G2011-019 Meet Wanda Peters

Narration: Wanda Peters

Transcript:

I am the Assistant Division Chief for the Mechanical Systems Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. When I was younger I never imagined that I would be working for an organization that is internationally known for its accomplishments. Working at NASA in this circle of influence that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of - it’s more than I’ve ever thought, that I’ve ever been able to dream of. The greatest barrier that I’ve experienced throughout my career is being first a minority and than a woman. You have to constantly prove yourself that you’re not there as a part of a quota or token, that you’re actually deserved to be involved and that you’re competent and qualified for the work that you’re performing. As a member of the Goddard community, I’m the African American Advisory Committee’s Chair ad I advocate for the diversity and inclusion of all on center. Even though my function is to represent the African American constituency, anything that I present to the center is to the benefit of Goddard. I’ve learned several lessons during my life and one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned was to believe in myself. To believe that I can do something and regardless, if I’ve made a mistake or didn’t do it in a certain way, that it was OK, because I was being myself. I’ve learned to accept myself for who I am and just embrace being me.