Dr. Sian Proctor

Founder of Space2Inspire, Pilot of SpaceX’s Groundbreaking Inspiration4 Mission, and the First Black Woman to Command a Spacecraft

  • First African American woman to pilot a spacecraft
  • CEO of Star Harbor
  • Founder of Space2Inspire
  • Selected for the SpaceX Inspiration4 Mission

Discover Dr. Sian Proctor’s biography of published work below.

Space2Inspire: The Art of Inspiration
Space2Inspire: The Art of Inspiration
Meals for Mars
Meals for Mars

When Dr. Sian Proctor is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

STEM Education
Networking – Making Connections that Lead to Opportunity
Visualised Learning: Impact of Analytics, Outcomes & Metacognitive Self-Paced Learning in Education Leadership
Leadership Lessons from Living in a Mars Simulation
Diversity in STEM
Analog Astronaut Simulations & Training

Dr Sian ‘Leo’ Proctor is an exceptional astronaut, geoscientist, artist, keynote speaker, and founder of Space2inspire. Renowned for her groundbreaking achievements, she made history in 2021 as the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, taking the helm of the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian journey into space. With over two decades of experience as a professor, she is now a highly sought-after keynote speaker, captivating audiences with her compelling storytelling and thought-provoking insights. Her diverse subject matter includes geology, inspirational leadership, exploration, and overcoming imposter syndrome, offering audiences a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in every address she delivers.

Sian’s journey to becoming an inspirational leader is a story of determination and achievement. Born on the remote island of Guam, she embarked on an impressive academic path, earning a BSc in Environmental Science from Edinboro University, Pennsylvania, followed by an MSc in Geology and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education from Arizona State University. Her early career included roles as a video editor for WROC Channel 8 and a geology field school graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State University, marking her first foray into education. Her passion for teaching continued for over 23 years at South Mountain Community College, where she served as a Geoscience and Sustainability Professor. Her excellence in education was formally recognised when she received the NISOD Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2010-2011, underscoring her ability to inspire and educate future generations.

A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in the space industry, Sian uses AfronautSpace to encourage and uplift black women in STEM. Her passion for space exploration extends to her role as an Analog Astronaut, having successfully completed four simulation missions, including a four-month Mars mission at the HI-SEAS habitat and two-week missions at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) and the LunAres Habitat. Her sustainability advocacy is reflected in her book, ‘Meals for Mars’, which explores how space-based food systems can inform sustainable practices on Earth. As the CEO of Star Harbor, Sian is at the forefront of efforts to ensure a sustainable future for humanity, both on Earth and beyond, firmly establishing her status as an inspirational global leader in her field.

Sian’s wealth of experience and dedication to inspiring others makes her an outstanding choice for events like corporate engagements, leadership workshops, and teambuilding seminars. Her ability to connect with audiences and encourage self-belief ensures that she leaves a lasting impression. By sharing her experiences and life lessons, she motivates people to think beyond their limitations, pursue their dreams, and embrace opportunities for growth. Dr Sian Proctor is now available for hire through the Inspirational Leadership Speakers Agency, where she continues to inspire and empower audiences across the globe.

Official Testimonials

Dr. Sian Proctor is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“Sian has made such an impact on our program in such a short amount of time! My students, age 50+, immediately fell in love with her presentation style and personality and they could not get enough of her classes. She is intelligent and motivational; she makes learning fun at any age. Aside from her excellent teaching skills, she is a pleasure to work with before and after the event. She responds quickly to all correspondence during the planning stages, arrives early for class, and is prepared with informative and well-thought-out discussion topics. I will hire her again and again!”

Coordinator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, ASU West Campus

“Sian Proctor spoke at Edinboro University in October 2017 to a sellout crowd of more than 125 students and faculty. Her talk, “The Power to Connect,” was interactive, motivational, engaging and thought-provoking. The students are still talking about how inspiring she was to them! Many geoscience students attended the event because Sian is a 1992 geosciences graduate of Edinboro University. She showed them that with determination, focus, getting out of your comfort zone and using your connections, you can achieve your dreams!”

Director of Development, Edinboro University

“Dr Sian Proctor has presented at Scottsdale Community College’s TechTalks event on three occasions. Her presentations are engaging and always well-aligned with the theme of our event. Dr Proctor has a strong stage presence and is relatable to a wide array of audiences from students, to teachers, to scientists, she is able to pique their interest, hold their attention and inspire them.”

Faculty Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Scottsdale Community College

To enquire about Dr. Sian Proctor for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@inspirational-leadership-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 0070 320.