🎙️ Episode Description

In this moving and energizing episode, Aisha is joined by Riyam Ojaimi, a rising voice in the space and science communication world, to talk about the power of resilience, representation, and reimagining access to the space industry.

From experiencing racism in Sweden to launching her own global space education platform, Riyam shares how her lived experiences and quiet strength have fueled everything she does. They discuss the roots of SpacePoint, why open-source access matters, and how she built a team of hundreds from a single vision.

Along the way, Riyam and Aisha dig into identity, burnout, working twice as hard to be seen, and the unspoken mental weight of navigating STEM as a racialized woman.

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need permission to take up space - you just need to begin.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

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

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

⏱️ Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – A New Kind of Space Leader

Riyam’s story begins - fueled by resilience, racism, and a childhood dream of Saturn.

02:46 – Not “Swedish Enough” for the Science Club

What it feels like to grow up excluded and how it shaped her mission to create belonging.

06:31 – The Cost of Constant Resilience

Why showing up strong every day is draining and how burnout creeps in when you’re always proving you belong.

10:00 – The Power of One Role Model

A single woman in STEM. Two loving parents. And the moment Riyam realized her dreams were valid.

15:23 – Excellence with a Side of Guilt

Being high-achieving doesn’t shield you from imposter syndrome. In fact, it often makes it worse.

20:55 – Building SpacePoint: Science for the Rest of Us

What started as a solo project became a 200+ person global platform; redefining what access really looks like.

30:41 – Saying No to Unpaid “Opportunities”

Why internships must respect your time - and how SpacePoint is modeling what ethical mentorship looks like.

38:16 – Too Young? Too Different? Perfect.

Still in undergrad, already doing space medicine. Reframing youth as an asset and challenging ageism in STEM.

👤 Guest Bio

Riyam Ojaimi is an aerospace medicine researcher and pre-medical student at the University of Toronto, where she explores the effects of spaceflight on brain energy metabolism. She’s also a science communicator and astronomy influencer with a fast-growing social media presence, dedicated to making space science more accessible and relatable.

She is the Founder and CEO of SpacePoint, an open-source global platform that breaks down barriers in science communication, empowering underserved communities and inviting new voices into the space dialogue. Riyam is passionate about education, women in STEM, and building a future where space truly belongs to everyone.

🔗 Guest Links

IG: @riyamojaimi

LinkedIn: Riyam Ojaimi

TikTok: @riyamojaimi

IG: @spacepointltd

Website: thespacepoint.com

📄 Transcript

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode, Aisha sits down with AJ Link - space law expert, human rights advocate, and outspoken champion for accessibility - to explore what it really means to build an inclusive future, both on Earth and beyond.

From mining ethics to the moon as our cultural ancestor, they tackle some of the space industry’s hardest questions: Should we even be going to space? Who decides? And what happens when capitalism, colonialism, and the cosmos collide?

AJ’s powerful insights challenge the mainstream space narrative and offer a deeper lens through which to view space exploration. This isn’t just about rockets… It's about the soul of humanity. This episode is for anyone who cares about ethics, inclusion, and leaving behind something better than what we inherited.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

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

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

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Intro

Meet AJ Link, and why he’s pushing space law to center justice and inclusion.

04:35 – Why Do So Much?

The philosophy behind planting trees for future generations.

06:18 – What Accessibility Really Means

Beyond ramps and restrooms: access as a human right.

09:03 – Don’t Wait for Them to Ask

Why inclusive infrastructure has to be built before it’s needed.

10:38 – Let’s Talk Space Law

What happens if a company violates ethics in space?

15:22 – Should We Even Be Going to Space?

AJ challenges the default narrative of exploration and entitlement.

19:49 – Who Will Really Benefit?

Mining, exploitation, and the myth of shared space wealth.

22:37 – What Does a Just Space Future Look Like?

AJ’s vision for intergenerational equity, and why he’s not sure we’re ready.

28:18 – Respecting Celestial Bodies

Why the Moon isn’t just a rock, and what cultural reverence really looks like.

