Linda Dawson is writing for a new book project. The working title is: “Women in Air and Space – a Personal Perspective.”

The book will not only include factual biographies of these women and their contributions to the aerospace discipline but will also include the backstories that provide insight into what inspired these women as well as the challenges these women faced in order to live out their dream. When possible, the book will include personal stories that give a glimpse into these lives that provide a window into experiences that young women can relate to such as feelings of isolation, discrimination, cultural issues or pressures associated with personal relationships, family, and children. The book will provide a window into what made these women pursue such challenging and pioneering jobs, against the odds. It is important to document the stories of these women — their failures as well as their successes. All too often, women are overlooked or diminished in the roles they played in making space exploration successful. Their accomplishments need to be highlighted so that other women can be inspired and see that others, like themselves, have succeeded in their dreams to pursue careers in aerospace.