Our impact
SPADA connects students, professionals and businesses across the Southern Pacific aerospace and defense community, creating real opportunities through events, mentorship and industry partnerships. This page is the record.
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01Launch event
Students and participants connected directly with industry and government leaders on career pathways in aerospace and defense. U.S. Congressman George Whitesides of California's 27th District and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, shared their perspectives on aerospace policy and fielded questions in an open Q&A. The evening opened doors for future collaboration across the regional community.
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02Dan Newman presents the RRL Calculator
Dan Newman of Anduril Industries presented the VFS Regulatory Readiness Level Calculator, a practical framework for assessing where an aerospace or defense project stands relative to regulatory approval, and how tools like it inform development decisions.
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03Aerospace Valley Career Fair at Boeing Plant 1
SPADA took part in the 32nd annual Aerospace Valley Career Fair, A Salute to Youth. Students were bused to Boeing Plant 1 to meet more than 50 exhibitors, with a SPADA board member on site to turn what they saw on the floor into real, actionable pathways.
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04Mentorship and advocacy for students
SPADA arranged meetings for its student cohort with U.S. Congressman George Whitesides and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. Students raised the issues that mattered to them, received one-on-one advice, and built relationships that led to recommendation letters and introductions to policymakers and industry leaders.
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05Future Tech showcase with Machina Labs
The SPADA and Machina AI Labs showcase brought industry, government and academia together to turn connections into collaboration and regional growth, and connected students and emerging professionals with aerospace and defense organizations to help close workforce gaps.
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06SpaceWERX resource for partners
Major Whitney Hessler of SpaceWERX provided practical guidance on engaging with U.S. Space Force programs and how to position an organization for future opportunities. The resources are available to members on the member portal.