Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon McDougle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Of course. I am a native of Moss Point, MS. I enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school. I served proudly as an Aerospace Physiology Specialist, suiting up and strapping in SR-71 and U-2 spy reconnaissance aircraft pilots. I also worked with the hypobaric and hyperbaric chambers.
After departing from the Air Force, I worked with the Space Shuttle Program for 22 years in the Space Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment (CEE) department, working with the orange launch/entry space suits worn by space shuttle astronauts. I was the first black CEE space suit technician, the first woman and first black crew chief, and the first black manager of the department. I’m proud to have made history again when I suited up the first Black woman to go to space.
I have been featured on Good Morning America at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American Culture and History.
I am the CEO/founder of ‘Suit Up with Shay, LLC.’ Suit up with Shay provides services, books, and other merchandise. A Veteran-owned, Woman-owned, Black-owned small business. #BookShayToday
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I lost both my parents when I was very young. My Daddy died when I was four years old, and my Mama was killed in a car accident when I was eight. I had to grow up quickly, and my childhood wasn’t without some trials and tribulations, which began with losing both my parents. Even though I love my hometown, I knew I did not want to live there the rest of my life. I didn’t have money to go to college and didn’t know what I was going to do. I enlisted in the Air Force and left my hometown after graduating high school. I excelled in my Air Force career, but after I separated from the Air Force, I struggled to survive. Then I got a call from a friend that changed my life – an opportunity to work with the Space Shuttle Program! I made it through the loss of my parents and less than idea home-life situation to making history with our nation’s Space Shuttle Program.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Suit Up with Shay?
I am the CEO/founder of ‘Suit Up with Shay, LLC.’ Suit up with Shay provides services, books, and other merchandise.
As a speaker I’m available to be booked for events to share my inspirational story as a keynote speaker or panelist (in-person and virtual options).
As an author I’m available to be booked for author visits, readings, and appearances (in-person and virtual options). The merchandise available for purchase – my children’s book ‘Suit Up for Launch with Shay!’, Shay tumblers/ travel mugs, and spacesuit costumes.
Book me for your next event on my website, sharoncaplesmcdougle.com! #BookShayToday
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is if you know what you want to do start planning toward that career path as soon as possible. Reach out to someone in the field you’d like to pursue to be your mentor. Always present your best self, and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. And don’t be afraid to try something new – if you find that you don’t like it, you can change your mind – don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone can’t afford to go to college or just don’t aspire to attend college. There are other options, such as the military, trade schools, and certification programs. Please don’t feel less than or feel you’re not good enough if you decide college is not the path you want to take. You can still be successful without a college degree. And if you ever find yourself feeling that way, please know that your current situation is not your final destination.
Pricing:
- Keynote speaker fee starts at $5K
- Author visit/ Reading starts at $700
- Suit Up for Launch With Shay! Book $15
- Spacesuit costume $40
- Shay Tumbler/travel mug $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sharoncaplesmcdougle.com
- Instagram: suitupforlaunchwithshay
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SharonMcDougleHiddenFigure/ and https://m.facebook.com/SuitUpForLaunch/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-mcdougle-237465bb/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcdougle_sharon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g5rjNOPjeM6XRffCTusgw
- Other: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Caples_McDougle
Photo by Eric Vitale for Erika Kapin Photography
