Aisha Bowe’s journey is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the unrelenting pursuit of dreams. From being advised in high school to pursue cosmetology—despite no personal interest in the field—to becoming a NASA rocket scientist and soon-to-be astronaut, her story is one of breaking barriers and rewriting narratives. As she prepares for her upcoming spaceflight with Blue Origin, Bowe sat down to discuss her journey, the significance of her heritage, and her mission to inspire the next generation in STEM.

Bowe recalls the moment that could have shaped her future differently.

"My high school counselor suggested I pursue cosmetology—not because I had any interest in it, but because she didn’t see me as a strong student," she shares. "That exchange wasn’t just about a career path. It was about someone deciding my limits for me."

Rather than allowing that moment to define her, Bowe used it as fuel.

"I chose to bet on myself. Every step—community college, NASA, entrepreneurship, and now space—is about proving to myself and others that we are capable of more than what the world tells us."

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that limitations are often placed externally, but success is determined internally.

As a Bahamian-American, Bowe carries her heritage with pride, crediting her father’s influence in shaping her drive and determination.

"My father came to the U.S. for higher education, earning his engineering degree at 40, followed by a master’s and an MBA. He made me do math problems on napkins at dinner, telling me, ‘Your prize is in your mind. Mastering knowledge is something no one can take away from you.’"

Bowe’s father saw something in her before she saw it in herself, and that belief changed the trajectory of her life. Now, as she prepares to leave Earth, she carries his memory with her—both figuratively and literally.

"After he passed, I was gifted a star in his honor. Whenever I look up, I know he’s there, still guiding me forward."

For young individuals from underrepresented communities, Bowe offers words of encouragement: "Your dreams are valid. You are capable. If you ever need proof, just look up."

As part of her preparation for the upcoming Blue Origin mission, Bowe is undergoing intensive training at the NASTAR Center, where she will experience the physical demands of spaceflight.

"I’ll be training to handle G-forces up to 6 Gs, learning emergency procedures, and understanding the physiological effects of space travel. The STS-400 High Performance Human Centrifuge will simulate launch and reentry, pushing my body to its limits."

To prepare, Bowe has been focusing on both mental and physical endurance.

"I’m training like an athlete—working on core strength, endurance, and controlled breathing to prevent G-LOC (G-force induced loss of consciousness). Visualization techniques and astronaut-tested strategies help keep my mind sharp. The goal is to train hard so I can fully embrace the experience when the moment comes."

Her training is not just about personal readiness—it’s about ensuring that when she steps into the New Shepard capsule, she is prepared to conduct scientific research in microgravity and inspire others watching from Earth.

Bowe is not just going to space for personal achievement—she sees it as a stepping stone to inspire millions. As the founder of STEMBoard and the creator of LINGO, she has already introduced over 10,000 students to hands-on STEM learning, with a goal to reach 1 million.

"Space is the ultimate classroom. Through LINGO, we’re launching two new STEM lessons—‘Countdown to Launch’ and ‘Earth Observer’—to help students simulate real space missions. And during my flight, I’ll be conducting research in partnership with Winston-Salem University’s Astrobotany lab."

Her mission extends beyond scientific discovery—she’s carrying handwritten postcards from students across the world, symbolizing their dreams and aspirations.

"I want them to see themselves in me. To know that space is for anyone willing to build, dream, and explore."

Bowe recognizes that private space companies like Blue Origin are changing the landscape of space travel, opening doors that once seemed impossible.

"Private companies are making space accessible to more people, and that’s powerful. This isn’t just about astronauts—it’s about engineers, scientists, and dreamers seeing that there’s a place for them in the future of space exploration."

As she looks beyond her flight, Bowe is focused on expanding STEM education and ensuring more people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—see themselves in the aerospace industry.

"I want to see more people in space. More students realizing their potential. My journey proves that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. And I plan to use this experience to inspire and uplift others to reach for their own stars."

With her eyes set on the cosmos, Bowe proves that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.