Cosmic Girls Foundation Founder and CEO Dr. Mindy Howard is fueling some exciting dreams for the future--for girls all over the world.

"I know what it...takes to get to space," she says.

"...I think I can help other people get there faster."

Mindy, who is an astronaut trainer and future astronaut, founded her Netherlands-based nonprofit in 2022.

The goal: to provide girls, ages 14-19, with STEM education and skills training to become astronauts--and more.

And Mindy is drawing on considerable expertise, to do so.

A candidate on NASA's "Highly Qualified" astronaut list, she is Founding Director of Inner Space Training, which prepares commercial astronauts, mentally, for space travel.

In addition, as an author and speaker, she teaches leadership skills, drawing on her training as an astronaut. (Check out her book, Blast Off! Train Like an Astronaut for Success on Earth, as well as her TEDx Talk!)

The mission of Cosmic Girls Foundation

"We empower girls globally to become pioneers in the new space economy leading humanity into the cosmos ," says Cosmic Girls Foundation's vision statement on their website.

Accordingly, Cosmic Girls Foundation offers multiple programs with international partners.

Girls can sign up to work with mentors and learn skills including satellite design, leadership, design thinking and much more.

Several of the programs offer virtual space missions, with participants completing simulated mission tasks, while others include public speaking, creativity and career exploration.

In addition, Cosmic Girls Foundation gives girls the opportunity to learn from, and connect with, science professionals, through their virtual Speaker Series.

There's also a "Cosmic Forum", in which girls with similar STEM interests can connect and offer one another guidance and support.

"...I realized what we needed to do is to build a community,so that girls can see other like-minded girls ...and having girls ...online all over the world share their...dreams, their 'geekiness', ...and they're helping each other, so that's kind of the first...element," Mindy says.

How to get involved

And Mindy says Cosmic Girls Foundation is seeking additional partnerships and mentors for these young women, as well as donations to their program. She welcomes potential partners to reach out through the website.

Mindy talked about her journey as a space professional, shared the story of Cosmic Girls Foundation and outlined her vision for the future.