Syracuse Native Set to Deliver Inspiring Message and Wisdom From Her Illustrious STEM Career
The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, with a commitment to serving all those in need. With large private donations, generous philanthropy, and small offerings given to their iconic Red Kettle bell ringers around the holidays, the nonprofit has helped nearly 27.5 million people in the U.S. overcome economic hardships through a range of social services.
With over 6,500 centers operating across the country, The Salvation Army has provided food, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation services, clothing, and shelter to those most in need.
On October 16, Dr. Jeanette Epps, retired NASA astronaut and Syracuse native, will serve as the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s 54th Annual Civic Celebration Luncheon at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse.
The celebration is an opportunity to honor those who support The Salvation Army’s mission and recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on those the organization has transformed.
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Dr. Jeanette Epps is a retired NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer who made history as the second African-American woman to complete a long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS). She was selected for NASA’s 20th astronaut class in 2009. Epps served as a mission specialist on the SpaceX Crew-8 mission, which launched on March 4, 2024, and spent 235 days aboard the ISS as a flight engineer before returning on October 25, 2024. She retired from NASA on May 30, 2025.
Before NASA, she worked at Ford Motor Company, earning two patents, and as a CIA Technical Intelligence Officer for over seven years, including a deployment to Iraq. Her NASA training included spacewalk, robotics, and survival skills, and she participated in NEEMO 18 and ESA’s CAVES 19 analog missions.
An advocate for STEM diversity, Epps has inspired underrepresented groups through her groundbreaking career and contributions to space exploration.
Tickets to experience this event are available here.
Unlock your event’s potential by bringing in Dr. Jeanette Epps as your keynote speaker! Don’t miss the opportunity to inspire your audience—Contact Speaker Booking Agency today for more information, or fill out our Online Booking Request Form. Let us leverage our 25 years of industry-leading experience to secure the perfect talent for your next event!
