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MEET
OUR
SPEAKERS
Isaiah Wonnenberg
Isaiah Wonnenberg
Isaiah Wonnenberg is the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Commercial Space Federation (CSF). He supports CSF members in their shared mission of promoting the development of commercial human spaceflight and the commercial space industry, pursuing ever-greater levels of safety, and sharing best practices and expertise among the industry and policymakers. Prior to CSF, Isaiah served as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Isaiah received a Master in Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Dakota.
COMMERCIAL SPACE FEDERATION
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
Andrew Nelson
Andrew Nelson
Andrew Nelson is a commercial space leader with experience spanning engineering, finance, and aerospace operations. He began his career at Cape Canaveral and later worked at MITRE, Booz Allen, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley. As COO and President of XCOR Aerospace, he led business development, regulation, and fundraising. Since 2014, he has advised space companies and investors, helping evaluate $8B+ in closed deals. Nelson is now VP at RS&H, leading aerospace infrastructure and spaceport design, and chairs ASTM’s Commercial Space Standards Committee. He holds degrees from Ohio University and MIT Sloan.
RS&H, Inc
Vice President - Aerospace
Dr. Behzad Koosha
Behzad Koosha
Dr. Behzad Koosha brings 12+ years of expertise in aerospace and terrestrial communications. He holds a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from The George Washington University, specializing in satellite communications. His career spans T-Mobile, Intelsat, Hughes, SpaceLink, and Terran Orbital, where he advanced system development and business growth. Dr. Koosha has led technology commercialization, secured major aerospace and defense contracts, and shaped go-to-market strategies. He is also an adjunct professor at GWU and chairs the communications track of the IEEE Aerospace Conference.
SIDUS SPACE
VP Business Development
SMSgt Adalberto Torres
SMSgt Adalberto Torres - USSF Speaker
Senior Master Sergeant Adalberto Torres is the Senior Enlisted Leader for the U.S. Space Force’s Talent Scout Squadron at Air Force Recruiting Headquarters, JBSA-Randolph. He leads a 22-member squadron and 29 program managers responsible for officer and enlisted accessions across the U.S. and partner nations. He partners with civic, military, and educational leaders to advance awareness of the Space Force’s mission while driving recruitment success.
US SPACE FORCE
Talent Scout Squadron
Lori W. Gordon
Lori W. Gordon
Lori W. Gordon is Systems Director in the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at The Aerospace Corporation, leading initiatives on international collaboration, commercial ventures, and regulatory frameworks to support space infrastructure, security, and resilience. A partner with Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy, she engages with Space ISAC, NSI, and other collaborators. With 20+ years in FFRDC and commercial sectors, she has shaped national strategies across homeland, intelligence, and civil agencies.
THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
Systems Director
Eileen M Velez-Vega
Eileen M Velez-Vega
Eileen, raised in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, holds a BS in Civil Engineering from UPR Mayagüez and an MS from Mississippi State. She has extensive experience in aviation and transportation infrastructure, including leadership at Kimley-Horn and as Puerto Rico’s first female Secretary of Transportation (2021–2024). Eileen has chaired national aviation committees, advised USDOT, published technical papers, and advocates for women in STEM. In 2024, she was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame.
KIMLEY-HORN PUERTO RICO
Strategic Infrastructure Director
Paul Tomko
Paul Tomko
Paul Tomko leads capture management for major NASA, DoD, and Intelligence Community opportunities at Intuitive Machines, where he also drives business development across emerging space markets. He has led programs for NASA and the DoD, supported numerous early-stage space startups, and advanced business development and product strategy to help build the infrastructure, partnerships, and markets that enable sustainable exploration from low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
INTUITIVE MACHINES
Senior Business Development Specialist
Jose Castro Segarra
Jose Castro Segarra
Mr. Castro holds an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix and he has had a successful career as a management consultant, entrepreneur and information technology savvy for more than 30 years. Experience which has helped him developed long-lasting relationships with government officials, university researchers, trade associations and industry leaders.
