Embarking on an interstellar journey, Jamila Gilbert has marked her presence among the stars as a beacon of inspiration and determination. Her multifaceted background and unique perspective have contributed immensely to Virgin Galactic since she joined the team in 2019, playing a pivotal role in shaping internal communications and making substantial strides in space exploration.
Originating from the enchanting borderlands of New Mexico, Jamila grew up just an hour away from where she would eventually soar into space at The Gateway to Space at Spaceport America. She pursued diverse fields at New Mexico State University, studying linguistics, museum conservation, anthropology, and studio art. Her rich Purépechan-Mexican heritage and proficiency in four languages have endowed her with a distinct perspective in the field traditionally dominated by pilots and engineers.
In 2019, Jamila integrated her varied skills and experiences, joining Virgin Galactic to lead internal communications. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Jamila did not have a technical or engineering background, positioning her uniquely to assess and enhance the company’s customer readiness program with her diversified knowledge and insights.
Jamila’s journey with Virgin Galactic has seen her become the third woman from the organization to travel to space, earning her a revered spot among the first 100 women astronauts in history. Her journey is a personal accomplishment and a monumental step in space exploration and representation, illustrating the boundless possibilities beyond our atmosphere.
Virgin Galactic returned to space with Unity 25, a successful mission from Spaceport America in New Mexico. The crew included mission specialists Jamila Gilbert, Christopher Huie, and Luke Mays. Now, Virgin Galactic will prepare for commercial service launch, starting with ‘Galactic 01’ Mission slated for late June.
Jamila’s exceptional journey serves as an emblem of inspiration for individuals from various backgrounds, demonstrating that the realm of space is inclusive and diverse. Her contributions to Virgin Galactic have advanced the company’s endeavors and paved the way for aspiring astronauts, especially women and those from diverse backgrounds, to dream big and reach for the stars.
As a visual artist and communications professional, Jamila continually advocates for diversity and inclusivity in space science. She strives to inspire and empower underrepresented groups to pursue careers in space exploration and science, emphasizing the value of varied perspectives and experiences in the advancement of space travel.
Jamila Gilbert’s unique background and journey with Virgin Galactic exemplify the transformative power of diverse perspectives in space exploration. Her accomplishments have broken barriers, inspiring a new generation to explore the uncharted territories of the cosmos and to pursue their dreams, irrespective of their backgrounds and fields of study.
Watch Jamila Gilbert’s Keynote at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference in Orlando.
