Natalie's experience as a woman working in a non-traditional field and a male-dominated industry offers a unique perspective on revolutionizing women in technology. Degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, a career in the aerospace industry, and working at NASA provided Nathalie with an opportunity to change the perception of women in STEM and encourage the next generation of women to embrace challenging and innovating careers that can positively shape our future. She works passionately for a different future and forges ahead to blaze a new trail and empower women in the fields of science, technology engineering, and technology. In this talk, Natalie shares her experiences and what is possible for women in STEM fields and how we can motivate young women to embrace technology.
Natalie is an intelligent, insightful, energetic speaker who infuses powerful storytelling with a down-to-earth personality. She brings an unrivaled passion for ideas that inspires audiences to embrace the learning process: demand the most of themselves, commit to a goal, and develop intellectual fortitude. Natalie is on a mission to inspire the next generation of female game-changers to dive head-on into challenge and pursue careers in engineering and technology. She shares a powerful narrative infused with valuable takeaways.
Natalie has had some extraordinary experiences that have shaped her dreams of becoming an astronaut, including internships at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center and Ames Research Center, where she worked on a mission to Mars. At age 20, she was the first female driver of the University of Calgary's inaugural solar-powered vehicle which raced up from Texas to Calgary. With degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nathalie has also co-authored papers on Microgravity Combustion and On-orbit Satellite Servicing. Her love of space and aviation led her to obtain a private pilot's license to fly a single-engine aircraft.
The Financial Post described Natalie as "a vocal advocate for women in technology". She is a technology contributor for The Next Women Business Magazine and was featured on the editorial site Women You Should Know as a STEM Rock Star who is revolutionizing how we think about women in tech. Natalie is also both a mentor and program adviser for Cybermentor, through the University of Calgary.