Innovation

When Women Went to Space – And the Internet Exploded

Published

4 months ago

April 17, 2025

On April 14, 2025, a new page in space history was written—not by NASA, but by six women from vastly different industries who hitched a ride to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Dubbed as a celebration of female empowerment and modern exploration, the trip was anything but universally praised.

Let’s break it down: The all-female crew included pop superstar Katy Perry, broadcast legend Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and pilot Lauren Sánchez—also known as Jeff Bezos’ partner. It was the first time a full crew of women entered suborbital space aboard a commercial flight, and yes, it made headlines. But alongside the applause came serious questions about the cost, the purpose, and the message it sends to a world still battling inequality and climate crises.

How Much Did It Cost?

While Blue Origin hasn’t released exact numbers for this particular flight, previous seats on New Shepard have ranged between $250,000 and $1 million per person. So, if we do some quick math, the collective cost of sending these six women to the edge of space likely ran up to $6 million—or more.

But who footed the bill? That part’s murky. Some of the crew may have been sponsored, while others, like Lauren Sánchez and Katy Perry, could likely afford the ticket out of pocket. Still, when millions are spent on a 10-minute joyride that offers weightlessness, Earth views, and instant headlines, people are bound to talk.

Inspiration or Extravagance?

Supporters argue this flight was historic, inspiring, and exactly what young girls around the world need to see. Representation matters, and seeing six accomplished women—especially women of color like Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen—suit up and fly above the planet was undeniably powerful. Gayle King herself said the moment was “bigger than space—it’s about possibility.”

But not everyone bought the “empowerment” narrative. Social media lit up with criticism, with some calling it a “millionaire flex disguised as feminism.” Celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski publicly questioned the impact of the flight, with Munn tweeting, “Women breaking boundaries is powerful. Billionaires playing astronaut for fun? Not so much.”

Critics raised valid points. What exactly did the mission accomplish, besides another notch in Blue Origin’s PR belt? Did it serve science, or just egos?

The Environmental Cost

Beyond the price tag and public optics, environmentalists jumped into the fray. Space launches are resource-heavy, and every suborbital flight like New Shepard’s emits tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the upper atmosphere.

In a time when climate change is no longer a future threat but a current reality, burning through that much fuel for what many see as a “selfie in space” moment feels irresponsible. For every inspirational Instagram post shared from the flight, there’s an environmental impact report saying, “Maybe not the best idea.”

The Bigger Picture: Who Gets to Go?

Another layer to this controversy is access. Space tourism is being positioned as the next luxury experience, but it’s only available to the ultra-wealthy or the ultra-connected. This latest trip, though historic in its makeup, reminded many that most people—especially women in underserved communities—are still fighting for basic resources, not zero-gravity snapshots.

And let’s be real: Is representation still empowering if it only comes in designer space suits? Lauren Sánchez may have piloted the helicopter that took her to training, but most women can’t even get a loan for a small business. The contrast is jarring.

Not All Bad

Still, to be fair, there were aspects of the mission that went beyond fluff. Amanda Nguyen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, used her platform to speak on global justice. Aisha Bowe, a real rocket scientist, talked about bridging the STEM gap for minority youth. There were also scientific payloads on board and ongoing partnerships with educational outreach programs that bring space science to classrooms.

So, while the optics may be bougie, there was at least an effort to turn the flight into something meaningful.

Final Thoughts

This mission was layered. It was empowering and elitist. Groundbreaking and tone-deaf. Inspirational and indulgent. That’s what makes it so fascinating—and so frustrating.

On one hand, we witnessed a cultural milestone: women, once completely excluded from space exploration, now boldly leading their own missions. On the other hand, it highlighted just how far we have to go when it comes to equity—not just in space, but right here on Earth.

Whether this flight will spark lasting change or be remembered as a well-marketed stunt remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation around who gets to go to space, why they go, and what they do with that opportunity is only just beginning.

And maybe that’s the real launch we should be paying attention to.

Featured

The Future of Energy: Can the World Wean Itself Off Oil?

Published

4 weeks ago

August 1, 2025

prnews media

Global reliance on oil has been a defining factor of modern history. Wars have been fought over it, economies built upon it, and political alliances shaped by it. Yet as the urgency of climate change grows, the world is facing a critical question: Can we truly move beyond oil?

The answer is complicated. Renewable energy is advancing at record speed. Solar and wind power costs have plummeted in the last decade, and governments from Europe to Asia are investing billions into green infrastructure. Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream, with some countries setting deadlines to ban new gasoline-powered cars.

Still, oil remains deeply entrenched. It powers global transportation, fuels industries, and underpins the economies of nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela. Cutting off oil too quickly could cause global instability, yet maintaining dependence accelerates climate disaster.

The transition will not be smooth. Developing nations argue they need affordable energy to grow, while developed countries push for faster climate commitments. The geopolitical stakes are high: as countries reduce reliance on oil, traditional energy superpowers may lose influence while nations leading in clean technology rise in power.

The question isn’t whether the world will transition—it’s how fast. Experts warn that current policies are not enough to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C. The window for action is closing, and every year of delay makes the transition more costly.

The world’s energy future hangs in the balance. Success will require not just innovation, but global cooperation at a level rarely seen in history.

