Newly appointed chair, Katie Mouser, said the appointments represented a milestone for the organisation, “We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to the committee. Together, we can create lasting change that will propel the space industry forward,” Mouser said.
The Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA) received a record number of nominations for the positions.
“We were overwhelmed in the best possible way by the number of thoughtful, passionate and inspiring submissions,” Mouser said. “It’s a powerful reminder that we’re part of a growing community committed to a more inclusive and equitable space sector.”
The national committee now comprises 13 professionals spanning space, aerospace, research and development, and human resources. Two founding leaders, Mei He and Mitch Porteous, will step down later this year, moving to the advisory board in October.
They join continuing committee members: treasurer Anntonette Dailey, Dwayne Fernandes, Eleanor Ingram, Jacqui Tyack, Katie Mouser, Keira Chrystal, USAF Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Larry D James, and Dr Sheila Gough Kenyon.
The new appointees are:
- Emma Swift – Virgin Australia airline pilot, South Australian chair of Women in Aviation International, and advocate for First Nations participation and human factors in aviation and space. She is currently completing a master of aviation management specialising in human factors and safety.
- Georgi Coddington – ASTRA program director and youth space outreach leader, passionate about equity and access for under-represented groups. She is studying for a bachelor of engineering (mechatronics)/mathematics alongside a diploma in project management.
- Jessica Bayndrian (ASDA secretary) – Nova Systems project support specialist and RAAF reservist, currently undertaking a master of space operations.
- Mike Brennan – project manager at the University of Queensland and board director at Women in Aviation International, with expertise in defence, space, national security and inclusive workforce development.
- Sasha Robinson – founding partner at Flightdeck Group, with more than 30 years’ experience in aviation and aerospace. An award-winning leader, she has championed programs to expand career access and is active as a mentor, speaker and author.
Together, the committee will lead programs designed to educate, inspire and expand participation of under-represented groups in the space sector.
ASDA is also developing new opportunities for community involvement, including working groups, subcommittees and collaborative projects in areas of shared interest.
Looking ahead, the organisation is pushing for stronger accessibility and inclusion at the 76th International Astronautical Congress to be held in Sydney from 29 September to 3 October 2025.
ASDA was founded in March 2024 following momentum from the inaugural Diversity at the Frontier: Gender Equality in Space conference in Canberra in April 2023, which drew more than 100 participants to address inclusion, diversity, equality and access in the sector.
As a bipartisan, not-for-profit body, ASDA is committed to improving opportunities for diverse and marginalised groups, ensuring Australia’s space industry continues to evolve as dynamic, innovative and globally competitive.