Program Schedule
May 22, 2025
08:00 – Executive Vans meet group in Orlando - Orange County Convention Center Location (nearby area)
09:00 – Meet and greet at Space Life Sciences Laboratory
09:15 – Welcome remarks by Michael Lester – KSCIA Co-founder and retired NASA Engineer - Click here for Michael Lester Brief Bio.
09:30 - Welcome remarks by Mr Carlos Silva – Executive Director Forhma Human Resources
09:45 – Rachel P. Rutledge, Ed.S. - Director, Career & Technical Education - Click here for Rachel P. Rutledge Bio.
10:00 – Deep Space Missions & Space Exploration Challenges – KSCIA Lead Instructor - Click here for Jon Sopelak Bio.
10:15 – Teamwork Activity: Colonizing Mars
10:30 – Coffee break (groups may continue activity)
10:45 – Team presentations
11:30 – Ann Mickles – KSCIA Advisory Board and Aerospace Engineer at NASA KSC (retired) - Click here for Ann Mickles Brief Bio.
12:00 – VIP lunch with KSCIA team, HR, and special guests
12:30 – HR Guest Speaker – HR Talk with TIM HARMAN - Workforce Innovation Center
13:45 - Program adjourns Space Life Sciences Laboratory
14:00 - Arrival at the KSCVC/Center for Space Education (Special visit to NASA Lunabotics Competition)
14:30 – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex – New space exploration
15:00 – Atlantis Close-Up Tour with KSCIA instructor / former NASA Shuttle Program engineer
16:15 – Encounter with an astronaut – photo opportunity (TBC)
17:00 – Wrap-up Remarks by KSCIA team and Space guests
17:30 – Program adjourns at the KSCIA-Center for Space Education
17:45 – Return to Orlando (same location as pickup)
Keynote Speaker
TIM HARMAN
Sr. Consultant - Workforce Innovation Center (WIC)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkharman
Tim is a workforce expert with over 15 years of experience. Tim reflects a successful track record of leading Human Resources, community engagement, and cultural awareness strategies with multiple Fortune 500 companies including Ashland Inc, Quantum Health, MGM Resorts and Amazon (AWS). Tim’s areas of responsibility range from Talent Acquisition, HRIS implementation, Learning & Development, DEI and Total Rewards & Benefits. Tim’s work has included markets in North America and Brazil. Tim resides in Columbus, Ohio, USA where he enjoys Rock Climbing, Fishing, Hiking and sports. Tim is a current member of the Columbus Region Workforce Advisory Council and the Advisory Board for FESTA, a non-profit focused on welcoming new Americans.
This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, including interruptions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
© KSCIA 2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
09:00 – Meet and greet at Space Life Sciences Laboratory
09:15 – Welcome remarks by Michael Lester – KSCIA Co-founder and retired NASA Engineer - Click here for Michael Lester Brief Bio.
09:30 - Welcome remarks by Mr Carlos Silva – Executive Director Forhma Human Resources
09:45 – Rachel P. Rutledge, Ed.S. - Director, Career & Technical Education - Click here for Rachel P. Rutledge Bio.
10:00 – Deep Space Missions & Space Exploration Challenges – KSCIA Lead Instructor - Click here for Jon Sopelak Bio.
10:15 – Teamwork Activity: Colonizing Mars
10:30 – Coffee break (groups may continue activity)
10:45 – Team presentations
11:30 – Ann Mickles – KSCIA Advisory Board and Aerospace Engineer at NASA KSC (retired) - Click here for Ann Mickles Brief Bio.
12:00 – VIP lunch with KSCIA team, HR, and special guests
12:30 – HR Guest Speaker – HR Talk with TIM HARMAN - Workforce Innovation Center
13:45 - Program adjourns Space Life Sciences Laboratory
14:00 - Arrival at the KSCVC/Center for Space Education (Special visit to NASA Lunabotics Competition)
14:30 – Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex – New space exploration
15:00 – Atlantis Close-Up Tour with KSCIA instructor / former NASA Shuttle Program engineer
16:15 – Encounter with an astronaut – photo opportunity (TBC)
17:00 – Wrap-up Remarks by KSCIA team and Space guests
17:30 – Program adjourns at the KSCIA-Center for Space Education
17:45 – Return to Orlando (same location as pickup)
Keynote Speaker
TIM HARMAN
Sr. Consultant - Workforce Innovation Center (WIC)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkharman
Tim is a workforce expert with over 15 years of experience. Tim reflects a successful track record of leading Human Resources, community engagement, and cultural awareness strategies with multiple Fortune 500 companies including Ashland Inc, Quantum Health, MGM Resorts and Amazon (AWS). Tim’s areas of responsibility range from Talent Acquisition, HRIS implementation, Learning & Development, DEI and Total Rewards & Benefits. Tim’s work has included markets in North America and Brazil. Tim resides in Columbus, Ohio, USA where he enjoys Rock Climbing, Fishing, Hiking and sports. Tim is a current member of the Columbus Region Workforce Advisory Council and the Advisory Board for FESTA, a non-profit focused on welcoming new Americans.
This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, including interruptions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
© KSCIA 2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
KSCIA IN THE NEWS
The HR’s Next Frontier: Space Exploration Experience at the Space Lab and the Center for Space Education was an unforgettable day where over 50 HR professionals came together to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of work through the lens of KSCIA’s space endeavors!
From teamwork missions to Mars to VIP encounters, top-notch presentations, and inspiring moments with former NASA engineers, the event sparked powerful conversations and meaningful cross-industry connections. A heartfelt thank you to Tim Harman, Rachel P. Rutledge and everyone who joined us. You helped make this a truly stellar experience!
From teamwork missions to Mars to VIP encounters, top-notch presentations, and inspiring moments with former NASA engineers, the event sparked powerful conversations and meaningful cross-industry connections. A heartfelt thank you to Tim Harman, Rachel P. Rutledge and everyone who joined us. You helped make this a truly stellar experience!
HR's Next Frontier: Space Exploration Experience Delegation
