"[She was] the woman who in February 1946 wrote the women’s clause of Japan’s new draft constitution, the impresario who for almost 40 years brought thoughtful, dazzling and original Japanese and Asian performing arts to American audiences"
- Nassrine Azimi 

Beate Sirota Gordon in Japan in 1946

Beate Sirota Gordon (1923-2012) was a long-unsung heroine of Japanese women's rights, having written them into Japan's post-World War II Constitution. First at the Japan Society and then the Asia Society, she worked tirelessly to introduce North American audiences to authentic and traditional artists from across Asia.

Beate (pronounced bay-AH-tay) was born in Vienna to Leo Sirota, the renowned Ukranian concert pianist, and the former Augustine Horenstein on 25 October 1923. The family moved to Tokyo when Beate was 5, where her father taught at the Imperial Academy of Music and she absorbed both Japanese language and culture. In 1939, just before she turned 16, Beate left for Mills College in Oakland, Calif. while her parents remained in Japan. 

In December 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor made it impossible for Beate to contact her parents, leaving her alone with no financial support. While still a student at Mills, Beate put her foreign language skills (she was fluent in English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, and Russian) to use, monitoring radio broadcasts from Tokyo for a United States government listening post in San Francisco. At that time, she was one of 100 Caucasians in the entire United States who were fluent in Japanese. She graduated from Mills College in 1943 and became a naturalized US citizen in 1945.  

When WWII ended, she still did not know whether her parents were alive or dead. Beate joined General MacArthur’s staff as an interpreter, and arrived in a devastated Tokyo on Christmas Eve, 1945. She found her parents malnourished but safe, having been interned in the countryside.

Beate was the only female assigned to MacArthur’s top-secret constitutional committee, charged with drafting Japan’s post-war constitution in just 7 days, a task which the Japanese government had failed to accomplish twice. As "the only woman in the room", she was tasked with composing the section on women's rights. She produced what became Article 24 of the Constitution of Japan: 

"Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis. With regard to choice of spouse, property rights, inheritance, choice of domicile, divorce and other matters pertaining to marriage and the family, laws shall be enacted from the standpoint of individual dignity and the essential equality of the sexes."

Hello Women@NASA Blog Readers!

Today we celebrate International Women's Day, a day in which we honor and celebrate the contributions of women as well as recommit ourselves to fight for the rights of women and girls around the world. In honor of Women's History Month, the Women@NASA blog will be featuring a weekly Women in History Shout Out. 

This week we are highlighting a woman whose bravery and efforts truly embody the 2013 United Nation's International Women's Day theme: "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women". 

"There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Today's Women's History Month Shout Out is to Fartun Abdisalaan Adan, Executive Director of Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in Somalia. Ms. Fartun Adan is one of the 2013 recipients of the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award. This award annually recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.

The International Women of Courage Award ceremony begins at 3 p.m. EST and will be livestreamed at www.state.gov. Attendees and those watching the livestream are encouraged to use the Twitter hashtag #IWOC and #IWD when discussing the events.

Today let us introduce you to Yanina G. Colberg from the Wise County/City of Norton Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Yanina is a Center Lead for the DEVELOP Program's Wise County, VA location. NASA's DEVELOP Program is a student-led research internship that focuses on using NASA Earth observations to address community concerns and public policy issues.

Hoy quisiera introducir a Yanina G. Colberg del Condado de Wise/Ciudad de Norton de la Oficina de la Secretaría de la Corte de Circuito. Yanina es la Administradora del Programa de DEVELOP que está localizado en Wise County, Virginia. El Programa de NASA DEVELOP consiste en investigaciones dirigidas por estudiantes que se enfocan en el uso de observaciones de la Tierra hechas por sistemas de satélites de la NASA para dirigirse a las preocupaciones de la comunidad y las decisiones de las politicas públicas.

