As a dedicated space leader with two decades of experience, I wear multiple hats: space scientist, analyst, coach, entrepreneur and author, all while balancing my roles as a wife and mother.
My expertise spans collaborating with businesses, governments, nonprofits, and professionals globally, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic space industry. Wherever you stand in your space journey, I'm here to elevate your aspirations and help you reach new heights.
The accidental space cadet.
I wasn't seeking a space job when I landed my first role, but I immediately became hooked and quickly learned everything I could.
From Executive Assistant to HR and Admin leader at a space startup, I noticed how difficult it was to find a good fit, on both sides, as I was recruiting candidates to fill roles. Then I found Laura.
I loved Laura's passion to help job seekers and wanted to be a part of it. Over the years I started to take on a co-coaching role and leverage my recruiting experience and insight. Now I help candidates by clarifying messaging and coaching job searching skills that aren't usually taught.
I am proof you don't need space experience or have to be an engineer to work in space. If you are looking for support with your job search, we have a variety of options to offer you. You don't have to do it alone - let's go to the stars together!
I'm the founder and Executive Director of space consulting firm Astralytical helping businesses, governments, and nonprofits to grow in space with data-backed actionable insights. As a space career coach, I've guided countless individuals globally towards achieving their dream jobs in space.
I'm the author of space books "Rise of the Space Age Millennials" (2020) and "Becoming Off-Worldly" (2022). My third book is on the horizon, focusing on the democratization of human spaceflight for people of all bodies.
Before launching Astralytical, I led the Florida branch of an international startup aiming to pioneer parabolic and suborbital flights at Kennedy Space Center. My experience also includes serving as a scientific analyst for the International Space Station National Laboratory, overseeing 50+ experiments for Earth's betterment.
My space journey has spanned multiple milestones: from researching astrophysics at three NASA centers, experiencing two "Zero-G" flights, studying geological formations in a meteor crater, to earning my suborbital astronaut wings through National Aerospace Training and Research's (NASTAR) ground training. I'm a six-time U.S. Space Camp alumna, a NASA Academy alumna, a former NASA Student Ambassador, and a previous NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program fellow.
My academic background includes a B.S. in astrophysics from Florida Institute of Technology and an M.S. in astrophysics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. My doctoral research at the University of Central Florida delved into the dynamics of regolith on celestial bodies.
My husband and I live on the Space Coast of Florida with our six little children. Yes, six. Yes, I'm Catholic.
It's more than a motto for me.
I'm actively working toward changing our operations, procedures, culture and mindsets to open up space access to all of humanity. Every one of us has a place in space - I'm here to help you find yours.
At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, I packed up my office while 9 months pregnant. My employer was sinking, owing me half a year's salary. Though I won the lawsuit, I knew I'd never see that money. With no job in sight and motherhood on the horizon, I felt lost.
I never planned to be an entrepreneur, having never taken a business class. But when the startup office I managed went under, I had to chart my own course.
Days after welcoming my first child in December 2015, I launched Astralytical. It began as a part-time consulting gig, but soon blossomed into something more. The initial year was challenging, with mismatched clients and steep learning curves. But I persevered, and by the second year, I was collaborating with esteemed clients and launching my space career coaching program.
I've since partnered with organizations like NASA, ESA, and Space Foundation, and guided over 100 individuals towards their space career dreams. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and the entrepreneurial flexibility lets me cherish moments with my six children.
Inspired by my kids, I'm driven to shape a future they'd be proud of. What's the future you envision? Let's connect and bring it to life.
Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Trek, especially TNG, but special mention to Voyager, DS9, and Strange New Worlds. And The Orville; close enough.
If I can't be in space, I want to be curled under soft blankets or in a hammock reading a good novel, preferably sci-fi, fantasy, or the classics.
My favorite foods are chocolate and pizza. But not chocolate on pizza.
Shoutout to my fellow neurodivergents.
I'm addicted to X (formerly Twitter). You can find me @LauraForczyk during all my waking hours and when I should be sleeping.
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Expect a swift response—let's talk space.