Sally Ride. Katherine Johnson. Ellen Ochoa. Elizabeth “Liz” Astorga Schmeichel. As we celebrate Women’s History Month during March, it’s essential to recognize the incredible contributions of women in STEM. While Elizabeth “Liz” Astorga Schmeichel may not be a household name like the trailblazing figures listed before, she is creating her own lasting impact on the world of space technology and STEM education. A passionate advocate for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Schmeichel is helping to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.
A Passion for Space Technology
Schmeichel’s journey into the space industry took shape after she moved to Miami, following a life and career that included time in both Spain and the UK. Her early experience in satellite-adjacent work came from a company that provided hardware and software communication systems for superyachts. That exposure made for a natural transition when, in 2017, she joined Intelsat, where she now supports media clients across Latin America and the Caribbean with their occasional-use satellite service needs.
Though her primary role is in sales and media services, Schmeichel quickly found herself drawn to another aspect of the company’s mission: education and community engagement. When she first heard about Intelsat’s “Intelsat Gives Back” program—a company initiative that encourages employees to volunteer with NGOs, orphanages, food banks, and shelters—Schmeichel saw a unique opportunity to give back by educating young people about satellite and space based technology.
A Passion for STEM Education
Schmeichel’s dedication to STEM outreach began when she discovered that Intelsat had an educational program aimed at introducing students to satellites. “I heard about it as soon as I joined the company,” she recalled. “Back then, we had an old presentation, but it was still really engaging. I signed up and started presenting at my niece’s elementary school.”
Eager to make the program more impactful, Schmeichel worked with the corporate communications team to refresh the materials, creating an updated version that included more engaging visuals and videos. Her efforts paid off, as soon after, colleagues across Intelsat began using the program in schools in Luxembourg, Brazil, and Germany. “It’s something I’m very proud of, because it made a mark here in Miami and is now spreading globally within the company, and it’s a very rewarding opportunity for both the volunteers and the kids,” she added.
Originally intended as a one-time event, Schmeichel’s presentations became an annual initiative at the school. What made her approach even more impactful was her decision to present in Spanish, her first language. “Since Spanish is my first language, I said, ‘Of course,’” she explained. “It helped the students engage not only with STEM topics but also with improving their language skills.”
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Schmeichel ensured the program continued. “In 2020, we couldn’t meet in person, but we held Zoom meetings with the kids at home. It was great to maintain that connection during such a difficult time,” she said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of Schmeichel’s work is seeing how students engage with the material and ask insightful questions. “Even though they’re in elementary school, they have very interesting questions,” she noted. “New generations are very concerned about the environment, and they often ask about what happens to satellites at the end of their life cycles or what we do if a satellite fails.”
Beyond sparking curiosity about what happens in space, Schmeichel sees the program as a vital tool for encouraging more young women to consider careers in STEM. “There’s still a lot to be done to get more women into this industry,” she said. “These presentations give young girls a window into what their futures could look like in space technology.”
Women Leading the Way in Satellite Technology
Schmeichel’s efforts echo a broader movement toward bringing more women into the space technology field to join a growing number of female leaders driving advancements in satellite science and space exploration. From engineers working on satellite design to researchers studying Earth observation data, women are playing key roles in advancing satellite systems that are crucial for everything from climate monitoring to emergency communications.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women like Schmeichel are reshaping the narrative and showing young girls that space is a place for them. Whether they’re designing satellites, managing launches, or developing the software that powers satellite networks, women are paving the way for the next generation of innovators.
Looking Ahead
Schmeichel’s work with elementary school students is only the beginning. With her youngest leaving elementary school at the end of this year, she plans to expand the program to middle and eventually high school students, adjusting the depth of information to suit their age and interests. “My goal is to continue spreading awareness and sparking interest in this amazing industry,” she emphasized.
Through her work at Intelsat and her commitment to STEM education, Schmeichel is not only helping to shape the future of satellite communications but also inspiring the next generation of leaders. In doing so, she proves that making a lasting impact doesn’t always require fame—it can start with a single classroom presentation that sparks a lifetime of curiosity and discovery.
