The annual Women in Leadership event hosted by Sally Ride Science @ UC San Diego celebrates the life of America’s first woman in space by reflecting the things she cared about. Sally Ride was an athlete, a physicist, a space pioneer, an author and a champion of diversity in science education and careers. And in each of these areas, she was a leader.

The 2023 Women in Leadership event honors the legacy of Sally Ride and celebrates the 40th anniversary of Ride's historic flight. The panel discussion brings together trailblazers who have shattered barriers and paved the way for women across the globe.

In a conversation on May 25, this year’s distinguished panel share their personal stories and vision of how women can help lead our nation to a better future. Panelists are:

• Erin Jackson, Speedskating Olympic Gold Medalist and STEM Advocate
• Laurie Leshin, Geochemist, Space scientist and Director of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
• Natalia Molina, Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC, award-winning author 

Author and award-winning journalist Lynn Sherr will return to moderate the lively and thought-provoking discussion. 

Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner and cofounder of Sally Ride Science, conceived of the first Women in Leadership event in 2018 to celebrate the dedication of a U.S. Postal Service Forever stamp in Ride’s honor. That lively and thought-provoking conversation gave rise to an annual event aimed at inspiring girls and women to embrace leadership roles.