PR DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Senior Business Development Officer
Sebastián Negrón
Sebastián Negrón Reichard
Sebastián Negrón Reichard serves as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, leading initiatives to drive the island’s competitiveness and innovation. His career spans leadership roles across government, finance, law, and startups. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the Financial Oversight Board for Puerto Rico, a strategy consultant at Accenture in New York, and an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell. He also worked at the fintech startup Minu in Mexico City and advised the City of Boston through the Harvard Business School Fellow Program on economic development and public-private initiatives. A Harvard JD/MBA and Wharton graduate, his work and leadership have been featured in Forbes, CNN, and HBS Magazine.
PR DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Secretary
Trina R Britcher
Trina Britcher
Trina Britcher has over 25 years with SCIVIS, supporting visually impaired students as consultant, teacher, and coordinator. A retired educator with 40+ years teaching in WV, MD, and SC, she continues as an adjunct at Marshall University. Trina mentors teachers, presents nationally and internationally, and contributes to the Braille Challenge. Honors include the 2025 Space Camp Hall of Fame, National Braille Challenge Teacher of the Year, and APH Scholar Award.
SCIVIS SPACE CAMP
SCIVIS Educational Consultant
Fernando De La Peña
Dr. Fernando De La Peña Llaca
Dr. Fernando De La Peña Llaca is CEO of Aexa Aerospace and Aexa Tech, and a leading innovator in aerospace and AI. He developed HoloConnect, the first device-agnostic holographic communication system tested in orbit. With 28 years of leadership across aerospace, defense, healthcare, and enterprise sectors, he advances real-time holography and AI collaboration. Author of 33 Predictions for the Next 33 Years, he is recognized as a visionary futurist.
AEXA AEROSPACE
President & CEO
Nathan Whigham
Nathan Whigham
Nathan Whigham is the Founder and President of EN Capital. He has been in the capital markets and finance industry since 2006 and has been involved in over $1B of transactions up and down the capital stack across a variety of transaction types in corporate credit, commercial real estate, renewable energy, space and other market segments. He holds a graduate certificate in Space Law through the Law School at the University of Mississippi, an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona. He is a licensed real estate broker in California.
EN CAPITAL
President
Colin Macleod
Mr. Colin Macleod
Mr. Colin Macleod joined the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2020 to lead the UK Space Regulator, where he has overseen the granting of licences and regulation of the first orbital launch from European soil, two spaceports so far, and an increasing number of orbital missions – the UK also regulate the currently second largest LEO constellation in the world. He has built a team of experienced space engineers and regulators enabling the CAA to take on the legal responsibility for UK space regulation since July 2021. Prior to this Colin was Director of Legislation and Regulation in the UK Space Agency, where he led the Agency’s work with the Department for Transport on secondary legislation needed to implement the Space Industry Act 2018.
UK CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY
Head of the UK Space Regulator
Mark D Lester
Mark Lester
Mark Lester is an aerospace and defense leader with over 30 years of experience in spaceports, launch operations, and regulatory governance. As Head of Aerospace Strategy at Merrick & Company, he directs growth and alignment with mission priorities. He previously led the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska to commercial success, advanced global launch operations, and served as a U.S. Air Force officer in space operations and intelligence.
MERRICK & COMPANY
Head of Aerospace Strategy
Erika Okumura
Erika Okumura
Erika is a global growth marketer passionate about connecting innovation to impact. Drawing on a decade of experience scaling startups across diverse markets, she joined G-SPACE to contribute at the forefront of space manufacturing, science and commercial potential.
G-SPACE
Growth Marketer
Kelvin Coleman
Kelvin Coleman
Kelvin Coleman is the former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation at the FAA, overseeing regulatory and safety frameworks for U.S. commercial space. With a 36-year federal career, he shaped policy, licensing, and operations during a period of rapid industry growth. He is now Founder and Principal of Baines Advisory Group, advising on aerospace strategy, regulatory guidance, business growth, and investment due diligence. Coleman holds an engineering degree and an MBA.