36:12 – Labor in the Final Frontier

From AI to space mechanics: who’s going to do the dangerous work?

39:15 – The Ethics of Exploration

Humanity’s biggest decisions are being made now - are we even thinking it through?

41:00 – Advice for Aspiring Space Lawyers

You don’t need a JD to advocate for ethical space futures.

43:00 – The Beauty of Space Still Matters

A final reminder of why space moved us in the first place.

👤 Guest Bio

AJ Link is a space law scholar, disability justice advocate, and co-founder of the Palestine Space Institute. As a passionate champion for accessibility and ethics in aerospace, AJ challenges mainstream narratives about who belongs in space and why.

Openly autistic and deeply committed to equity, AJ holds a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School and a Master of Laws in Air and Space Law from the University of Mississippi. He was the inaugural director of the Center for Air and Space Law Task Force on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Aerospace and currently teaches space law at Howard University.

AJ is also the founding president of the National Disabled Law Students Association, serves on the board of AstroAccess, and collaborates with organizations like Black in Astro, Jus Ad Astra, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. His work spans policy, education, and grassroots activism—with a vision for

🎙️ 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

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode, Aisha sits down with physician, aquanaut, scientist-astronaut candidate, and trailblazer Dr. Shawna Pandya to talk about what it means to build your own path into space.

From flying on parabolic flights to conducting space medicine research, Shawna opens up about her journey, the power of storytelling, and why saying yes (even before you feel ready) is everything. They dive into imposter syndrome, mentorship, and what it’s like to be a South Asian woman reshaping the future of space science.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

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

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

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – From Stargazing to Spaceflight

Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, future Virgin Galactic astronaut and pioneer in space medicine.

02:57 – Building a Career in Microgravity

Shawna shares how she got into the IIAS, ran 10+ parabolic flights, and launched her own research path.

06:47 – Breaking Barriers with Space Medicine

From glucose monitors in space to Canadian “firsts,” her work is opening new doors for access and inclusion.

12:14 – Sharing the Journey

Why Shawna uses social media to document her story—and how authentic representation inspires others.

17:12 – Forge Your Own Path

Advice for anyone who doesn’t see themselves in space: conferences, student groups, and saying yes.

28:42 – Mentorship, Mindset & Music

On giving back, overcoming obstacles, playing piano, and raising a rescue parrot named Jules.

👤 Guest Bio

Dr. Shawna Pandya is a physician, aquanaut, analog astronaut, scientist-astronaut candidate with Project PoSSUM, and Director of the IIAS Space Medicine Group. She has flown over 10 parabolic flights, conducted research in microgravity, and is part of Virgin Galactic’s astronaut cohort. A strong advocate for diversity in STEM, Shawna blends science, storytelling, and social media to bring space to life for new audiences.

🔗 Guest Links

• Instagram: @shawnapandya
• Website: shawnapandya.com
• LinkedIn: Shawna Pandya
• IIAS: https://instituteforaerospace.org

Episode Description

Space is getting louder - but who’s being heard?

Artist and founder of KOSMICA Institute, Nahum joins Aisha for a no-fluff conversation about why the space industry needs a reality check. From rooftop beginnings in Mexico City to pushing back against billionaires and brand-driven space culture, Nahum brings perspective, humor, and unapologetic honesty.

From Western romanticism of the overview effect and performative DEI, to the Blue Origin backlash and how commercial space is copying Earth’s worst habits, this episode is for the creatives, the skeptics, and anyone who has felt unsure about the rapid progress of the new space age.

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Rooftop Beginnings in Mexico

How Nahum’s childhood shaped a lifelong fascination with the sky and imagination.

04:49 – From Underground Theatre to Orbit

The origin of Nahum’s career in art and space, and how KOSMICA Institute was born.

09:20 – Space Art: Then vs Now

How artist access to space is evolving and the rise of corporate gatekeeping.

16:35 – When Profit Meets the Cosmos

Nahum unpacks the ethical tension between critical art and commercial space ventures.

