We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sandra Magnus, a Girl Scout alum from right here in Southern Illinois, is this year's featured speaker at our 2022 United We Lead Gala.

Dr. Magnus grew up in Belleville, IL and went on to become an engineer and NASA astronaut. In 2009, she even talked to Girl Scouts from southern Illinois live from the International Space Station (video below)! She is currently the Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). As a girl growing up in Belleville, she knew that her biggest dreams were possible if she kept working hard. She was recently named to the 2022 Class of Honorees being inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in June!

Watch the video below to be inspired! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I47kwZZA41s&t=5s