Melissa John Champions Environmental Stewardship at White Sands 

For Melissa John, environmental protection is his way of contributing to spatial exploration while preserving the land that we call here.

While the sustainability program leads to the installation of NASA white sand tests in Las Cruces, New Mexico, John manages efforts to reduce waste, prevent pollution and promote eco-conscious practices. Over the past 13 years, she has helped shape a workplace culture that enhances innovation and environmental responsibility.

Melissa John

Plain of the sustainability program

Thanks to awareness campaigns and awareness -raising events, John authorizes employees to be aware of their environmental impact. Whether it promotes basic connections, directs practical events or recognizing colleagues that prioritize the aware actions of the climate, John remains dedicated to having a positive and lasting impact on the planet.

John attributes to his inheritance of Diné and his cultural values to feed his passion to protect and preserve the land for future generations.

John began his career in NASA at White Sands as a document specialist, examining hours and environmental reports. Later, she went to the technical edition and gradually got involved in green initiatives, making time before finally entering her role of current leadership.

Now, it coordinates a site group across the site dedicated to the reduction of the environmental impact of the installation and inspires others to critically think about daily actions and their training effects.

John did not always know how she would make her mark.

“Growing up, I remember that a teacher asked how we could make a difference in the world,” she said. “I have never forgotten this question.”

In the years she spent working in accounting and the mining industry, she continued to return to this question. It was only when she joined NASA that she found her answer:

“This – that’s how I make my difference in the world.”

The work also helped John to grow in a way in which she did not expect.

“I was painfully shy when I was a child and terrified to speak in front of a crowd,” she said. “But when I played this role, I knew that I had to find my voice. I still have shy moments, but the pride that I feel in this work helps me pass. I have lived a lot, but I am still there to learn, grow and introduce myself to the team that I now call the family.”

John attributes his solid system to support this transformation. “I am impressed by the women I worked with,” she said. “I hope I can inspire others as they inspired me.”

Whether on earth or beyond, John thinks that this thoughtful action today leads to a brighter tomorrow. She is committed to leaving the world a better place for the next generation. Its heritage is simple: “clean air, clean water and clean earth – that’s what I want to transmit.”