22:36 – Is the Overview Effect Overhyped?

Reframing the space experience from orbit… and Earth.

30:57 – Where Did the Humanities Go?

On ISU’s changing curriculum, disappearing diversity, and the future of space education.

37:47 – Inclusion or Illusion?

What DEI in space really demands and why meaningful change must go beyond websites and mission statements.

47:16 – The Blue Origin Backlash

Why critiques of the all-female flight are misdirected and where the real accountability belongs.

57:09 – How to Join the Space Art Community

Where to begin if you’re creative, curious, and want in on the cosmos.

Guest Bio

Nahum is an artist and musician. His work frequently incorporates space technologies, illusionism, and hypnosis to transport audiences on otherworldly journeys that spark critical dialogues about existence. He is the Founder of KOSMICA Institute, a space organisation with a mission to create a platform for critical, cultural, and poetic discourse about our relationship to the Universe, space activities, and their impact on Earth.

As a leading voice in the space-art world, Nahum has drawn global attention to the intersection of space and culture, advocating for deeper inclusion of the arts in space exploration.

🔗 Guest Links

• Instagram: @nahumartist
• Website: KOSMICA Institute

🎙️ Ep. 3 - Bootstrap to the Stars: Creating Pathways to Space with Martina Dimoska

Guest: Martina Dimoska – Analog astronaut, engineer, STEM educator, and advocate for inclusion in space.

Summary:

In this powerful episode, Aisha sits down with trailblazing space researcher Martina Dimoska. From growing up in Macedonia with her sister to becoming the first female Balkan analog astronaut, Martina shares her deeply personal path into space exploration. This episode dives into accessibility in science, creating your own support bubble, and building bridges for underserved communities to reach for the stars.

Martina also discusses her work with the International Space Alliance, her viral outreach as @astro_smarta, and how living through hardship shaped her relentless curiosity and resilience.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

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

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

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

Aisha introduces the show and Martina's pioneering background.

01:34 – The Ultimate Pursuit of Truth

Martina shares how growing up with her sister fueled her love for solving problems and seeking truth through science.

03:02 – Creating a Bubble of Inclusion

How creativity, imagination, and resilience became a foundation for hope in a society that didn’t embrace difference.

06:40 – The Power of Analog Missions

Martina reflects on becoming the first Macedonian analog astronaut and what it means to simulate life on Mars.

10:55 – Space Belongs to Developing Regions Too

Expanding space access for underrepresented countries and launching the International Space Alliance.

14:20 – Going Viral as @astro_smarta

How her outreach on social media is sparking interest in space among youth, especially girls, in Eastern Europe.

17:05 – Lessons from Hardship

Martina opens up about the pain and power that shaped her, and how she uses her story to inspire others.

20:42 – What’s Next?

Future goals, bridging academia and activism, and advice for young people who feel like outsiders in STEM.

👤 Guest Bio

Martina Dimoska is an award-winning research scholar, engineer, and pioneering space explorer.

As the first Macedonian and female Balkan analog astronaut, she has served on many Space Agency-funded missions and holds a Suborbital Space Flight Certification as a Senior NASTAR Ambassador. Martina is the National Point of Contact for the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) for North Macedonia and in 2022 received their Emerging Space Leader Award.

She is the Founder and President of the International Space Alliance, bridging the gap between agencies, industry, and academia to expand space opportunities in developing regions. As a passionate STEM educator, Martina promotes diversity and inclusivity in space exploration through workshops and global outreach under the popular handle @astro_smarta.

• Instagram: @astro_smarta
• LinkedIn:

🎙️ Episode Description

In this vibrant and deeply personal episode, host Aisha is joined by electrical engineer, citizen astronaut, and activist Katya Echazarreta to talk space, reform, and showing up fully – even in pink camo.

