Dr. Peggy Whitson

A renowned NASA astronaut named one of TIME’s Most Influential People and one of Forbes’ 50 Over 50, Peggy Whitson shares insight on leadership, building resilient teams, developing soft skills for success, and the importance of STEM education.

An inspirational leader dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and advancing our understanding of space, Peggy Whitson has over 37 years of experience with NASA. Throughout her career, she has held various positions there, including Chief of Astronaut Office, Commander of the International Space Station, Chair of Astronaut Selection Board, Operations Branch Chief, Deputy Division Chief for both Medical Sciences and the Astronaut Office, and Co-chair of the US/Russian Mission Science Working Group. 

In addition to being the first female commander of the ISS and the first female nonmilitary Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, Whitson was the first female commander of a private space mission with Axiom. Currently the Director of Human Spaceflight for Axiom, she is training to command the company’s fourth private astronaut mission, the Axiom AX-4, set to launch in 2024.

Whitson’s many awards and accolades include Forbes’ 50 Over 50, Glamour’s Woman of the Year, TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World, and she is the recipient of the Women in Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been honored with various NASA medals in Leadership, Outstanding Leadership, and Exceptional Service.