• Patti Grace Smith Fellow, Class of 2026

• Arizona State University, Civil Engineering, ‘28

• Host Institution: Redwire

My name is Zahrah Ralph, and I am a sophomore at Arizona State University studying civil engineering with minors in astrophysics, biology, and entrepreneurship. With a wide array of academic and professional interests, I am particularly drawn to aerospace through networking with accomplished rocket scientists and engineers who have shaped my curiosity and career direction.

At Arizona State University, I serve as the president of Club Beach Volleyball, where I lead and compete in a highly competitive athletic organization. I am also a part-time marketing intern with Swire Coca-Cola, a part-time engineering intern for Great Heart Global, and an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, where I continue to grow both professionally and personally through community and mentorship.

This upcoming summer, I will be interning with Redwire Space in Virginia, an opportunity that aligns closely with my interests in space systems and innovation. Through this fellowship, I hope to build a network of like-minded individuals who are ambitious, supportive, and reflective of my identity, fostering a true sense of belonging.

In the long term, I aspire to become the CEO of my own company. Along the way, I plan to pursue opportunities in both rocket science and marketing, allowing me to blend technical innovation with strategic leadership. I am a critical thinker with a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuous growth.