Jamila Gilbert is an astronaut, visual artist, and advocate for diversity in space exploration. A proud Latina woman of Purépechan-Mexican roots, Jamila made history on May 25, 2023, when she flew aboard Virgin Galactic’s Unity 25 mission—becoming the fourth Latina and one of the first 100 women to travel to space.
Her journey to the stars is anything but conventional. With a BFA in Museum Conservation, a BA in German Language and Literature, a supplementary major in Linguistics, and minors in Studio Art and Anthropology from New Mexico State University, Jamila’s interdisciplinary background shaped her unique lens on space exploration. Since 2019, she has led internal communications at Virgin Galactic, helping shape the company’s culture and storytelling as it pioneers human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers.
As a Mission Specialist and non-technical astronaut, her insights have been instrumental in refining Virgin Galactic’s approach to commercial space travel, ensuring that future passengers experience space as a deeply human and transformative journey.
Through her visual art, Jamila brings the indescribable beauty of space back to Earth, using storytelling to bridge the cosmic and the personal. She is also a passionate advocate for STEAM education and continues to champion the vital importance of representation in aerospace.
Jamila lives and works in her hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico, where the vast, unobstructed skies remind her daily of what’s possible—and of the power of dreaming beyond them.
Photo credit – Virgin Galactic — Jamila Gilbert aboard Unity 25 (3)
Your academic background is in languages, linguistics, and museum conservation. How did this diverse foundation lead you to a career in aerospace and eventually becoming an astronaut?
From an early age, I was fascinated by human connection—how we communicate, how we create, and how we leave behind markers of our existence. Studying foreign languages, anthropology, and museum conservation gave me a deep understanding of the universal human experience. It reinforced my belief that despite differences in language or location, people share a common desire for fulfillment, connection, and legacy.
That perspective carried over into my work at Virgin Galactic, where I was selected as a Mission Specialist to provide end-to-end feedback on the customer experience. As one of only two non-technical people to fly aboard VSS Unity—the first being Sir Richard Branson—my role was to assess spaceflight from a unique perspective, one that mirrors the experience of future commercial astronauts.
Photo credit – Virgin Galactic — Jamila the morning of the spaceflight before departing
You joined Virgin Galactic in 2019, rapidly progressing to leading internal communications and eventually to spaceflight. What pivotal moments shaped this unconventional journey?
One of the reasons I joined Virgin Galactic was my belief in the profound impact space travel can have on human consciousness. Seeing our planet from space shifts your perspective—it makes you realize that there is far more that unites us than divides us.
As Senior Manager of Internal Communications, I had the responsibility of keeping our teams informed and connected across locations. But beyond that, I saw my work as part of a greater mission—helping people see the singularity of our planet and the limitless possibilities of space. When the opportunity arose to fly, I knew it was a moment that could redefine what space exploration looks like.
As the third Virgin Galactic woman and one of the first 100 women to travel to space, how did it feel to see Earth from above the atmosphere?
Seeing Earth from space was the most breathtaking experience of my life. Our planet, glowing and crystalline, appeared hyper-real—its beauty indescribable. The sheer magnitude of it struck me; it was the largest entity I’ve ever gazed upon, yet somehow small against the infinite depth of blackness surrounding it. The experience was resplendent, humbling, and awe-inspiring. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can still see it with perfect clarity.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Nguyen and Duke Winn
During your spaceflight, you evaluated the customer experience for future commercial astronauts. What insights did you gain, and how are they influencing Virgin Galactic’s approach to space tourism?
As someone without a technical background, I represented the experience of many of our future astronaut customers. My role was to assess everything—from training to the emotional impact of the journey. The transition from extreme acceleration to complete weightlessness, the sensory overload of seeing Earth from space, and the need for clear communication throughout the process all played a role in refining the customer experience. Virgin Galactic is committed to making space travel not only accessible but also transformative. My insights are helping shape the preparation process to ensure that every astronaut is physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the journey.
You described the visual experience of space as “highly defined and crystalline.” How has this perspective influenced your artistic endeavors and personal outlook?
As a visual artist, I was deeply moved by the clarity and contrast of space—the way light interacts with the Earth, the intensity of colors, the hyper-realism of it all. I’ve started painting a series that attempts to capture the feeling of launching into space, the shift from extreme acceleration to weightlessness, and the overwhelming beauty of our planet.
Beyond art, the experience has changed how I see everyday life. Small moments feel more significant—the smell of coffee, the laughter of my nieces and nephews, the biodiversity of the natural world. Everything seems more precious because it exists at all.
Being one of only 16 Hispanic and LatinX individuals to travel to space, how do you see your journey inspiring underrepresented communities in STEAM and space exploration?
Representation in space matters. Historically, spaceflight has been reserved for a select few—mostly engineers, scientists, and military pilots. My journey, as one of the first 100 women, one of 16 Hispanic and LatinX individuals, and one of the few non-technical astronauts, represents a shift in what space exploration can look like.
I hope my experience inspires people from all backgrounds to see themselves in this field. The new era of space travel is about inclusivity, diversity, and expanding the possibilities of who gets to go.
Photo credit – Carly Bennett
With roots in the Purépechan indigenous group of Central Mexico, how has your heritage influenced your approach to your career and spaceflight?
Growing up between two cultures—Mexico and the United States—taught me to embrace duality. I experienced the vibrancy of one culture and the structure of another, the fluidity of traditions versus the rigidity of modern systems. This early exposure shaped my creativity, imagination, and empathy.
It also reinforced my belief in unlimited possibilities. If two entirely different worlds could coexist within a 25-hour drive of each other, how many more could exist beyond what we know? That mindset carried me into a field that once seemed out of reach.
At the 2025 New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge, you engaged with young scholars. What advice do you give to students, especially young women, aspiring to enter STEM fields?
- Follow through. Show up. Do what you say you will, and communicate with those around you.
- Say yes. Say yes to curiosity, to things that stir your imagination, to opportunities that ignite your spirit.
- Embrace the nonlinear path. Careers evolve. You will learn, unlearn, teach, and be taught.
- Stay present. Don’t compare your journey to others—focus on actively participating in your own life.
- Make decisions based on curiosity, not fear. Fear limits us; curiosity expands us.
Your involvement in the “Uplifting Women in STEM” event at the UN highlights your advocacy for women in science. What strategies do you believe are most effective in supporting women and girls pursuing STEAM careers?
Early engagement and representation are critical. Many dreams are abandoned before they even begin because people don’t see themselves in certain roles. We need to introduce STEAM careers to young girls early, provide mentorship opportunities, and create spaces where their ideas and contributions are valued.
Jamila Gilbert with her artwork
Having achieved significant milestones, including spaceflight, what’s next for you? How do you envision contributing further to aerospace and STEAM communities?
I’m continuing to share my spaceflight experience, recently speaking at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce conference. My goal is to inspire others to see themselves in space. This new era is about adventure, access, and representation, and I’m proud to help lead that movement.
I’m also working on a series of paintings that visually translate the indescribable feeling of space travel. Art is a powerful tool—it transcends language and logic, evoking emotion and connection. Through my work, I hope to take more people into space, even if only through imagination.