Today let us introduce you to Ande Ehlen from NASA Langley Research Center. Ande is the Center Lead for the DEVELOP Program's Great Lakes location. NASA'S DEVELOP Program is a student-led research internship that focuses on using NASA Earth observations to address community concerns and public policy issues.

What inspired you to apply for DEVELOP?
My love for science started as a little girl growing up in Florida. I was always surrounded by new adventures, from tree climbing to exploring tide pools. I pursued my interests in science through my academic career and was lucky enough to stumble across the DEVELOP Program my senior year of college. I was drawn to the scientific and professional experience I would gain through an internship while still being able to attend school. The opportunities offered by the DEVELOP Program seemed endless, and have continued to prove so.

What interests you most about Earth science?
When I was little, my family always took camping and canoeing trips. We traveled a lot, and something about the environment has always sparked something within me. I’ve always been really interested in marine science, ecological relationships, environmental conservation, and field research. I followed my interests and even obtained my Advanced Certification for scuba diving! Earth science is a great field to study. There’s always something to learn or research in order to continue proving and finding solutions for complex environmental issues. Plus, we’ve got to take care of what’s close to us here at home!

What role does NASA play in your life/career?
My experience with NASA has shown me that working here is full of all kinds of opportunity. It’s about learning, growing, and networking. I’ve gained substantial skills in research analysis, GIS, remote sensing, and NASA’s capabilities. I’ve grown in my leadership skills, professional development, and working both individually and as a member of a team. I’ve also learned about myself and my capabilities. Lastly, the people I’ve made connections with through my experience with NASA are immense. Interacting with environmental groups, some of the world’s top scientists, and various policy makers has opened up many doors for my future.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
With this question, several things come to mind. I could list many things I’ve overcome in life that I am proud of, such as moving around a lot or achieving a degree in a challenging field. However, all I can think is that at 22 years old, I’ve really only begun to achieve greatness. I’m on the right track – my greatest accomplishment (so far) is simply having the ability to work toward writing my life’s legacy. I’ve only written the prologue, and there’s a lifetime of great accomplishments ahead. But so far, it’s everything I’ve done that’s helped me to arrive at this very moment. I couldn’t be more proud of myself for where I am today. 

Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision and what you learned as a consequence?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make was when my mother moved to Indiana the summer before my senior year of college. My older brother and sister already lived in Indiana, along with my nieces and nephew. It was difficult enough knowing how little I got to see them and now with my mother moving too, I felt very alone. I was torn between moving to Indiana after graduation, or staying in Virginia and seeing where that path may take me. Staying here in Virginia was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make, but also one of the best. I’ve discovered a lot about myself and my capabilities. I’ve also learned about independence, and that distance is just a number. Family is always within reach.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life, and what lessons did they teach you?
There’s one person who always encourages me through my academia, goals, work, and dreams. My mother has taught me what unconditional love is, to always be true to my abilities, and that no struggle is too large to overcome. She’s opened my eyes up to seeing that there is always someone to support you, and things could be so much worse. Through my mom’s aspirations and leading by example, I’ve learned to always accept new challenges and live fearlessly. You never know where you may end up.

How has your career surprised you or given you unexpected opportunities?
I’ve really gained a grasp of the capabilities of NASA Earth Observing Systems in studying environmental issues, from something as large as a hurricane to as small as one lake with water quality issues. I never thought I’d be studying so many various issues by using satellite data, and then be able to teach the methodology to end users who can benefit from it. However, I truly never expected to present my project and methodology to 35+ mayors and policy makers from around the Great Lakes this past June. I was the youngest person at the conference, and it was in Quebec, Canada! I was very nervous, but it was such a unique and rewarding opportunity and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

What does your future hold?
The future is always a mystery. I’m never afraid to explore new paths and take on new challenges. Ultimately however, I’d like to secure a challenging position with an environmental sciences focus and be helping with conservation or working to study environmental issues. I’d also like to return to school to receive my M. S. in a related field.

