Mishaal Ashemimry is a trailblazing Saudi-American aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, commercial pilot, speaker, and influencer, renowned for her pioneering contributions to the aerospace industry. Born in the United States and spending formative years in Saudi Arabia, her fascination with space ignited at age six under the starry skies of the Unayzah desert, sparking a lifelong commitment to aerospace engineering and rocketry.

As the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC, Ashemimry shoulders a profound responsibility to inspire others, particularly young women, to pursue STEM careers. Leveraging her influence through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and YouTube, she educates and empowers her followers with insights into her field and personal experiences, advocating for dreams pursued with unwavering perseverance.

Ashemimry’s career is marked by notable achievements, including roles as a consultant and former professor at the University of Miami, where she imparted knowledge in mechanical and aerospace engineering. She currently serves as Vice President for Diversity Initiatives at the International Astronautical Federation and as a special advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, focusing on elevating Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global space arena.

Founding MISHAAL Aerospace at the age of 26, based in Miami, Florida, she pursued her dream of designing rockets to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit. Her expertise spans aerodynamics, vehicle design, and rocket propulsion, honed through roles at Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Missile Systems.

Ashemimry holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology, complemented by dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mathematics from the same institution. Her academic pursuits focused on experimental aerodynamics, rocket design, and nuclear thermal propulsion, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing the frontiers of aerospace technology.