*On March 13, 2025, the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California, will serve as the backdrop for a momentous occasion as Ethel L. Lee, affectionately known as “Space Shuttle Ethel,” celebrates her 99th birthday.
This event not only commemorates Ethel’s remarkable contributions to NASA and the world of aerospace but also highlights the continued importance of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for future generations. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn will announce a generous $50,000 grant aimed at K-16 Space education, which will support the nonprofit work of Ethel’s granddaughter, Daphne Bradford, founder and CEO of Mother of Many (M.O.M.).
As part of the event, scheduled for 5:45 p.m., Supervisor Hahn will lead a press conference attended by Ethel Lee, Daphne Bradford, and Ben Dickhow, the President of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. The significance of this celebration during Women’s History Month cannot be overstated, as it showcases a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and ongoing efforts to encourage young minds to explore careers in science and technology.
Currently on display at the Columbia Memorial Space Center is the exhibit titled “Space Shuttle Ethel: The NASA Life of Ethel Lee.” This exhibition pays homage to Ethel’s extraordinary aerospace career, during which she was instrumental in building NASA’s first six space shuttles, including Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, Endeavour, and Enterprise (the latter being a test vehicle that never flew in space). It also reflects the remarkable lineage of achievements within the Lee family, with Ethel’s daughter, Linda Lee Njaka, contributing to the Apollo 11 mission and her granddaughter, Daphne, continuing the family legacy in the 21st century as a passionate advocate for S.T.E.A.M. education.
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Born in 1926 in Hooks, Texas, Ethel’s journey to becoming a NASA legend began under challenging circumstances. After leaving school to help her family by picking potatoes—a task she loathed—Ethel returned to academics, graduating at the top of her high school class at just 16 years old. Following marriage and the opening of a family restaurant in Southern California, her life took a transformative turn in the early 1960s. Motivated by President John F. Kennedy’s ambitious vision for space exploration, Ethel decided to apply for a job at Rockwell International without a formal engineering background. To her astonishment, she was hired just three days later, launching a 32-year career that would make her a formidable force in aerospace.
At Rockwell, Ethel faced the unique challenges of being the only African American woman on her team, working in an environment that was predominantly male. Despite the obstacles, her resilience and determination allowed her to thrive. As her granddaughter Daphne recalls, Ethel was a “tough cookie” who made significant contributions to the space shuttle program, all while endearing herself to colleagues with her culinary skills and warmth.
Beyond her technical prowess, Ethel is celebrated for her tenacity and commitment to her beliefs, often imparting wisdom to younger generations. In a reflective moment during a FOX 11 interview at age 98, Ethel shared her advice: “Believe in yourself, trust in God, and work hard.” Her insights resonate profoundly today, particularly as her story inspires countless individuals to pursue careers in science and technology.
The upcoming birthday celebration holds more than just personal significance for Ethel; it also symbolizes a movement toward recognizing and uplifting underrepresented figures in the aerospace industry. The grant announced by Supervisor Hahn will fuel initiatives that inspire young students through S.T.E.A.M. programs, helping to shape the next generation of innovators and thinkers.
As the event unfolds, guests will celebrate not only Ethel’s impressive achievements but also the broader implications of her family’s legacy in space exploration. From the display of Ethel’s personal journey to the ongoing work of Mother Of Many, the evening promises to spotlight the critical need for education and empowerment in S.T.E.A.M.
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“Space Shuttle Ethel’s” 99th Birthday Party
When: March 13, 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm Pacific
Where: Columbia Memorial Space Center
12400 Columbia Way
Downey, CA 90242
Ethel L. Lee’s nickname, “Space Shuttle Ethel,” serves as a testament to her hands-on role in the construction of NASA’s iconic space shuttles and her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in aerospace history. As she approaches her 99th birthday, her story continues to shine brightly, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance, dedication, and community support in the pursuit of knowledge and achievement.
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