A KEY PART OF NASA'S SUCCESS IN AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND SPACE EXPLORATION ROBYN GORDON

ByShelleyM.Shockley PWMManagingEditor

NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has played a pivotal role in our country's advancements in aeronautics and space exploration since its inception in 1941. The Center was established as a research laboratory for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) focusing on aircraft engine research.

According to the Cleveland Historical, a free mobile app developed by the Center for Public History + Digital Humanities at Cleveland State University, the 1940s era research laboratory was “responsible for key aeronautic jet propulsion advancements during World War II.” Further noting the use of wind tunnel testing, NACA developed airfoil shapes for wings and propellers, which simplified aircraft design and improved their performance.

After NACA became NASA in 1958, the research center shifted much of its focus to rocket propulsion and the development of hydrogen and nuclear fuels for rockets. The Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, “propelled America's entry into the space race.” Their level of expertise in rocket propulsion gained the Cleveland laboratory recognition as a leader in these systems, and hydrogen fuel was a key technology that enabled America to land on the Moon and return safely to Earth.

Space programs supported by NASA Glenn include the Mercury, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. These contributions continue today as the researchers, engineers, scientists and administrative staff worked to develop and test technology to support the agency's efforts to revolutionize air travel and send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under Artemis.

As the Director, Center Operations Directorate at NASA's Glenn Research Center, Robyn Gordon is an integral part of this larger mission. As her biographical sketch notes, “she manages organizational objectives, direction, resource allocation, strategic initiatives, and institutional functions” to enable NASA's programs.

While this position was not the childhood dream of Gordon, we learned through our recent conversation the ultimate job opportunity can come after a circuitous journey Here we share Gordon's journey in her own words, edited for clarity.

We begin by learning about her childhood, offering insight into what paths she chose, and how these decisions have shaped her professional life.

Phenomenal Woman: Introduce yourself to our readers, is Cleveland your hometown? If so, what area?

RG: Cleveland is my hometown. While I enjoy visiting many areas of Cleveland and each has its own positive attributes, I am unapologetically partial to the eastside. I grew up in Warrensville Heights and currently live in Beachwood. While I've lived in other places, including Los Angeles and Washington, DC, and have done a fair amount of travel across our country and around the world, I feel Cleveland is one of the best kept secrets. When you come across people from Cleveland in other cities, they always want to let you know they are from Cleveland also So, there is a lot of love for our area.

Phenomenal Woman: Tell us a little about your childhood, do you have siblings, what were your favoriteactivitiesgrowingup?

RG: I had an exciting childhood. I am the quintessential middle child, I have a sister and a brother who are older than me, and a younger sister I spent a lot of time with friends and family riding my bike, going to the movies, Geauga Lake, our community pool (even though I am not a very good swimmer); just participating in a lot of fun activities. However, my favorite thing to do was to go to the library, I could spend all day there. My love of the library had a lot to do with me being a good student. My family put a big emphasis on church and getting a good education. I participated in many activities in my church.

Phenomenal Woman: What were your favorite subjects in high school? What extracurricular activitiesdidyouparticipatein?

RG: I worked hard and did well in all my classes in high school, but my favorite subjects were English, History and Music. I played the flute in the band. Athletically, I was a member of the varsity track team during high school. I ran the 110, 220, and 440 relay events. I was good enough to win a few medals in league and regional competitions.

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Phenomenal Woman: What inspired you to study HumanResourceManagement?

RG: I took one Labor History class during my first year at Cleveland State University, and I was hooked. I was fascinated with how your career field, your job, and access to employment governs so many other aspects of most people's lives. I wanted to study Human Resource Management to learn how to maximize opportunities for myself and to help others achieve their life goals.

Phenomenal Woman: What was your dream job? Hasthatdreambecomereality?

RG: My dream job originally was to be a leader in the fashion industry. I wanted to create fashion, however when your drawing ability is at stick figure level, and you are a marginal seamstress, that dream quickly loses forward momentum. I did work briefly as a wardrobe assistant on a couple of music videos but that's a hard career field to break into and a college schedule didn't exactly mesh with the work schedule. After participating in the Labor History class, my dream job became to work in the Human Resources field and eventually evolved into wanting to be a Human Resources Director for a large Public Agency. So eventually, with my work with the City of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County Public Library and with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), my dream has become a reality I feel very fortunate because everyone doesn't get to have their dream career

Phenomenal Woman: You have held leadership positions at the City of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County Public Library, can you tell us a little about these positions and how they prepared you for your tenurewithNASA?

RG: I served in several positions while working with the City of Cleveland. The greatest lessons I learned through all my time there was the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the services we provided to the city and its residents. I served as a project manager and legislative assistant for the Department of Engineering and Construction and as the Labor Relations Officer and Personnel Director for the Department of Port Control which manages the city's airports and harbors. My time with Port Control and my role as Equal Employment Opportunity/Labor Relations Officer for the Cuyahoga County Public Library were most aligned with my role as Human Resources Director for NASA Glenn Research Center. These experiences led to me being rated the most highly qualified candidate when I applied for the position with NASA. All the jobs are similar in the complex nature of the work, the need for problem solving skills and accomplishinggoals with limited resources.