They dive into Katya’s historic spaceflight, her work pushing space policy in Mexico, and how fashion and storytelling can drive cultural change. From childhood dreams to housing insecurity, this episode is a reminder that resilience comes in many forms—and that you don’t need to come from privilege or wear a lab coat to belong in space.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to do everything just to survive, this one will speak to you.

🔗 Universal Inclusion Links

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

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

Time Stamps / Chapters

00:00 – Becoming Citizen Astronaut #1

Katya reflects on being Space for Humanity’s first astronaut and what it means to lead the way.

02:31 – From NASA to Nation-Changer

We explore her move from engineering into politics, activism, and changing Mexico’s space future.

08:12 – Coping by Doing Too Much

How growing up with instability wired Katya and Aisha to hustle non-stop—and what they’re learning about rest.

19:00 – “I Remember and I’m Sorry”

A deeply emotional story about returning to the teacher who once kicked Katya out of class—and how healing can surprise us.

27:31 – Fashion as a Tool for Activism

Clothes as conversation starters: Katya talks using style, storytelling, and representation to open new doors.

42:36 – Choosing the Right Partner

Aisha and Katya open up about love, legacy, and why the right relationship can be the most powerful life decision of all.

👤 Guest Bio

Katya Echazarreta is an electrical engineer, activist, speaker, and model. In 2022, she became the first Mexican-born woman in space as part of Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program. She is the founder of Fundación Espacial, a nonprofit providing access to space-related education and training for underserved communities. Katya has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, and uses fashion as a platform to promote inclusion in STEAM. She is passionate about reforming global space policy and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

🔗 Guest Links

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

Fundación Espacial: https://www.fundacionespacial.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyaechazarreta/

Vogue Feature: https://www.katechazarreta.com/press

In this powerful first episode, host Aisha joins actress and impact leader Nadine Nicole (The Expanse) to talk about identity, inclusion, and what it really means to make space for everyone.

From personal journeys to the Citizen Astronaut Program, they explore how storytelling can spark change—and why you don’t need a STEM degree (or a perfect resume) to become an astronaut or shape the future of space.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the space industry (or any industry), this one’s for you!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/

• 00:00 – Lights, Camera, Lift-Off

Meet Aisha and special guest Nadine Nicole as they set the stage for a podcast that’s all about making space more human.

• 01:40 – What is Space for Humanity?

Nadine explains the Citizen Astronaut Program and her involvement.

• 02:31 – Who is Aisha?

How Aisha’s roles at Universal Inclusion and Space for Humanity led to the podcast.

• 04:32 – The Power of Storytelling

DEI as human experience, not politics.

• 10:14 – Why Inclusion in Space Matters

Nadine on diversity in space, underrepresentation in media, and authentic storytelling.

• 14:31 – You Don’t Need to Be at the Top to Inspire

Uplifting voices at every career stage.

• 16:56 – Aisha’s DEI Journey

Growing up biracial in Northern Alberta and recognizing inequality early on.

• 27:49 – The Moment It Clicked

Reading Citizen Astronaut applications and realizing the impact of inclusive space access.

• 31:05 – Nadine’s Cosmic Connection

From The Expanse to Joshua Tree stargazing and global awe.

• 33:12 – Space is for Everyone

Space belongs to all of us — not just the privileged.

• 35:27 – How to Get to Space (Without a STEM Degree)

What makes a powerful Citizen Astronaut—and how anyone can apply.online.

• 41:43 – What’s Next

Teaser for Episode 02: Katia Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to fly to space.

Nadine Nicole is an actress, most known for her performance as Clarissa Mao on the renowned sci-fi hit The Expanse. Beyond acting, Nadine is passionate about social impact initiatives. She founded True Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and is launching The Centered Self: A Guide and Journal to Rewriting Your Life's Narrative,. A true creative Nadine is also the founder of Yari Designs, a fine jewelry brand focused on promoting diversity and women empowerment, and Shared Elegance, a circular economy fashion initiative. Stay tuned for updates on her projects as she continues to inspire through storytelling and advocacy.

• IG@_nadinenicole_
• IG @_sharedelegance_
• www.sharedelegance.com