What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to those who read your story?
Ask questions. Spend time outside. Travel every chance you can. Explore your interests, no matter how little talent you may have in them. Work hard… you’ve got nothing to lose. Learn everything you can about yourself. Make sure those you care about most know how much they mean to you. Always expect the unexpected – anything can (and will) happen! And finally… enjoy science!

Today let us introduce you to Amber Kuss from NASA Ames Research Center. Amber is the Center Lead for the DEVELOP Program's Ames location. NASA's DEVELOP Program is a student-led research internship that focuses on utilizing NASA Earth observations to address community concerns and public policy issues.

What inspired you to apply for DEVELOP?
While I was working on my master’s degree at San Francisco State University, I became engaged in GIS and remote sensing through coursework, however it was a fellow classmate who inspired me to apply for DEVELOP. Michelle Newcomer, a previous DEVELOP Center Lead, gave a presentation during our Hydrogeology class about projects she had been working on using remote sensing for wetland restoration. Her excitement and professionalism impressed me, and I was drawn to the idea of being able to conduct hands-on research. 

What interests you most about Earth science?
Our personal connections to nature and the role humans play in natural resource management interests me the most about Earth science. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to participate in an intensive field work course in the southwestern U.S. This course allowed me to primarily focus on field work and exploration, and this really sparked a continuing passion for Earth science. As a current researcher, I am fascinated by the influence of technology and engineering in Earth science, and how we can study geological and ecological phenomena from hundreds of miles away. I think that with this emergent technology, the progression of Earth science will increase dramatically.

What role does NASA play in your life/career?
The greatest role of NASA in my life and certainly my career are the people I have the opportunity to work with. Coming to work every day and being surrounded by some of the most intelligent people on the planet challenges you to think intellectually and allows you to be creative and unrestricted in your research ideas.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
As a young adult, I would have said my greatest accomplishment was winning the state golf championship when I was 16. However, as my career in science is progressing, my most current accomplishment is the completion of my master’s degree. When I submitted my monstrous thesis into the printing office, I felt pretty great!

Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision and what you learned as a consequence? 
One of the greatest decisions of my life and career was the decision to go back to school for my master’s degree. After I obtained a B.S. in Geoscience from the College of Charleston, I began working for an Environmental Consulting firm as a Staff Geologist. At first, the job was ideal; I was making more money than I ever had before, I had free time to enjoy the city and the beach, and I was working in my chosen field. However, after about six months, I began to wonder if I was not challenging myself enough intellectually. I then began to apply for master's programs all over the country, and decided on a few in California. While it was difficult to decide on the right place to attend, one of the largest obstacles was moving across the country to a place where I had never spent much time, and where I knew no one. While this was daunting, I gathered up my courage, and made the leap. What I gained surpassed my expectations, and I began to think about academia and science as a career. I learned that the greatest challenges in life can sometimes be the most rewarding, and I will now always be open to turning my life upside down for the benefits that come with change.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life, and what lessons did they teach you? 
My father is quite a character; his long hair, loud mouth, and uncompromising attitude towards just about anything in life may lead people to think he is a wild guy. While this may be true, my father has influenced my life in so many ways from instilling the ideals of hard work, to a focus on the environment and how we interact with it, and for his never-ending skepticism. As a past employee for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, he worked for over 20 years to face tough issues of water contamination and pollution from large industrial facilities, such as the steel mills along Lake Michigan. He always displayed a passion for his work and taught me a great deal about the difficulties of environmental regulation. He has also taught me to face challenges in life head on, and to be open to new opportunities, like when he left a job he held for over 20 years to become the manager of the sanitation district for Michigan City, Indiana. He has shown me that I don’t have to compromise my beliefs and plans for the future and that with hard work we can help to improve our life and others.