BAINES ADVISORY GROUP
Founder and Principal
Olivia Holzhaus
Olivia Gámez Holzhaus
Olivia Gámez Holzhaus is Founder & CEO of Rhodium Scientific, America’s first commercial space biotech company. Since 2014, she has enabled research from labs to the ISS, developing the QuIC Space Process™ and scalable in-orbit facilities. Rhodium partners with the DoD, FDA-regulated industry, and global research institutions. Olivia holds a B.S. in Microbiology, an M.S. in Business, advises space organizations, and is an award-winning sailor.
RHODIUM SCIENTIFIC
Founder and CEO
Norberto Negron Diaz
Norberto J. Negrón Díaz
Norberto J. Negrón Díaz, Esq., Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, has dedicated his career to public service and government leadership. A U.S. Navy veteran and Morovis native, he earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice (2011) and a Juris Doctor from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. With extensive experience across the Legislative Assembly and Department of Treasury, he has served as Legal Advisor, Chief Compliance Officer, and Senior Attorney. Appointed by Governor Jenniffer González Colón, Negrón Díaz now leads the modernization and optimization of Puerto Rico’s port infrastructure to strengthen the island’s maritime competitiveness and economic growth.
PUERTO RICO PORTS AUTHORITY
Executive Director
Diallo Wallace
Diallo Wallace
Diallo Wallace founded The Engineering and Science Academy (TESA) to advance pre-college engineering education. A Naval Aviator and Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, he teaches at the U.S. Naval Academy and mentors midshipmen. Diallo holds degrees in Electronics, Mathematics, Astronautical Engineering, and Project Management, and is pursuing a PhD in Engineering Education at Purdue. An Analog Astronaut and Space Camp Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, he has participated in Mars and lunar analog missions and NASA airborne astronomy programs.
THE ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
Educator
Matthew Archer
Matthew Archer
Matthew Archer is the Director of Launch, ISAM, and Space Sustainability at the UK Space Agency, leading efforts to achieve Europe’s first small satellite launch and make the UK a top provider of commercial launch services by 2030. Since joining in 2018, he has directed commercial space initiatives, led EU Exit negotiations, advised on OneWeb’s acquisition, and previously held strategy and policy roles at HMRC.
UK SPACE AGENCY
Director of Launch and ISAM
Miguel Soto Cruz
Miguel Soto Cruz
Miguel Soto Cruz is a biomedical engineer and translational researcher bridging space medicine and terrestrial healthcare. As co-founder of Medinnova Space Medicine and CEO of MECCE Industrial Corporation, he develops pharmaceutical systems and physiological models for extreme environments. Pursuing a PhD in Manufacturing and Biomedicine, his work focuses on liver function, metabolic processes, cancer prediction, and bioregenerative life support systems, advancing personalized medicine for space and Earth.
PUERTO RICO SPACE FOUNDATION
Director of Education Program
David L. Beck
David Beck
David L. Beck is the Principal of Space Technologies LTD, a space ecosystem consultancy strongly focused on creating, building, and innovating deep technology and sustainable systems into the growing space areas for defense and commercialization (dual use). He is a former US Space Force leader with thirty-plus years of engineering and leadership experience spanning a range of technical areas, including electric vehicle design and wide-body aircraft auxiliary power systems to space launch systems. He holds an Industrial Engineering Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as an MBA in Marketing with an emphasis in Global Sustainment.
US SPACE FORCE
Director Standards Integration
José L. Hernández
José L. Hernández
Driving growth for Aerospace & Defense companies in Puerto Rico by helping them leverage world-class incentives, overcome talent shortages with our skilled bilingual workforce, and tap into unique R&D opportunities.
Invest PR
Director Business Development
Gustavo Daniel Garcia
Gustavo Daniel Garcia
Gustavo Daniel Garcia-Carranco advises biotech and pharmaceutical companies—from startups to publicly traded entities—on commercial and operational contracts spanning the entire product life cycle, from discovery to post-marketing. In recent years, he has become very passionate about space-based drug research and development, authoring white papers and articles on the legal and regulatory challenges shaping this emerging frontier.
