Many Americans grew up dreaming of becoming astronauts or fighter pilots, yet certain terminology — “a man on the moon” or “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” — may have unintentionally left some women wondering where they fit into the narrative.
Fast forward to 2026, and Utah is leading the nation — and the world — in aerospace and defense, with countless brilliant women at the helm. From serving in military intelligence to producing fuel on Mars, these Utah women have had careers that have taken them, or their technologies, quite literally to the stars.
We asked about their journeys, their proudest contributions and how they hope to inspire the next generation of women. Here’s what they had to say.
“I was originally drawn to aerospace and defense through my Army service. … I experienced firsthand how much quality, reliability and performance matter when people’s lives and missions depend on equipment working exactly as intended. That perspective stayed with me and ultimately pushed me toward building technologies that operators can trust. … Many innovations originally developed for defense applications eventually shape industries and everyday life far beyond their initial purpose.
“We need to bring women into the action earlier and give them more direct exposure to the mission, technology and problem-solving that define this industry. … The more we connect students with mentors, real engineering challenges, internships and leadership opportunities, the more we will build a generation of women who see themselves not only participating in this industry but also shaping its future and the broader advancement of science and technology.”
Caroline Chapdelaine
Co-Founder & CEO | Northstar Photonics
Caroline Chapdelaine is the co-founder and CEO of Northstar Photonics, a manufacturer of advanced optical equipment for aerospace and defense. In addition to receiving an MBA, she served as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence officer, leading combat and intelligence missions including assignments in Korea, Thailand and Afghanistan.
“A childhood fascination with the space program drove me to study mechanical engineering, where I was captivated by the sheer complexity and diversity of aerospace challenges. … I remain incredibly energized by collaborating with over 500 innovative organizations to redefine the art of the possible and solve the next generation of problem sets.
“The most critical step [to inspire and prepare the next generation of women] is actively demonstrating the real-world impact and deep sense of purpose a career in aerospace and defense offers. Aerospace and defense work is done best through strong teams, and we must make it clear that their unique perspectives and talents are not just welcome but absolutely critical to developing the best possible solutions for our most complex, evolving challenges.”
Misty Dawson | CTO | ARM Institute
Misty Dawson is CTO of the ARM Institute (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing). She has led the successful delivery of complex solutions for flight hardware, precision optics and simulation products across fast jet, rotary, space and fixed-wing platforms, serving top-tier defense contractors and commercial airlines worldwide.
“I’m most proud of my contributions towards developing our company’s culture of continuous improvement. I’ve helped support the efficient production of reliable products used in critical aerospace and defense applications. What keeps me excited today is knowing that continuous improvement efforts directly contribute to product quality, mission success and the advancement of technologies that have a real-world impact.
“To inspire the next generation of women to enter this industry, young women need opportunities to see themselves in technical and leadership roles through mentorship, hands-on STEM experiences and direct connections with women already succeeding in aerospace and defense.”
Jessica Lohse | Lean Six Sigma Leader | Nammo Composite Solutions
Jessica Lohse is a Lean Six Sigma Leader at Nammo Composite Solutions. She uses the knowledge gained through her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification to drive process improvement, focusing on data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency. Joining as a process engineer in 2017, Lohse is a catalyst for data-driven improvements and was recognized among Utah’s prominent women in advanced manufacturing.
“My proudest contribution is one still in progress, … a NASA-funded follow-on to the MOXIE experiment. … Our new project … [produces] propellant — oxygen and methane — from the Martian atmosphere itself so that future astronauts have the fuel they need to return home.
“Young women might self-select out of industries like clean energy, aerospace and defense because they never see themselves reflected in the room — not just in the engineers, but in the people running programs, writing proposals, managing partnerships and shaping strategy. The message they receive, often unintentionally, is that you have to be technical to belong. … I don’t come from a technical background, and I work on some of the most advanced electrochemical and synthetic fuel systems in the country.
“The idea that a small team in North Salt Lake, Utah, is contributing to the infrastructure of interplanetary exploration is something I find genuinely thrilling, and I don’t think that feeling will ever get old.”
— Emily Pilstl | Director, Project Management | OxEon Energy
Emily Pilstl is the director of project management at OxEon Energy, an advanced technology and equipment manufacturing company that produces solutions for sustainable synthetic fuels. She leads the execution of cutting-edge projects in sustainable aviation fuel production and solid oxide electrolysis for space applications.