{"id":644140,"date":"2024-04-11T08:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T12:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=644140"},"modified":"2024-04-12T08:14:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T12:14:08","slug":"shawnta-ball-turns-obstacles-into-opportunities-in-goddards-education-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people-of-nasa\/goddard-people\/shawnta-ball-turns-obstacles-into-opportunities-in-goddards-education-office\/","title":{"rendered":"Shawnta M. Ball Turns Obstacles into Opportunities in Goddard\u2019s Education Office"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>When it comes to transforming obstacles into opportunities, it\u2019s all about a \u201cgrow where you\u2019re planted\u201d mentality, says Shawnta M. Ball, a program support specialist in Goddard\u2019<\/em>s<em> education office.<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Name<\/strong>: Shawnta M. Ball<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Title<\/strong>: Program Support Specialist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Formal Job Classification<\/strong>: Administrative Support Assistant<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organization<\/strong>: Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM, Code 160)<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"midframe portrait of Shawnta Ball against a gray backdrop\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg 4200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball2.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">\u201cRather than succumbing to challenges or setbacks, I viewed them as opportunities to learn and adapt,\u201d says Shawnta M. Ball, program support specialist in the Office of STEM Engagement at NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Red Cox Photography; courtesy Shawnta M. Ball<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>How would you describe your job at Goddard?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I contribute to the vitality of our office by providing crucial support to various programs. I joined Goddard in March 2020 and witnessed the organization undergo significant changes. Currently, we are in a phase of revitalization following the challenges posed by the pandemic. We now have a team working enthusiastically to revive some of the older programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among our initiatives is the resurgence of K-12 programs, where we engage with schools in our region. My focus primarily involves collaborating with high schools and middle schools, reaching out to instill the NASA way of thinking and inspiring students to see the impact of a STEM education. We are dedicated to fostering a mindset that emphasizes working at NASA in science, technology, engineering, and math roles beyond being an astronaut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, I serve as the liaison for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility between NASA\u2019s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and OSTEM. Our goal is to ensure that our processes embrace everyone, irrespective of their background or identity. I act as the bridge, pulling together diverse perspectives and information to create a more inclusive work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I’m also actively involved in two solicitations \u2014 one for Minority University Research and Education Project <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/minority-university-research-education-project\/murep-ocean-biology-and-biogeochemistry\/\">(MUREP) OCEAN<\/a> related projects, and another focused on Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/minority-university-research-education-project\/murep-deap\/\">DEAP<\/a>). We collaborate with faculty to award research grants, reaching out to individuals who might not typically hear about these opportunities but possess the skills and potential to excel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What path led you to this role?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My journey with NASA started in 2002, and I arrived at Goddard in 2020 after being part of the Office of STEM Engagement at headquarters in Washington. Embarking on my career in the government at the age of 16, I faced a unique and early entry into the professional world. Despite my youth, I embraced the opportunities presented to me and took on a series of diverse assignments within the government sector. This journey was marked by a steadfast commitment to the philosophy of \u201cgrowing where I was planted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practical terms, this philosophy implies a dedication to making the most of the current circumstances and roles, regardless of their initial nature or perceived limitations. Instead of constantly seeking new environments, I focused on developing my skills, gaining valuable experiences, and contributing meaningfully to each position I held. This approach allowed me to extract valuable lessons and skills from every assignment, fostering personal and professional growth in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The belief in \u201cgrowing where I was planted\u201d also speaks to resilience and adaptability. Rather than succumbing to challenges or setbacks, I viewed them as opportunities to learn and adapt. This mindset not only helped me navigate the complexities of working in the government but also positioned me to thrive in a variety of roles over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result of this philosophy, I built a foundation of skills, knowledge, and adaptability that eventually led me to my current role at Goddard. Each assignment, whether seemingly small or significant, played a crucial role in shaping my career trajectory and preparing me for the challenges and responsibilities I now undertake in supporting programs and initiatives at Goddard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What’s the most exciting or interesting part of working at NASA?