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From Peace Corps Volunteer to Middle School Science Teacher to Chief Astronaut, NASA: Meet Joseph Acaba, GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winner for Space & Aerospace
Joe Acaba is the chief of the Astronaut Office at the NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A decorated veteran of multiple spaceflights, as well a former U.S. Marine and former educator, Acaba is the first person of Hispanic heritage selected to lead the office.
Acaba spent 306 days in space. During that time, he took part in three spacewalks building and upgrading the space station, and supported the arrival of the first commercial resupply spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon.
What is your personal story? How did you find your purpose and your passion?
My journey began in Southern California, where I was raised by Puerto Rican parents who instilled in me the values of hard work, education, and service to others. My early fascination with nature led me to pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology. During this time, I also served in the United States Marine Corps, Reserves. While working as a geologist for two years, I felt a calling to serve a greater cause—not just within America, but internationally. This realization prompted me to join the United States Peace Corps.
During my time in the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corps, I discovered my true passion: teaching. Training over 300 teachers in modern teaching methodologies revealed the transformative power of education and sparked a deep commitment to community service. This experience ignited an innate drive to make a difference, formed by my upbringing and a natural inclination for public service.
Eventually, I became a science and math teacher at the high school and middle school levels in Florida. There, I witnessed the life-changing potential of education, particularly for underserved communities. Today, as an astronaut, I carry forward the goal of inspiring people—especially those from underserved backgrounds—to believe in their limitless potential.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized? Who was instrumental on your path to success?
In 2004, I was selected to join NASA’s Educator Astronaut Program, a pivotal step that combined my experiences as an educator and community servant. These experiences, however, were shaped by the guidance and support I received throughout my life. My family instilled in me the value of public service, and my high school metal shop teacher pushed me to take risks and embrace failure as a valuable learning tool.
These lessons prepared me to excel as an astronaut and eventually become the Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office—the 18th person to hold this position and the first person of color to do so. I attribute this achievement to the strong role models and mentors who supported me along the way. Their influence gave me the courage to lead and the perspective to prioritize inclusivity and collaboration in everything I do.
What does inclusive leadership mean to you and what would you like others to know and do as inclusive leaders?
Inclusive leadership is a mindset, one that embraces the value of diverse perspectives and actively seeks to create environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute. It means recognizing the unique experiences and strengths that individuals from different backgrounds bring to the table and celebrating those differences as assets, not barriers.
I encourage others to step beyond their immediate circles and engage with communities whose life experiences differ from their own. By listening, learning, and fostering inclusivity, we enrich our collective understanding and drive innovation. The most profound breakthroughs often come from the blending of diverse thoughts and ideas, and inclusive leadership is the key to unlocking that potential.
How can the GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network inform, advance and/or multiply your mission and goals?
My mission is to create opportunities for underserved populations to access education and achieve success. The GlobalMindED Inclusive Success Network can be a powerful ally in this mission by identifying and collaborating with programs and institutions that share my vision. Together, we can expand outreach efforts to both national and international communities that see themselves in my story—a Latino and person of color who achieved his dreams through hard work and opportunity.
This partnership could foster mentorship programs, provide resources, and share best practices to break down barriers and open doors for future generations. By leveraging the network’s reach and influence, we can amplify our impact and inspire others to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in their own communities.
What legacy would you most like to leave the world?
I firmly believe that when hardworking individuals are given support and opportunity, they can achieve the unimaginable. My own life is a testament to this belief, and I hope that my story inspires others to challenge themselves to pursue their goals with determination and confidence.
However, I want my legacy to extend beyond being an example of success. My ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact by providing the support and opportunities that were once given to me. Whether through mentorship, education, or outreach, I aim to empower the next generation to achieve their dreams and, in turn, uplift their communities. That is the legacy I wish to leave—a cycle of inspiration, opportunity, and success that continues to grow.
You can meet Joseph Acaba and the 14 other Honorees at the Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner on June 16th in Denver. Please read our newsletter each day as we continue to announce the 2025 Inclusive Leader Award Winners through January.
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