April 7th 2026 General Meeting
Speaker: Vannessa Gressieux
Topic: “We Choose to Go to the Moon” – Vannessa explores and reflects on a moment when ambition, curiosity, and conviction aligned in a way that reshaped what we believed was possible. Using President Kennedy’s historic challenge as a starting point, it explores why we pursue difficult things, not because they are easy, but because they ask more of us. It connects the spirit of the early space program to the work we do today, where exploration is not just about distance, but about perspective. At its core, this is a story about choosing to move forward with intention, even when the outcome is uncertain, and about what becomes possible when people commit to something larger than themselves.
Bio: Vannessa Gressieux is a leader in public engagement and science communication, focused on creating meaningful connections between people and place. Her work has been shaped by roles at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, UA SkyCenter, and UA Sky School, as well as her continued work at NSF’s NOIRLab Kitt Peak National Observatory, where she supports audiences from the region and beyond. Now in her seventh year as a NASA Solar System Ambassadors participant, she is deeply engaged in translating complex ideas into experiences that are accessible, thoughtful, and grounded in curiosity.
With a background spanning education, operations, and program development, Vannessa has led initiatives that bring public audiences into closer relationships with science and discovery. She is especially interested in how shared experiences can inspire learning, stewardship, and a deeper sense of belonging.