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being in a position that involves interactions with celebrities has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my work. It provides a unique glimpse into the individuals who contribute to TV programs, movies, and media that showcase NASA\u2019s endeavors towards our society\u2019s forward progression. During my early days, I had the fascinating role of booking meetings that involved notable figures, and although the interaction was swift, the experience of seeing them in person was truly thrilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While working in the administrator\u2019s office at headquarters, I had the privilege of witnessing the arrival of news reporters, city mayors, congressmen and women, and astronauts who came to meet with the administrator. Sitting in anticipation, I played a behind-the-scenes role, having foreknowledge of their visits and assisting in the planning process. Although my involvement was indirect, the opportunity to be in proximity to these space explorers and others and to play a part in coordinating their interactions was both rewarding and awe-inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball1.jpeg?w=360\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"closeup of Shawnta Ball's face with a brown "Hidden Figures Way" street sign above her head\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball1.jpeg 360w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball1.jpeg?resize=225,300 225w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ball1.jpeg?resize=300,400 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Ball poses with a “Hidden Figures Way” street sign at NASA Headquarters in Washington.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">courtesy Shawnta M. Ball<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve had the privilege to meet and greet famous people and directly supported three astronaut-turned-supervisors. However, one standout memory involves meeting Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura on \u201cStar Trek,\u201d  at the final space shuttle launch. STS-135, the last flight of the orbiter Atlantis, lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 8, 2011. I will always be grateful to Ms. Nichols for the real-life role she played at NASA, which was to recruit minority and female astronauts and personnel for the agency\u2019s Space Shuttle Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sheer thought of being in the company of someone of her stature and witnessing firsthand the intersection of entertainment and NASA\u2019s mission left a lasting impression. These encounters not only added a layer of excitement to my role but also reinforced the significance of the work we do at NASA, captivating the attention of influential figures who contribute to sharing our stories with the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By Marta Hill<br>NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A graphic with a collection of people's portraits grouped together in front of a soft blue galaxy background. The people come from various races, ethnicities, and genders. A soft yellow star shines in the upper left corner, and the stylized text "Conversations with Goddard" is in white on the far right.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=300,92 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=768,236 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=1024,315 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=400,123 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=600,184 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/cwg-banner.png?resize=900,277 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Conversations With Goddard <\/em><\/strong><em>is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center\u2019s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers\/goddard\/about\/people\/index.html\"><em>Goddard\u2019s \u201cOur People\u201d webpage<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n\t<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"social-icons social-icons-round\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-x\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a 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href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fpeople-of-nasa%2Fgoddard-people%2Fshawnta-ball-turns-obstacles-into-opportunities-in-goddards-education-office%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 4.615v3.385z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nasa.gov%2Fpeople-of-nasa%2Fgoddard-people%2Fshawnta-ball-turns-obstacles-into-opportunities-in-goddards-education-office%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M4.98 3.5c0 1.381-1.11 2.5-2.48 2.5s-2.48-1.119-2.48-2.5c0-1.38 1.11-2.5 2.48-2.5s2.48 1.12 2.48 2.5zm.02 4.5h-5v16h5v-16zm7.982 0h-4.968v16h4.969v-8.399c0-4.67 6.029-5.052 6.029 0v8.399h4.988v-10.131c0-7.88-8.922-7.593-11.018-3.714v-2.155z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-rss\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/feed\/\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to RSS feed.\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 800 800\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M493 652H392c0-134-111-244-244-244V307c189 0 345 156 345 345zm71 0c0-228-188-416-416-416V132c285 0 520 235 520 520z\"\/><circle cx=\"219\" cy=\"581\" r=\"71\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Apr 12, 2024<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\"><div class=\"grid-col-4\"><div class=\"subheading\">Editor<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-col-8\">Rob Garner<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\"><div class=\"grid-col-4\"><div class=\"subheading\">Contact<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-col-8\"><div class=\"margin-bottom-3\"><div>Rob Garner<\/div><div><a href=\"mailto:rob.garner@nasa.gov\">rob.garner@nasa.gov<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-row\"><div class=\"grid-col-4\"><div class=\"subheading\">Location<\/div><\/div><div class=\"grid-col-8\">Goddard Space Flight Center<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\"><div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \"><div class=\"margin-bottom-2\"><h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2><\/div><ul class=\"article-tags\"><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people-of-nasa\/goddard-people\/\">People of Goddard<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/goddard\/\">Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/li><li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people-of-nasa\/\">People of NASA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to transforming obstacles into opportunities, it\u2019s all about a \u201cgrow where you\u2019re planted\u201d mentality, says Shawnta M. Ball, a program support specialist in Goddard\u2019s education office. Name: Shawnta M. Ball Title: Program Support Specialist Formal Job Classification: Administrative Support Assistant Organization: Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM, Code 160) How would you describe [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":302,"featured_media":644251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"302","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":["302"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"255050","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":["283568"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[12282,2857,2668],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[12413],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Shawnta M. 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