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Join guest host Aaron Prather and Capt. Barbara Bell, U.S. Navy (Ret.), as she shares her remarkable journey — from entering the U.S. Naval Academy to serving as a Naval Aviator and Flight Test Officer, and now shaping the next generation as a professor of Leadership and Ethics at the Naval Academy.

Together, they explore the lessons learned in the cockpit and the classroom, and how navigating turbulence — both in flight and in life — can inspire stronger, more resilient leaders.

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Join Bill and Nora as they talk with Cmdr. Kilrain about her career and how she got into STEM.

Commander Susan Kilrain is a renowned astronaut, a distinguished navy test pilot, and author. She is the youngest person, and one of only three women, to pilot the space shuttle. She served 20 years in the Navy, paving the way for women. She has flown more than 3,000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft, and she was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal. Susan flew as pilot of STS-83 and STS-94, spending more than 20 days in space. Her first mission was cut short due to a potentially life-threatening shuttle system failure.

When not training for a space flight, she worked in Mission Control during the launches and landings for other space shuttle missions. She has also worked at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC in the offices of Safety and Legislative Affairs. Prior to joining the Navy, Susan was a wind tunnel project officer at Lockheed Corporation and earned her master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Susan is currently a motivational speaker, venture partner, and consultant, specializing in encouraging young women and underprivileged teens to excel in STEM careers. She has been a board member for private companies, universities, and non-profits. She is currently a Partner at New North Ventures. Susan has recently written a children’s book, An Unlikely Astronaut.

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Join Nora and Bill as they talk with Lt. Alteri about his amazing experiences in the Navy.

Lieutenant Santino Alteri is a native of Watertown, New York. He earned a BA in Criminal Justice from Alvernia University (PA) and an MBA from Salem International University (WV). He received his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer from OCS (RI) and reported to USS Chafee (DDG 90) in Hawaii as both the Electrical and Key Management Infrastructure Officer. He served on several deployments to the C7F AOR. For his second tour, LT Alteri reported to USS Manchester (LCS 14) and USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) in California as both the First Lieutenant and Assistant Operations Officer. He was primarily tasked with certifying the Navy’s first MCM Mission Package, which directly led to the achievement of its Initial Operational Capability. Ashore, LT Alteri was a primary selectee for the Purdue Military Research Institute (PMRI) through Talent Management and earned his PhD in Technology. He will report to the Department Head School (RI) in January 2025 and his follow-on assignment will be aboard USS Delbert Black (DDG 119) in Florida as the Weapons Officer. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various unit awards.