BAKER & MCKENZIE LLP
Counsel
Deborah Martorell
Deborah Martorell
Deborah Martorell is a Puerto Rican meteorologist and journalist with 25+ years of experience. Her reporting on environmental and space topics has earned eight Emmy Awards and two AMS Science Reporting Excellence Awards. Certified by the American Meteorological Society and NASA JPL ambassador, she is Chief Meteorologist at TeleOnce Puerto Rico, and a commercial astronaut on Blue Origin’s NS34 mission.
TELEONCE PUERTO RICO
Commercial Astronaut & Meteorologist
Andrew J. Parlock
Andrew J. Parlock
Andrew J. Parlock is Co-Founder and CEO of Space Phoenix Systems, leading efforts to transform space logistics with round-trip spacecraft for commercial and government customers. With 25+ years in the global space sector, he has held leadership roles in advanced manufacturing, Earth observation, and national security. His career includes leading U.S. operations for Space Forge and ICEYE, and driving innovation at Northrop Grumman. Andrew holds an Aerospace Engineering degree from West Virginia University and an MBA from Michigan State.
SPACE PHOENIX SYSTEMS
Co-Founder and CEO
Israel Figueroa
Israel Figueroa Rodriguez
Israel Figueroa Rodriguez brings 25+ years in national security and two decades of military service, operating at the intersection of innovation and mission. As Co-Founder of Virt Space Strategies, he helps early-stage space, defense, and dual-use tech startups navigate government engagement, secure non-dilutive funding, and align technologies with mission priorities. He previously led national security programs at Firefly Aerospace, SAIC, and the National Reconnaissance Office.
VIRT SPACE STRATEGIES
Co-Founder & Partner
Hubert Moser
Hubert Moser
Hubert Moser, CTO of Flawless Photonics, holds a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering and a PhD in Engineering Sciences. With over 15 years of experience in space systems and photonics, he leads a team developing and operating automated glass processing machines on Earth and in microgravity, producing world-class fluoride fiber.
FLAWLESS PHOTONICS
Chief Technology Officer
Heath Mills
Dr. Heath J. Mills
Dr. Heath J. Mills is Chief Scientific Officer at Rhodium Scientific and an extreme environment microbial ecologist. He has held faculty roles at Texas A&M and University of Houston, and earned degrees from Duke and Georgia Tech. Mills has served as PI or Co-I on 20+ ISS missions and currently advises GEN-Space, Schull Institute, and chairs the ISS National Lab Technology Development Subcommittee.
RHODIUM SCIENTIFIC
Chief Scientific Officer
Davide Marotta, Ph.D
Davide Marotta, Ph.D
Davide Marotta, Ph.D., served as Program Director for In-Space Biomanufacturing at the ISS National Laboratory, managed by CASIS in partnership with NASA. With over a decade of experience in biomedical and stem cell research, he led a team advancing R&D in low Earth orbit to benefit humanity.
HELOGEN CORP
Chief Science Officer
Rose Hernandez
Rose Hernandez
Rose M. Hernandez, Ph.D. is a seasoned R&D strategist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of materials science, biotechnology, consumer products, and space-enabled manufacturing. She has served as Science Program Director at the International Space Station National Laboratory and held senior leadership roles at Estée Lauder, Avon, and Javaro Group. With expertise in technology roadmapping, regulatory strategy, and cross-sector collaboration, Dr. Hernandez connects science, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful impact.
JAVARO GROUP
Chief R&D Strategist
Gina P. Morales
Gina Morales
Gina P. Morales is a skilled executive director driving impact through innovative investments in blockchain, quantum technology, real estate, and the space sector. She co-founded the Puerto Rico Space Foundation, applying venture capital principles to philanthropy to help social ventures de-risk, grow, and achieve sustainability. Gina champions long-term partnerships with nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, building an ecosystem for meaningful, lasting community impact.
