NASA's Lori Glaze to Address Arlington Luncheon in March
The space agency executive, a local high school alumna, will speak at a fundraising event intended to award over $30,000 in scholarships.
By Aiko Soto ·
Dr. Lori Glaze, the associate administrator of NASA’s Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, will deliver the keynote address at the 16th Annual Inspired Women Luncheon in Arlington, Texas. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2027. It will be presented by Texas Trust Credit Union.
Glaze serves as a top leader at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In this role, she oversees human spaceflight operations. Her portfolio includes the Artemis missions, which aim to return astronauts to the Moon. She also manages the foundational work required for future exploration of Mars.
Her professional path began in the local community. Glaze graduated from James Bowie High School in Arlington. She subsequently earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Sherry Jackson, the chief development officer and vice president of membership at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the connection between the speaker and the host city. Jackson stated that it is special to welcome a woman who grew up locally and now helps lead space exploration. She noted that the luncheon celebrates female accomplishment and aims to inspire community members to see their own potential.
Jackson added that Glaze’s story illustrates how large dreams can start in Arlington. She expressed excitement about sharing Glaze’s narrative with local women. The luncheon is organized by the Women’s Alliance of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
Glaze’s career has involved stepping outside of her comfort zone. She credited mentors for encouraging her to pursue new possibilities. Her mother, a pioneering aerospace engineer, served as a major inspiration. Her mother helped demonstrate what women could achieve in a field that was historically male-dominated.
The Inspired Women Luncheon is run by a committee of more than 30 volunteers. The group brings together women from the Greater Arlington area to recognize leadership and ambition. The event raises funds for specific community goals. Each year, the luncheon awards more than $30,000 in college scholarships to young women. It also provides small business grants to women-owned enterprises.
Attendees support these funds through a silent auction held during the event. The Women’s Alliance focuses on connecting women at various stages of their professional and personal lives. It offers networking, professional development, and mentorship. Its mission includes helping women build relationships and grow as leaders.
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 1,000 member businesses and organizations. The chamber works to grow these businesses and develop the community’s future. It advocates for business interests and collaborates to strengthen the Greater Arlington area. Sponsorships for the upcoming luncheon are available through the chamber or by contacting Jackson. Individual ticket sales will be released later.
Glaze will join the other speakers and attendees in Arlington for the afternoon event. The luncheon serves as the signature event for the Women’s Alliance. It combines a celebration of current achievements with investments in the next generation of women in the region.
