She was born in Dublin to an Irish father & African American mother. O’Reilly is a model, pageant winner & Director of Space Apps, in Washington DC. She represented Ireland at the Miss Universe 2019 pageant and won! She has a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering which she used to become a director of the NASA Space Apps Challenge and a NASA datanaut. So, the adage not just a pretty face definitely applies to O’Reilly.
She encourages women to enter the science field and wants to further promote diversity & equality around the world. “I really hope to do a lot of work for my cause, which is women in tech and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) and empowering women to excel to the tops of their industry in general all industries deserve to have women in the top”.
NASA is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration it is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for space programs and aeronautics. It was created in 1958 and is focused on better understanding the Earth and its connection to the Universe. They use satellites, robotic spacecraft, space shuttles & rocket planes. NASA has a history of women of Alpha Kappa Alpha (black sorority) who have made enormous contributions to the world of NASA. The movie, “Hidden Figures” tells the story of three women in the sorority in their efforts in helping to successfully launch a mission.
I ignorantly used to ask/think is NASA is a waste of time. We spend money on NASA, but many say should we when we have a broken infrastructure and lack of jobs. NASA’s budget is one penny on every tax dollar, it is in the billions. Some say that money could be better used in other places. But NASA has generated jobs and boosted STEM. The Solar panel industry alone employs 210,000 jobs. When NASA innovates, we all win. NASA has helped make artificial limbs, shoe insoles, smartphone cameras, water filtration, your computer mouse, weather forecasting, global communication and even baby food. If you want jobs you want space exploration. As far as investing in NASA the government has received $7-$14.00 for every dollar spent. The Space Act requires all research to benefit everyone not just astronauts. Curiosity & exploration are vital to the human spirit, I think mandatory for your health & a meaningful life.
Congratulations Miss Ireland, Fionnghula O’Reilly, who goes by Fig! We are deeply proud of you & wish you success in all that you do!
I went to a health store recently, Health Food Flanagans, in Palos Hills. I had the most interesting conversation about Ireland with the owner. He knows his vitamins & is very proud of his heritage, so if you need any supplements or want to discuss Irish history, check out Flanagans.
Gaelic for the month
African American-
Meiriceanacha na Afraice
Science-eolaiocht
Won-bhuaigh Earth-domhain
“Mars is there waiting to be reached” Buzz Aldrin
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