MAY NIBJ: Women reaching beyond: From North Idaho to the moon — and back again

There’s something about space that captures us — its vastness, its mystery, and the boldness it demands. 

With NASA’s Artemis program reigniting global attention, we’re once again looking upward. But what’s equally compelling is what’s happening right here on the ground — because the pathway to space often begins in communities like ours.

For me, that connection feels personal. Astronaut Anne McClain, a Spokane native and fellow Gonzaga Prep alum, has become one of the most recognizable faces of modern space exploration. Her journey — from Inland Northwest roots to Army officer, test pilot, and NASA astronaut — reminds us that extraordinary trajectories can begin in very familiar places. As she supports missions tied to Artemis, including future lunar exploration, she represents not only national progress, but regional pride.

Yet this story isn’t just about astronauts — it’s about access, visibility, and momentum for women across all aspects of flight, science, and leadership. That’s where NIA – Women of IMPACT comes in. Through programs like the Leadership Roundtable and the annual Onward & Upward Women’s Conference, NIA continues to spotlight women who are building, leading, and innovating across industries — including STEM and aviation.

This year’s Onward & Upward Conference, happening May 21 in Coeur d’Alene, carries that same energy forward. With the theme centered on connection and presence, it brings together women who are expanding what’s possible—whether in business, science, or community leadership. Tickets are still available, and if there’s ever been a moment to be in the room, this is it. Because as we often say, real relationships—and real inspiration—happen face-to-face. Tickets at nia.ticketgoat.com.

And inspiration is closer than many realize. Right here in North Idaho, women are actively engaged in aviation. Local pilots like LaDonna Beaumont and Anne Anderson are part of a growing community of women taking to the skies — not just as a passion, but as a profession and a pathway. Their presence reflects a broader shift: flight is no longer a distant dream, but an accessible pursuit. 

Even more, that pathway is supported locally. At the Coeur d'Alene Airport, aspiring pilots can train with instructors like Dr. Sarah Lynch, who is helping guide the next generation of aviators. Whether you’re exploring a career in aviation or simply curious about learning to fly, opportunities exist right here in our own backyard. You don’t have to travel far to begin.

What ties all of this together — from Artemis missions to local flight instruction — is a shift in mindset. Women are no longer asking if they belong in these spaces. They are stepping into them, leading within them, and opening doors for others to follow.

From Sandpoint to Coeur d’Alene, from classrooms to cockpits to outer space, the message is clear: the sky is no longer the limit. It’s just the beginning.

Marilee Wallace writes for the North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact. She can be reached at [email protected].