Celebrating Women’s History Month in Amsterdam

*Champions X Change initiative participants gather at Amsterdam Space Symposium. Courtesy Photo*

By: Brooke Owen
March 18, 2026

Vibrant celebrations for International Women's Day echoed along the intricately engineered canals when we arrived in Amsterdam early this March–which also happens to be Women’s History Month. A palpable excitement for the wins of women in the space industry was felt among professionals gathered in the nation’s capital to bring actionable change to the events shaping the region's burgeoning space activities.

Nextage was proud to be a part of it. We headed to the NEMO Science Museum for the Space Ladies Night Out (SLNO) Champions of X Change initiative launch where we heard from inspiring women about their career journeys and experience in the industry. This launch prepared our team to enact actionable strategies that positively shape space activities at the inaugural Amsterdam Space Symposium. We left Amsterdam with a greater understanding of the Netherlands space industry, and the role creating space for diverse perspectives plays in a positive space future.

Space Ladies Night Out - Champions X Change

*Nextage Systems Engineer Stephanie Bushong at NEMO Science Museum. Photo Credit: Stephanie Bushong*

SLNO gathered a group of interdisciplinary, cross-sector female Space Leaders and Changemakers at NEMO Science Museum on March 2, 2026 to announce the launch of the Champions of X Change initiative. According to the program’s website, the goal of this initiative is to “facilitate spaces for inclusivity and equality to realise change.”

At the launch event attendees listened to speakers, shared their experiences, and forged new connections while exploring the marvelous museum. The event concluded with a Talent Programme & Fair to propel the next generation of women space industry leaders into the workforce.

Inspiring Speeches and Calls to Action

One of the most impactful aspects of the Champions X Change event was a speech given by Oana van der Togt from Netherlands Aerospace Center. She later recounted the speech sharing the advice she would give her younger self in a LinkedIn post,

“At the invitation of #SLNO, during a pre-event of the Amsterdam Space Symposium, I decided to do something different. I chose to share something more personal. I spoke about what I would tell my younger self if I could start my career again.

About understanding visibility and status
About being political — even in the Netherlands, a country known for its directness and pragmatism, and often perceived by foreigners as non-political on the work floor.
About recognising that leaving a job is not a failure, but often a sign of courage and seniority
About knowing your value and choosing to work in an environment that recognises it too.

I chose to be vulnerable as well.”

Van der Togt later calls attendees and readers to action, saying,

“If we want a sector that truly reflects the society it serves, inclusion cannot be accidental. It must be intentional. So, please, invite different voices into projects. Sponsor someone who does not look like you. Make invisible work visible. Ask uncomfortable questions at leadership tables.”

Oana van der Togt (pictured fourth from left in a black suit with red shoes), Nextage’s Stephanie Bushong (back and left of Oana with a blue collar), and other Champions X Change initiative participants meet at Amsterdam Space Symposium to reflect on their experience, and support each other professionally. Courtesy Photo

Van der Togt shared several thought provoking points, however this particular sentiment moved Nextage Systems Engineer Stephanie Bushong to action,

“She talked about what she would tell her younger self and feeling like sometimes she doesn't fit in the industry even after all these years. Her whole speech really resonated with me. So much so that when I saw her at the symposium I made a point to stop and tell her how much I enjoyed it. She validated many of my feelings about being a woman in aerospace. And I too enjoy reflecting with what advice I would give my younger self. So hearing those thoughts from another is so intriguing.”

Amsterdam Space Symposium and Beyond

Amsterdam Space Symposium panelists reveal Netherlands Space Agency name change. Rodrigo da Costa (EUSPA), Dietmar Pilz (ESA), Sandor gaastra (ministry of Economic Affairs), Maria van der Hoeven (former minister), Harm van de Wetering (Netherlands Space Agency), Jeroen Rotteveel (SpaceNed), André Kuipers (astronaut), and moderator. Photo Credit: Brooke Owen

As the European space sector expands, a new gathering to facilitate the advancement of collaborative space activities in the region was held on March 3-4, 2026 in the form of the inaugural Amsterdam Space Symposium.

With the perspectives and goals from the Champions X Change launch fresh in mind, our team embraced the event and found a strong spirit of collaboration alive at the symposium. We learned about several resources offered across agencies, met lovely and key individuals from aligned organizations, and gained insights into the Netherlands space ambitions. This event quickly showed its prominence with the unveiling of the Netherland Space Agency's strategic name change.

*Nextage’s Strategic Partnership and Outreach Manager Brooke Owen at our Amsterdam Space Symposium table Photo Credit: Stephanie Bushong*

True to its mission, the Amsterdam Space Symposium proved to be a space where leading women spanning career maturity and discipline convened to connect with and support other initiative participants and beyond. By creating spaces to facilitate these connections, women are afforded a sense of community in a male-dominated sector. With a support system in place, women are able to show up in these spaces with confidence and ease, empowered to contribute their unique skills and talents in a rapidly changing landscape.

What’s Next?

This May we will be at SmallSat Europe ready to build on our last trip to Amsterdam. Contact our Strategic Partnership and Outreach Manager Brooke Owen at <bowen@nextage-llc.com> to meet with us.