Dr. Aprille Ericsson’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of passion, resilience, and determination. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, she nurtured a fascination with space and engineering, dreaming of a future among the stars. Today, she stands as a trailblazing aerospace engineer and an influential leader at NASA’s prestigious Goddard Space Flight Center. As the Program Manager for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR), Ericsson plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements by supporting groundbreaking ideas from entrepreneurs and small businesses. Her career not only exemplifies excellence in engineering and leadership but also serves as an inspiration for underrepresented voices in STEM. Through her work, she champions innovation, encourages diversity in the space sector, and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, paving the way for future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.