Department Chair, Middle and High School Teacher, and Musician, makes her one of the premier STEAM speakers, trainers, and consultants available.