Women’s Equality Day celebrates the approval of the 19th Amendment, recognizing the monumental strides women have made in achieving equality. In observance of this day, we highlight Katherine Hawley, a LEO User Engagement Scientist with NOAA’s Office of Low Earth Orbit Observations (LEO).
In a conversation below, we spoke to Katherine to learn more about her role in managing user engagement for LEO satellite data products, helping to showcase the essential contributions of women in science and technology.
What is your job title and what do you do?
My title is "LEO User Engagement Scientist.” I serve as the manager of user engagement for LEO satellite and data products. In this role I establish and implement strategy, objectives, and performance measures for user engagement focused projects. I help the LEO team prioritize work, and develop user engagement activities and projects to support LEO's mission. A major part of my job is building relationships across NESDIS, NOAA and external communities to ensure mission success.
What is your favorite part about working for LEO/JPSS?
I have the opportunity to work with a fantastic team to help determine the future of our LEO satellite constellation. Being part of this mission allows me to contribute to something meaningful and make a positive impact on humanity.
Who is your biggest inspiration and how have they impacted you and your work?
Honestly, many people are an inspiration to me. But if I had to select a single person that has impacted my work and has inspired me to be the best person I can be, that would be Barbara Watson. She is the retired Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Forecast Office in State College, PA., and was my mentor for many years. She helped guide me through many challenges of my career and is someone who I want to become. She is a strong, compassionate, bold, and inspirational leader and lives by incredible leadership values. She has not only supported my career, but so many among NOAA. I hope one day to become half the inspirational leader she is.
How has your background impacted the work that you contribute to day-to-day?
I was raised in Dewey, a small rural community in northeast Oklahoma. I take great pride in my upbringing in this rural setting and have integrated many of the community values I learned there into my life. However, the environment I grew up in did not always fully embrace diversity, and support for women pursuing careers in science, engineering, or mathematics was limited. This view on diversity played a role in my drive to succeed in my career, but continues to influence how I view teamwork and I try to create equitable and diverse environments. When I participate in LEO community outreach events, I encourage everyone to dream big, and help guide them on where to get information and how they can jump onto opportunities. I want to help make their dreams come true, and show them that it is possible.
On Women’s Equality Day, reflecting on the adoption of the 19th Amendment, how has the evolution of women's rights influenced your daily work contributions?
I am incredibly grateful to be living in a period where women have the right to vote, buy a house, own their own credit card, and have financial freedom. Especially in today's political landscape, I do not take for granted "our" right to vote. This right to vote paved the path for so many of the women's rights that we have today—ranging from maternity leave, to equal pay, to having a voice. This has paved the way for me to push boundaries, stand up for what is right in the workplace, and move forward in my career while having a family. I am not sure that would be possible today, if the adoption of the 19th amendment did not take place.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in your field?
Dream big, try different career paths, and do not be afraid to fail. It is more than ok to not fully know what you want to do for the rest of your life. And it's ok to make mistakes. Some of the best lessons I have ever learned in my career and shaped me to where I am today was because I failed.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a new mom and I have a first degree black belt in Taekwondo.