Two Asian Americans to help diversify NASA

NASA

Steve Shih, left and Elaine Ho will champion diversity at the space agency.

Two Asian Americans have been chosen to help bring more diversity to the National Aeronautical Space Administration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced last month he is taking additional steps forward to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) at the agency.

He named Steve Shih to serve in a new position as the agency’s first Diversity Ambassador and Elaine Ho as the next associate administrator for the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA Headquarters in Washington, effective immediately.

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“Now, more than ever, NASA is leading all of humanity on an unprecedented journey of discovery, exploration and innovation,” Nelson said. “To be successful in our missions, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility must continue to be at the forefront. Steve and Elaine’s leadership will help NASA continue to ensure our workforce reflects all of America and to inspire partners throughout our nation – for the benefit of all humanity.”

As diversity ambassador, Shih will further NASA’s DEIA initiatives by building key strategic alliances with external partners, enabling NASA to continue being a model agency and leader for DEIA. In this role, Shih will engage NASA’s partners – including across the government, private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations – to learn and promote best practices for NASA to recruit, hire, engage, and retain the most talented individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences. 

FYI: Learn more about NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity 

With his experience leading the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity since 2017, Shih will build on his three decades of federal expertise and help NASA continue to enable everyone to contribute inclusively to NASA and to the United States.

As Shih transitions to the role of diversity ambassador, Ho will bring extensive DEIA expertise to the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. She most recently has served as the deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, leading a wide-ranging portfolio of projects benefiting students, universities, and educational institutions across the country to inspire, engage, and educate the Artemis Generation.

Ho previously served as the chief diversity officer for the Department of Agriculture and Internal Revenue Service, as well as currently serving as a senior advisor for DEIA as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. 

Ho also has held several leadership roles in the White House, including senior policy advisor for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative, chief of staff of the United States Digital Service, and deputy chief of staff in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. She recently returned to NASA from the Office of the Vice President’s National Space Council, where she served as director of space STEM policy.

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