Strategies prosperous leaders mirror the cognitive processes of astronauts:
astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris, a highly distinguished figure with a career marked by significant achievements, went on to become the first African American to execute a spacewalk in 1995 during his second mission with NASA, according to official records. This groundbreaking event underscored Harris's pioneering spirit, a testament to his unwavering dedication and tenacity.
Born in Texas, the spacefaring physician spent part of his childhood in Navajo country before earning his degree from the University of Houston. Apart from his remarkable space missions that spanned two missions—one in 1993 and another in 1995—his contributions to NASA also include innovations in medical equipment used on spacecraft.
Following his time with the space agency, Harris founded The Harris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging disadvantaged youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This philanthropic endeavor reflects Harris's enduring commitment to fostering learning and opportunity for underrepresented communities.
In May 2025, Harris was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, solidifying his lasting impact on both scientific exploration and the inspirational field of astronautics. While his space missions and groundbreaking accomplishments are key facets of his career, Harris's religious beliefs and the faith-driven perspective they shaped during his time in space serve as perspectives that intertwine technology and a higher power in the universe.
In his post-NASA career, astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris made strides in the finance sector by creating investment opportunities that encourage youth to venture into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, demonstrating his leadership in both the business and space-and-astronomy realms.
By establishing The Harris Foundation, the distinguished astronaut bridged the gap between space-and-astronomy and his religious beliefs, using his philanthropic endeavor as a vehicle to further explore the intersection of science, religion, and community empowerment in business and education.
