Ms Carla Mitchell

I have been with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF-SARAO) for over 11 years and have held a number of roles during this time. My current role is that of the NRF-SARAO Africa Programme Manager. I am responsible for planning, negotiating and implementing strategic and funding solutions for the Africa programme across the eight African Partner Countries (APCs), inclusive of the African VLBI Network (AVN) programme, the conceptualisation and implementation of the African Colocation Programme and associated activities.

In 2009, I founded the Foundation for Space Development Africa and in 2011 I founded Women in Aerospace Africa. I am leading a passion project, Africa2Moon, for the Foundation for Space Development, supported by NRF-SARAO, to put the first radio telescope array, built by Africa, on the Moon.

I obtained a BComm in Finance and Economics from the University of Cape Town and an Executive MBA from the International Space University (ISU). I authored chapters for books and collaborative studies on space economics and policies and am currently submitting my PhD (University of Cape Town), using the MeerKAT and SKA as case studies for the maximisation of socio-economic impact from investment in space science and technology.

What inspired you to become the leader that you are today?   

I have always had a passion for space science and technology, and a passion for positively impacting lives in Africa. This role has given me the opportunity to realise those areas that I personally and professionally feel very strongly about.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?

I have presented talks to motivate young women to become the next leaders and I am always asked to explain how I have achieved my dreams.

I believed I could.

The truth is that belief in yourself is essential. If you don’t believe that you can do it, you won’t do it. Yes, there is hard work, patience and sacrifice, but belief is key. It is worth noting that I have learned the hard way that humility comes with belief in yourself. Self-worth and belief are not arrogance but can become so without humility.

People get us where we need to go, they help and challenge us, and when they don’t, they teach us. I have only achieved anything I have achieved because of the people in my life; supporters, challengers and teachers.

Patience is also imperative. There will be times that you are overlooked or the timing of a project is wrong. Examine the disappointments, self-reflect and learn from them.

I have worked on Africa2Moon for 11 years and it only looks like it will come to fruition now. And for a number of reasons, I can see that it is right to happen now – it would have been premature and likely failed had it happened sooner. In my opinion, great leaders are enablers, you succeed when your team succeeds.

On a personal note, I believe in God and the Bible advocates an upside-down model whereby the strongest serve the weakest, successful leadership works the same way.