🎙️ Episode Description

In this week’s episode, Khristian Jones shares what building industry and creating space for others really looks like - beyond the buzzwords.

She gets honest about how emotional intelligence - especially empathy - is at the heart of creating spaces and policies that make people feel seen, supported, and valued. Creating sustainable environments is not about checking boxes - it’s about making sure people feel like they actually belong, because they do!

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Launching the Future: Origins & the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

Meet Khristian Jones and discover how her journey from engineer to changemaker led to co-founding a fellowship that's opening doors for Black students in aerospace.

19:58 – Just Apply: Breaking Barriers & Owning Your Story

Khristian shares powerful advice on pushing past self-doubt, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how resilience shapes careers in space and beyond.

27:19 – What DEIA Really Means

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility aren't just buzzwords. Khristian unpacks what they mean in practice—and why they’re essential for progress in STEM

37:00 – Emotional Intelligence in a Technical World

EQ meets STEM: how emotional intelligence is a superpower in science and engineering, especially for leaders navigating high-pressure environments.

45:58 – Avoiding the Burnout Black Hole

Khristian opens up about the realities of burnout in high-achieving spaces—and how to spot, manage, and prevent it.

53:13 – Recharging Right: How Khristian Fills Her Cup

From boundaries to joy habits, Khristian shares how she re-energizes so she can keep leading, creating, and inspiring.

1:01:00 – Women in STEM: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

A real talk about the wins, challenges, and growth of being a woman in the STEM world—and why community matters.

1:13:17 – Being Seen: Beyond Representation

What does it really mean to be seen in an industry that hasn’t always made space for you? Khristian reflects on visibility, validation, and value.

1:13:17 – Real Talk: Advice for Women of Color in Aerospace

Practical, heartfelt guidance for women of color looking to break into—and thrive in—the space and STEM industries.

👤 Guest Bio

Khristian Jones is an Interiors Engineer at United Airlines, where she manages the Boeing 737 fleet. She holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University and began her career in the space industry through the Brooke Owens Fellowship, completing an internship at The Spaceship Company before going on to work as a Material Test Engineer at Virgin Galactic.

Throughout her journey, Khristian has committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals. During her time at Wichita State, she worked with the SEEDS (Science Engineering Educational Development for Students) program, where she found her passion for diversity advocacy in STEM. Khristian continues to champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the aerospace industry. As a co-founder and executive member of the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, she works to provide meaningful career pathways