Heidi White Honored with the “Permission to Dream Award” for Outstanding Astronomy Outreach

We are thrilled to announce that IREx and OMM Outreach Officer Heidi White has received the prestigious “Permission to Dream Award,” celebrating her exceptional contributions to astronomy outreach within underserved and underrepresented communities. The award was presented at the Space Cowboy Ball, a costumed charity event held during the New Worlds Conference at the Space Center Houston, in Texas, on November 1 and 2. This conference featured a lineup of world-class speakers discussing various topics related to space exploration.

Heidi presents the James Webb Space Telescope at the New Worlds Conference. Photo courtesy.

As the Outreach Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at the Canadian Space Agency, Heidi delivered an inspiring presentation titled STAR Talk – Beyond the Stars: Using Telescopes to Foster Humanity’s Connection with the Night Sky. In her talk, she shared insights from her pioneering initiatives, including the Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers and the innovative program Beyond the Stars. Heidi emphasized the critical importance of providing access to telescopes for underserved communities, allowing them to explore the wonders of deep space.

Heidi’s work aims to inspire current and future generations to develop a meaningful connection with the night sky. She passionately advocates for incorporating diverse perspectives, including Indigenous knowledge systems, into our understanding of the cosmos. By doing so, she believes we can enrich our appreciation of the universe and its mysteries. At the heart of her mission is the belief that awe-inspiring images from telescopes like Hubble and JWST can ignite curiosity and wonder in people of all ages. Heidi is a strong proponent of space stewardship, promoting an inclusive approach that prepares future generations to be ethical spacefarers, grounded in respect for all life and the lands we encounter.

The event also recognized other notable figures, including Vanessa E. Wyche, the first African American woman to lead a space center as Director of Johnson Space Center, and Zach and Kelly Weinersmith, authors of A City on Mars, which tackles the real challenges of space colonization.

Congratulations, Heidi! Your dedication to fostering inclusivity in the field of astronomy education is truly inspiring.