PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 3, 2023) – Carolyn Fritz ‘84 chose to study at Prairie View A&M University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering because of the institution’s exemplary engineering program. Still, she couldn’t have predicted how it would shape her career. Her parents instilled the importance of hard work and the value of education. But she also credits her success to the lessons of collaboration, conflict management and inclusion she learned at PVAMU. “Carolyn has always set her goals and stayed focused,” said Fritz’s youngest sister, Yolanda Green.
One Field Trip Inspires a New Life Goal
During a classroom visit to NASA, Fritz discovered that she could be an engineer if she were good at mathematics and science. At only eight years old, she became determined to make it happen.
The little Black girl— number 10 of 13 siblings (eight girls and five boys) living in inner-city Houston— set on a path to become one of NASA’s most notable leaders.
Image Credit: NASA
In 1980, Fritz was awarded the Coca-Cola scholarship and enrolled at PVAMU. She was selected for a cooperative education internship with the Navy during her junior year. This role would start her work in the federal government and eventually lead her to NASA.
Fritz enjoyed working as a co-op and eventually as a full-time engineer in training installing life support systems. But following the Challenger disaster, Fritz felt called to NASA to use her skills to aid the Space Shuttle Program. She joined the Johnson Space Center in 1990 as a test director and robotic subsystem manager.
Fritz managed an underwater test team, which required her to become a certified SCUBA diver. The physical challenges were demanding, but that didn’t deter Fritz. “Carolyn is very independent. She believes in setting her goals and going for them,” said Green. Being from a large family taught Fritz never to give up; if she could put her mind to something, she knew she could do it.
Fritz later became the Deputy Chief of the Dynamic Systems Test Branch, which she led for eight years before joining the Mid-Level Leadership Program (MLLP). The MLLP allowed her to rotate through different JSC divisions, where she realized inclusion and diverse input could lead to innovation in the workplace. Fritz was hooked and spent three years in human resources before returning to engineering. The rotational experience broadened Fritz’s knowledge and helped her cultivate new relationships across the agency.
Leaving a Legacy of Innovation and Proficiency
Fritz served in various positions that significantly improved the JSC program, from her early years in technical and line management to becoming the Associate Director of Engineering.
Image Credit: NASA
Her contributions to the underwater ISS Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) project and the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory continue to help EVAS/ SSRMS ensure safe and efficient space station assembly missions.
Fritz’s role in managing the project earned her the Silver Snoopy award in 2001. The coveted recognition is a high honor at NASA awarded to less than 1% of eligible recipients who demonstrate outstanding achievements in human flight safety and mission success. The award is presented to the new recipients by a current member of the corps.
Other notable Silver Snoopy award recipients include Katherine Johnson, a scientist and mathematician who was critical to the success of the first U.S. spaceflights.
Fritz also received the JSC Engineering Legacy Award in 2022, the NASA Exceptional Service medal in 2005, the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Stellar nomination in 2021, and the Women in Leadership 2.0 honor in 2022.
PVAMU Provides the Stepping Stones to NASA
Fritz is grateful for the connections she made at PVAMU that ultimately led her to NASA. She particularly appreciates the Johnson Space Center PVAMU alum chapter for NASA employees. Fritz believes it cultivates pride in giving back to the university. She’s been a Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council member for several years, sharing her knowledge with students seeking internships and new hires at NASA.
PVAMU and NASA have a long history of working together throughout the decades. Noteworthy collaborations include the Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration, Microgravity University, Minority Innovation Challenges Institute, Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, and the Thermal Science Research Center.
In 2018, PVAMU became the first Historically Black College/University to sign a Mentor-Protégé agreement with NASA to provide students more internship opportunities, expand research efforts, and give students access to technical and developmental support.
Giving Back to the Next Generation of Diverse Engineers
Fritz believes your attitude determines your altitude but acknowledges that she has experienced challenges unique to being a Black woman working in an industry comprised mostly of white men.
“She’s had to deal with a lot. She had to work twice as hard and be twice as better,” said Green. “But she ended up with the utmost respect from them, and since her retirement, they’ve been asking her to come back.”
Fritz witnessed firsthand the barriers that women and Black and Brown people encounter and made it her goal to make it better for future employees of all backgrounds. In 2021, Fritz championed NASA’s cadre of Women in Leadership initiative for the Engineering Directorate. She encouraged others who noticed a gap to create similar programs in their departments and support employees in developing leadership skills. The program consisted of training, mentoring, service and stretch assignments.
“Carolyn’s not just accomplished. She’s loving, kind, spiritual and personable,” Green said, reflecting on Fritz’s commitment to moving the needle forward for underrepresented groups.
Under Fritz’s direction, the directorate launched Women in Leadership 2.0, expanding the opportunity to early-career employees with a focus on women of color.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
Amy and Carolyn Fritz
Working at NASA was a full-circle moment for Fritz, who retired in 2022. She’s had an abundance of success, but she’s most proud of being a mentor to others in and outside the company. She often speaks to students at her old elementary school with the hopes of helping the youth realize their career paths and passions.
Fritz also has a daughter, Amy, who followed in her footsteps by first receiving a degree from PVAMU. She is now an engineer at NASA.
Over the years, Fritz stressed the importance of pursuing STEM careers not only to her daughters but to others who likely were not familiar with or fearful of pursuing math and science professions.
She encouraged and challenged underserved students that their lives could be enhanced in so many ways and that they, too, could break the cycles of self-imposed or societal norms in pursuing an abundant life with a career in STEM.
By Whitney Stovall
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