Featured

AI and the Global Workforce: Preparing for a Disrupted Decade

Published

2 weeks ago

August 17, 2025

prnews media

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the global workforce faster than governments, schools, and companies can adapt. From factories in China to law firms in New York, industries are grappling with a new reality: jobs once thought to be “safe” from automation are increasingly being done by machines.

The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2030, over 800 million jobs could be displaced globally due to AI and automation. While some argue these fears are overblown, early signs are clear. Customer service chatbots are replacing call centers, generative AI tools are challenging marketing and design industries, and even sectors like healthcare and law are beginning to lean heavily on machine learning.

This shift isn’t all negative. For every role that disappears, new ones are being created—AI ethicists, prompt engineers, and data auditors, to name a few. The challenge is speed. Retraining the workforce on a global scale is a monumental task. Developing nations may feel the brunt as low-skill jobs evaporate, while advanced economies will need to rethink education systems that were built for the industrial era, not the digital one.

Businesses that survive this disruption will be those that act proactively. Investing in upskilling employees, adopting “human + AI” hybrid work models, and fostering a culture of innovation will be critical.

The bigger question is societal: What does it mean when machines can outperform humans in core areas of work? Will we redefine the value of human creativity, or will inequality rise as some adapt and others fall behind?

The AI revolution is global, and its impact will be felt in every boardroom, classroom, and household. The winners of the next decade won’t just be those who embrace AI, but those who prepare their people for it.

Innovation

Innovators in Social-Emotional Learning: Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr.

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Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2024

prnews media

Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr.: Pioneers in Empathy and Digital Wisdom

In a world where digital spaces often feel like the wild west, Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. stand as beacons of hope and innovation. Their journey, marked by a blend of personal experience and academic prowess, has led to the creation of a unique social media platform. This platform isn’t just another app on your phone; it’s a sanctuary for children with learning differences and disabilities, a place where empathy meets technology.

Dr. Myava Clark: The Academic Powerhouse

Dr. Myava Clark, with her PhD in Professional Studies specializing in Higher Education and Leadership & Administration, is more than just a list of impressive qualifications. She is the embodiment of a lifelong dedication to education and advocacy. Her academic journey, coupled with her experience as a mother, gives her a unique perspective on the needs and challenges faced by children with learning differences. She’s not just teaching from textbooks; she’s imparting wisdom from the heart.

Her journey in academia is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. Dr. Clark’s research and work have consistently centered on creating support systems that not only recognize but also celebrate the diversity in learning styles and capabilities. She’s an advocate, a leader, and, above all, a voice for those often left unheard in the traditional educational narrative.

Chris Clark Jr.: The Resilient Advocate

Chris Clark Jr.’s story is one of resilience and determination. As a college student who faced the harsh realities of bullying, both online and offline, he understands the darker sides of our digital age. His experiences, however painful, have equipped him with a rare insight into the struggles faced by many young people today. Chris is more than a survivor; he’s a warrior fighting against the stigma and challenges faced by children with learning differences.

His advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible change. Chris’s involvement in developing the social media platform is driven by his desire to ensure that no child feels alone or misunderstood in their struggles. He’s working to ensure that the digital world becomes a safer, more understanding place for everyone.

A Unified Vision: Empathy in the Digital Age

Together, Dr. Clark and Chris are a formidable team. Their platform is more than just a social network; it’s a learning environment, a community, and a safe haven. It bridges the gap between social-emotional learning in schools and the real world, providing a space where children can grow, learn, and feel understood.

Their work extends beyond the digital realm. Both are active speakers and participants in various events and discussions focused on education, digital safety, and mental health. They’re not just building a platform; they’re fostering a movement.

The Future is Empathetic

As they continue their journey, Dr. Clark and Chris are focused on expanding their reach and impact. They envision a world where children, regardless of their learning styles or challenges, have equal opportunities to thrive both online and offline. They’re not just changing the game; they’re redefining it.

In their relentless pursuit of a more empathetic and inclusive digital world, Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. stand as shining examples of what it means to turn adversity into advocacy, challenges into change. Their story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a call to action for all of us to be more understanding, more inclusive, and more human in this increasingly digital world.

Media Features:

News Outlets: Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Seeking Alpha, KTLA 5, CISION PR Newswire, BENZINGA, MARKETS INSIDER, FOX 8.
Podcasts:
The Special Ed Strategist Podcast (Wendy Taylor)
Cafe Verve Podcast (Lynee Lopez)
Big Idea to Bestseller Podcast (Jake Kelfer)
Burnout to All Out Podcast with Melissa Henault (Melissa Henault)
«Parent Talk» with Larissa Podcast (Larissa Mills)
Evolve (Dr. Taylor Day)
Reset with Rev. Sherry (Sherry Lupton)
Upcoming Events:

BCALA/LiteracyNation Inc Freedom to Read-A-Thon: November 28, 2023, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm EST.
Book Reading/Signing: December 9, 2023, 11 am at Sharon Hill Library, 250 Sharon Ave., Sharon Hill, PA.
Created Worthy Podcast (Danielle Damrell)
Connect with Them:

Website www.casenllc.com
Linkedin : www.Linkedin.com/in/drmyavaclark
Facebook www.facebook.com/casensocial
Instagram Myava www.instagram.com/drmyava_
Instagram Chris www.instagram.com/christhecool2

Contact: Dr. Myava Clark and Chris Clark Jr. – Email: casenllc@gmail.com

Dr. Myava Clark: Co-founder & CEO
Chris Clark Jr.: Co-founder & President