Phenomenal Woman: Describe a typical workday, if thatexists.

RG: There is no typical day. Every day is different even if it's an “ordinary day” Although the days are heavily scheduled with meetings and actions, it's rare that a day will go as planned. While each day is unique, I still must oversee the Offices of Protective Services; and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Engagement; the Lean Six-Sigma Program, Logistical and Technical Information Division, and Procurement Division. It is important that these organizations function at the highest level to ensure that NASA meets its programmatic goals and commitments to the American public.

Phenomenal Woman: You oversee several sections/departments, would you say they are interrelated,howso?

RG: On the surface it may seem that the functions are independent, but the groups operate collaboratively and are interrelated to provide support across the entire Center and, ultimately, the Agency. The service delivery or actions of one group can influence another group's work commitments, so it's necessary that we communicate daily, and forecast and plan operations as a unit. During emergent situations we are working together, in constant contact to support the Center

Phenomenal Woman: Is there an area that is most challenging,howso?

RG: All the areas are unique in their own way and come with different challenges. On a particular day one area may be more challenging than the others, but it won't be long before the focus needs to shift to make another area a priority We work hard to overcome the challenges because if Center Operations doesn't function effectively, the Center can't function.

Phenomenal Woman: What part of your job brings youthemostjoy?

RG: There are many things I really like about the job, but the most rewarding aspect is seeing the growth and success of the Center employees, especially those I helped to recruit and hire to work at NASA. During my NASA career, I spent a lot of time attending STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Career Conferences and making recruiting trips to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) promoting NASA Glenn and working with students to help them obtain employment with NASA. It is very rewarding to see those employees ascend in their careers and also to watch as they, in turn, help others begin NASA careers. There is such great opportunity to make scientific and technology contributions while working at NASA and to get the best of those contributions, we must make room for and encourage everyone to participate.

Phenomenal Woman: Along your career path, what havebeenyourchallengesasafemale?

RG: The biggest challenges I've had have centered around being heard. I've been in situations where I may offer a comment or a solution and it's as if I didn't have any volume or audio when I was speaking. One of my male colleagues can repeat my comment verbatim, and it's not only heard but it's a “great” comment, idea or solution. Not only is the situation a challenge, it's also a challenge to not get disillusioned or feel pushed away The other issue around being heard is related to having a differing opinion. When that happens, the labels can come out: you are angry, you are upset, you are aggressive, or you are not listening. The truth is you don't agree or think differently You need to resist the urge to fall into that trap, and recognize the real problem is someone doesn't like what you are saying, and they don't respect or appreciate that you have a different opinion.

Phenomenal Woman: You serve or have served on a number of boards in the community, describe your choice in organizations and why you are drawn to them?

RG: I am drawn to organizations which support literacy, equity in employment and health, and STEM. These are all areas I believe are the foundation to building strong and sustainable communities. I have long had dogs who became important parts of my family, so I also have an affinity for organizations that work to rescue and support animals.

Phenomenal Woman: With the work that you perform daily in your job, and your outside affiliationshowdoyoubalanceyourpersonaltime?

RG: I am not the best at balancing personal time, because I want to show up to support people and organizations which are important to me. However, I do make time to have social dates with friends, be an active member of a book club, and attend plays, concerts, and shows. I don't have children, but I have a large close-knit family, so there are always children around and I have an overindulged, 11-pound dog named Flash Gordon, who is on the receiving end of a lot of qualitytime.

Phenomenal Woman: Do you have mentors, and what has been the impact of these relationships in yourcareerdevelopment?

RG: Over the years I've had a number of formal and informal mentors. The benefits have been immeasurable.

The knowledge and perspective which have been shared and the doors that have been opened have been very beneficial. I can't begin to put a value on all the times they have kept me from making a misstep or mistake and when they have convinced me to pursue opportunities that I otherwise would not have gone after. The advice and support I received from a mentor resulted in me being selected as NASA Glenn's first African American female senior executive.

PhenomenalWoman:Areyouamentor?

RG: Yes, I have served as a formal mentor for several programs and have informal mentoring relationships. Several of my NASA mentees have gone on to be promoted to positions of increased responsibility, including those in the federal senior executive service. Some of the informal relationships benefit me in that there are times when I receive the benefit of reverse mentoring.

Phenomenal Woman: What are your methods for carvingout“Me”time?

RG: I try to walk everyday and on those walks I listen to music or podcasts. Every week I set aside some specific time to read a book, a paper book not a kindle or tablet. I also make a priority to take a day to visit the main branch of the Cleveland Public Library, the University Circle Museums, the Botanical Gardens and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame several times a year.

Phenomenal Woman: Based on what you have learned, what are three things you would tell 18year-oldRobyntoprepareherforthefuture?

RG:

1. Learn from experiences: You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

2. Don't be afraid to take risks:

—MayaAngelou

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

— Anais Nin

3. Be your authentic self:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

— Oscar Wilde

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