Do You Know a Shooting Star? I Do!

There is a children’s song about friendship that shares the importance of making new friends but keeping the old, for some are silver, and others are gold. What is interesting about these lyrics is that we must value those who come into our lives and remember they are valuable, but some hold a special place in our hearts and lives forever. One such friend of mine is Retired Colonel Yvonne Cagle, MD, PhD, NASA Astronaut, Senior Flight Surgeon, Aerospace Professor, and recent honoree of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Gold Medal from President Joe Biden. Now, of course, when we first met as young teenagers, this was not her pedigree, but the character and integrity that built such a woman were evident even back then. When we were young girls growing up, she lived in Northern California and I hailed from Southern California, but the California Baptist Young People’s Convention not only caused our paths to cross but would knit our hearts together forever.

Over time, life would take our paths in different directions. However, we still managed to stay in touch and connect whenever possible, whether it was partaking in a Thanksgiving dinner while in college or making sure that when one of us was in each other’s territory, we would pause and reach out to make sure the other was doing well.? Our families are close, and I am honored to be her daughter's godmother. Earlier, I referred to Dr. Yvonne Cagle’s pedigree, as they would say the fruit does not fall far from the tree.? Her parents were also very accomplished, and they supported and encouraged her to always reach for the stars and to be her best self. She excelled in STEAM, sports, and student councils. After receiving her degrees, she served as a physician, rising to the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force, was a senior flight surgeon, maintaining air crew’s safety, readiness, and performing while logging hours on a wide variety of high-performance aircraft.? Yvonne is also recognized as a global speaker, including presentations at TEDx. She has made history here on Earth, but now we need to help her make history in space. Her unique accomplishments also as Colonel culminate in a long and distinguished career in the service of her country and reflect credit upon herself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Airforce.

One of Dr. Yvonne Cagle’s mentors was Creola Katherine Johnson who was one of the first Black women to work for NASA. What is a shame is that we had to learn about Ms. Johnson and all the contributions she made to history from the movie Hidden Figures.? As a mentee of Ms. Johnson, Yvonne had the honor and privilege to escort Ms. Johnson across the stage at the Oscars when she was given an honorary award. As Yvonne’s friend, it brought tears to my eyes when I saw her side by side with her mentor. ?It is Dr. Cagle’s turn to go from a hidden figure to her time in the spotlight and being among the stars. This starts by making sure we know who she is and what she has accomplished and helping her get her star right now here on Earth.

Knowing someone for close to half a century is a long time.? Yvonne and I have such a relationship.? I am grateful for the seeds she has planted in my life to help me to continue to grow and believe in myself and that I can do anything I put my hands to do.? Her life can also serve as an excellent example to other young women, especially women and girls of color that they too can reach for the stars and be all they believe they can be.? Let us not keep her hidden, but let us bring her to the light and shoot her into space.

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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.