Amelia Earhart Leadership for Space Careers

We are proud to announce that the Leading Women Toward Space Careers program has changed. It has been broadened and expanded into “Amelia Earhart Leadership for Space Careers.” We have been able to name our program after a leader and a path breaker, a woman who symbolizes innovation, expertise, leadership, adventure, and is a classic American hero.

In 1934, Purdue President Edward C. Elliott heard Amelia Earhart speak at the 4th annual Women’s Conference on Current Problems in New York City. In her commentary, she challenged women to be anything they wanted to be and even pursue careers/jobs traditionally held by men. President Elliott offered her a position to come to Purdue to serve as a visiting professor and consultant in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, as well as a career counselor in the Office of the Dean of Women. In 1935 she arrived on campus, specifically to mentor women and to serve as a beacon that would encourage more women to study at Purdue.

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