Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars

Now in paperback, the life story of a world-famous astronaut who was a trailblazer for women and is a role model today.

Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars tells the remarkable story of Eileen Collins, an aviation pioneer whose career milestones include becoming the first woman to command an American space mission and the first to pilot the space shuttle. From her early years as one of the Air Force's first female pilots, Collins blazed trails at every step.

She was part of the first class of women to earn pilot's wings at Vance Air Force Base and made history as their first female instructor pilot. At Edwards Air Force Base, she became only the second woman pilot admitted to the Air Force's elite Test Pilot Program. NASA's trust in her skills was profound, as she was chosen to command the first shuttle mission post the Columbia disaster, bringing the US back to spaceflight after a two-year pause.

Since retiring from the Air Force and NASA, Collins has served on various corporate boards and has emerged as an inspirational speaker, often discussing space exploration and leadership.

Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars is not just a story of achievement and surmounting obstacles but also one of profound personal transformation. Despite growing up as the shy, quiet child of an alcoholic father and a struggling single mother, in modest circumstances and as an unremarkable student, she pursued her secret dream of becoming an astronaut. This book shares Collins' leadership and life lessons, aimed at inspiring and leaving a legacy for the next generation.