TL;DR:
Aisha Bowe, a Black woman astronaut and tech innovator, is building pathways to the stars for AfroNouveau youth. From NASA to STEMBoard to spaceflight, her story is one of resilience, brilliance, and inclusive STEM leadership.
The AfroNouveau 100
Aisha Bowe, a Black woman astronaut and aerospace engineer, didn’t just break barriers—she launched beyond them. From NASA to founding a tech company, her story inspires AfroNouveau futures. As an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and future commercial astronaut, Bowe stands as a beacon of possibility for the AfroNouveau generation. Her story proves that with vision, purpose, and community, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
Learn more about Aisha Bowe’s astronaut journey.
From Michigan to the Stars
A young girl born in Michigan to a Jamaican father and African American mother, Aisha’s journey into aerospace wasn’t linear. In high school, she struggled with math and didn’t see herself as “engineer material.” However, everything changed in community college. A professor saw her potential and challenged her to think bigger. She listened and soared.
She went on to earn degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. Later, she became a NASA engineer, working on high-performance aircraft and next-generation flight technologies. Bowe didn’t just enter a room where few Black women were present, she carved her mark in this room.
STEM With Purpose
In 2013, she founded STEMBoard, a tech company focused on engineering solutions and educational access. Through her company, Bowe has created tools that help underserved youth learn to code, build confidence, and imagine futures in science and tech. In 2022, the company became a recipient og the Nunn-Perry Award. In 2024, she received the STEM for Her’s Woman of the Year Award. An award truly deserving for Bowe.
One of her major initiatives, Lingo, is a hands-on coding kit used in schools across the U.S. and internationally. It makes tech accessible, inclusive, and fun—especially for students of color who don’t often see themselves reflected in tech fields.
Don’t put limits on what you think you can achieve and in fact, don’t be afraid to think that you can achieve that very thing and go even further.
Aisha Bowe: Making History as an Astronaut
In 2022, Aisha announced that she would become the first Black woman slated to fly to space with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company. This moment wasn’t just historic, it was deeply personal. It sent a powerful message to girls and women of African descent everywhere: you belong here.
Her future flight places her among a rare class of Black women in space history—following legends like Mae Jemison—but it also adds a new chapter: one driven by private space exploration, entrepreneurship, and representation.
Aisha Bowe Astronaut: AfroNouveau STEM Visionary
Aisha Bowe represents more than a success story. She is the embodiment of AfroNouveau ideals—fusing innovation, cultural pride, and global impact. Her visibility is revolutionary in a sector long lacking diverse faces. Above all, it’s her commitment to pulling others up with her that makes her legacy undeniable.
From keynote speeches to youth mentorship, she uses her platform to empower the next generation. And she does it with authenticity, always proud of her roots and never afraid to bring her full self to every boardroom, classroom, or launch pad.
You, too, Can Reach for the Stars
Aisha Bowe is proof that brilliance and Blackness not only coexist, they elevate each other. She’s not just reaching for the stars, she’s clearing the path for others to follow and become. In her, the AfroNouveau movement finds a fearless trailblazer, a cultural connector, and a reminder that every orbit begins with a bold step forward.
When Aisha Bowe rises, we all rise. Join us as we celebrate the AfroNouveau 100 who take our dreams and aim for the stars
See also our feature on Usain Bolt’s AfroNouveau legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Aisha Bowe?
A: Aisha Bowe is a Black woman astronaut, engineer, and tech entrepreneur. She is the founder of STEMBoard and will fly to space with Blue Origin.
Q: Why is Aisha Bowe important?
A: She’s a trailblazer for women of color in aerospace, education, and entrepreneurship—making history and creating access for future generations.
Wawa Gatheru’s climate justice story echoes the same purpose-driven leadership.”