PUERTO RICO SPACE FOUNDATION
COO & Co-founder
Dr. Danny Jaques
Dr. Danny Jaques
Dr. Danny Jaques is a space food entrepreneur, retired educator, and CEO of Danny’s Rocket Ranch, producing dehydrated food and drinks for Earth and space. He holds a BS in Biology, an AA in Agricultural Sciences, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Jaques teaches space science through outreach, donates 10% of profits to Space Camp scholarships, and is a Space Camp Hall of Fame member, Space Foundation liaison, and founding member of the Space Drinks Association.
DANNY’S ROCKET RANCH
CEO & Janitor
Nigel Francis
Nigel Francis
Nigel Francis has 40+ years in automotive, aerospace, and defense, holding executive roles at American Axle, Bright Automotive, and Mercedes-Benz Technology. He advised Michigan’s automotive strategy and led advanced engineering initiatives. He holds a BSc from Brunel University, is a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and serves on multiple advisory boards, including the U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Council.
LIFT
CEO & Executive Director
Jose Molina
Jose Molina
Jose Molina is a leader in Puerto Rico’s aerospace industry, co-founder and CEO of the Puerto Rico Space Foundation. He drives spaceport development, workforce growth, and economic initiatives, including the island’s first analog astronaut training program and Space Business Plan Hackathon. Previously, he secured FAA approval and $10M+ in investments for Spaceport Puerto Rico and served on the Governor-appointed Council for the Aerospace and Aeronautical Industry, shaping policy and sustainable aerospace development.
PUERTO RICO SPACE FOUNDATION
CEO & Co-founder
Gail Nolan
Gail Nolan
Gail Nolan is a technology and economic development leader with extensive experience in BioScience, Aerospace, Telecommunications, and SaaS. She currently serves as CEO of Puerto Rico 5G Zone + Blockchain Ignition Lab, Co-Owner of Good Harvest Market, and chairs multiple aerospace and manufacturing committees. With a career spanning consulting, strategy, and entrepreneurship, Gail excels at connecting innovation with growth and driving sector-focused initiatives and federal grant programs.
PUERTO RICO 5G ZONE
CEO
Shishir Bankapur
Shishir Bankapur
Shishir Bankapur is the Founder and CEO of Helogen Corporation, where he is building the DuPont of Space through fully automated orbital laboratories that manufacture biomaterials and specialty chemicals the Earth needs but cannot produce. Previously the head of engineering for a startup with a $1B exit and trained in chemical engineering and entrepreneurship, Shishir is leading Helogen’s mission to move heavy industry off-planet and restore Earth as a thriving garden planet through space-enabled manufacturing.
HELOGEN CORPORATION
CEO
Robert "Bob" Brumley
Robert (Bob) Brumley
Robert (Bob) Brumley is the CEO of Laser Light™ Communications, a company building the HALO Global Network™, a next-generation optical satellite and fiber data platform. He has extensive executive experience in financing and managing early-stage ventures in aerospace, telecommunications, and defense. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Brumley also served as a Senate-confirmed Presidential Appointee in the Reagan Administration, where he was Executive Director of the Commercial Space Working Group.
LASER LIGHT COMPANIES
CEO
Kostas A. Poulakidas
Kostas Poulakidas
Kostas Poulakidas focuses on project and public finance, advising on infrastructure and real estate matters that often involve government financing and public-private partnerships. He counsels companies, developers, investors, and public officials on structuring projects and leveraging incentives. His work also includes serving as counsel on bond transactions and advising on policy and strategic issues during his tenure with the Federal Aviation Administration.
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
Attorney/Shareholder
Raymond Navarro
Raymond Navarro
Raymond Navarro advises space, satellite, and telecommunications companies on regulatory and compliance matters before the FCC and Latin American authorities. He specializes in 5G, satellite licensing, spectrum management, and space sustainability. His work includes preparing applications for space and earth stations, assessing equipment certification, coordinating market access, and advising on transactional matters including debt restructuring, capital markets, IPOs, and SEC filings.
DLA PIPER
Associate
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