Zoe Learner Ponterio, manager of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility (SPIF), and SPIF itself have been awarded the inaugural Changemaker Award by the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways. The award will be presented on May 4 at their LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility.
Ponterio’s support “has been invaluable in growing the quality of programming offered at Camp Beyond Binary, to our families during our first all-family camp in fall,” said Emery Grant, Beyond Program director. “The experiments in the STEM lab, the outstanding presentations about careers, and the fascinating time at SPIF were all generous contributions toward a tremendously affirming and supportive environment for Beyond's LGBTQ+ youth and their families.”
As part of their management responsibilities, Ponterio serves as outreach coordinator for SPIF’s outreach services and PreK-12 educational support throughout the Central New York region, and beyond. SPIF has been operating for more than four decades and is currently sponsored by the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science.
“Science affirms the diversity we see in ourselves, so fostering a love and understanding of science through fun activities like homemade comets, and candid discussions of past and present struggles and contributions of LGBTQ+ scientists, builds a more accepting and equitable society,” said Ponterio. “Three years ago, I came across Beyond when looking for opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ youth and reached out to them to offer SPIF’s services. It has been a privilege and a joy to become part of this program and see it grow, and I look forward to continuing SPIF’s support. I am both honored and humbled by this recognition of the efforts of myself and other LGBTQ+ members of the Department of Astronomy.”
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