NASA Moon Chief to Speak in Arlington

Women attending the 16th Annual Inspired Women Luncheon in Arlington, Texas, will hear from a local alumna who now directs human spaceflight at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Dr. Lori Glaze, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, has been named the keynote speaker for the event scheduled for March 25, 2027.

The luncheon is presented by Texas Trust Credit Union and organized by the Women’s Alliance of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The gathering aims to raise funds for local initiatives while sharing the story of a community member who has reached the upper echelons of federal science and exploration.

Dr. Glaze’s career path began in Arlington, where she graduated from James Bowie High School. She subsequently earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physics from The University of Texas at Arlington. Her current role at NASA involves overseeing efforts to return astronauts to the Moon under the Artemis program and preparing for future missions to Mars.

Sherry Jackson, Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Membership at the Chamber, highlighted the personal connection between the speaker and the host community. “There is something incredibly special about welcoming a woman who grew up in our community and went on to help lead humanity’s next great chapter in space exploration,” Jackson said. She added that Dr. Glaze’s journey demonstrates how ambitious goals can originate in local settings.

Dr. Glaze cites her mother, a pioneering aerospace engineer, as a major influence on her professional trajectory. Her mother helped demonstrate the capabilities of women in a field historically dominated by men. Dr. Glaze also credits various mentors who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and pursue new possibilities throughout her career.

The luncheon serves a dual purpose of celebration and financial support for the next generation. Each year, the event raises more than $30,000 in college scholarships for young women. It also provides small business grants to women-owned enterprises in the Greater Arlington area. These funds are distributed through the efforts of attendees and community sponsors.

A committee of more than 30 volunteers organizes the event annually. The afternoon includes a silent auction, which helps generate revenue for the scholarships and grants. Sponsorships for the 2027 luncheon are currently available through the Chamber’s website or by contacting Sherry Jackson. Individual tickets will be released at a later date.

The Women’s Alliance, a division of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, focuses on connecting and empowering women at various stages of their professional lives. The Chamber represents approximately 1,000 member businesses and organizations in the region. The Alliance uses its signature luncheon to invest in women entrepreneurs and students while fostering professional relationships among local leaders.