How has your career surprised you or given you unexpected opportunities? 
My career with NASA has really pushed me to pursue my academic journey. I began in the DEVELOP Program while in my master’s program at San Francisco State University. When I first began, I thought I would just obtain my master’s and move into a career. However, being able to work on real-world research and working with other students sparked my interest in pursuing academia and becoming a professor. I am now a PhD student at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the Environmental Studies Department. Additionally, my work with our partner agencies has opened me up in new ways to the idea of scientific communication and I am passionate about working as a bridge to ensure that scientific research will be beneficial to the community. In order for science to be directly useful to our society, we must be able to speak with people of all different backgrounds and take our heads out of the “researchers’ realm” to make our science useful.

What does your future hold? 
I am hopeful that at some point in the future I will be able to get that elusive “Dr.” in front of my name, but more importantly, I hope to work as a teacher to the next generation of scientists. It is my goal to work either at a university or in a government career that allows me to connect researchers and students back to their community.

What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to those who read your story? 
I would advise young professionals and students to take risks and be open to major changes in your life. Don’t be afraid to totally change your outlook, career path, or research plans. These changes allow us to think outside the box, and be connected with new experience that will help expand our intellectual thinking. Oh yeah, and have some fun!

Today is female geoscientists day and in celebration, we would you to meet Lola Fatoyinbo from NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center.  We hope you enjoy the last of the Earth science week stories we have for you and take away a nugget of inspiration.  Let's celebrate the beauty of our planet and the scientists who are finding ways to ensure the future can enjoy her beauty as have! To read more stories and learn more about Earth science week at NASA, visit http://women.nasa.gov/earthexplorers.

Where do you work and do you remember what it was like on your first day of work?

I work at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and I have been here for almost 3 years. On my first day, I was nervous and hoped that I would be up to the tasks that I would have to do. I remember sitting in a meeting and being impressed by how smart and knowledgeable the people around me were.

How did you discover your passion for Earth Science?

I lived in Benin and Ivory Coast in West Africa as a teenager where deforestation and pollution are rampant and mostly uncontrolled.  I always found it heartbreaking to watch such beautiful places being destroyed. I was also very aware that this also directly affected all of us living there, but the largest effect was on the poor population who were drinking polluted water for instance.

My parents also fueled my passion for exploration. They were avid travelers and even drove from Nigeria to Germany in a Volkswagen bus! We often did road trips through various West African Countries, and they would tell me how important it was to preserve our environment. Seeing so many different places also made me appreciate them.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love travelling to new places, whether in person or by looking at an image taken by a satellite. I can spend hours ‘exploring’ on Google earth! But I think what I enjoy the most about my job is coming up with new research projects for myself or for our student interns. There are so many questions to be answered and projects to develop and that’s what really gets me excited.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in your life?

Don’t always choose the easiest path. I always loved science, yet I did much better in languages and social studies in school. But I wanted to become a scientist and worked really hard to make it happen.

What was the most difficult moment of your career? What did you learn?

The most difficult moment for me was when I was doing fieldwork in a very remote tropical forest in Madagascar. Here I was, doing what I had always dreamed on- exploring the rainforest, and it was nowhere near as glamorous as I had always thought of it. We were working long days, hiking 10 km everyday. It was cold, rainy, there were leeches inching up my pants, I kept falling on the trails, I was hungry and exhausted and missed my friends and family. I felt really bad for myself, then I remembered that I had wanted to have this opportunity since I was a little kid! In the end it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I learned that you shouldn’t give up just because what you’re working on isn’t the way you imagined it would be.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life, and what lessons did they teach you?

The biggest influence in my childhood and early adulthood was my parents. They always encouraged me to be a lifelong learner and not feel like I should have to fit into a particular box. My dad taught me make a career out of your hobby and my mother was and still is my biggest cheerleader. She is always encouraging and does everything to help me get my work done. She’s even come on work trips with me to babysit my kids!

Throughout college and my professional life, my husband has been my greatest influence. He is the hardest working person I know so I have to keep up with him!

Did you have to overcome any gender barriers in your career?

As an African American woman, one is bound to encounter some sort of barrier or hurdle in a career. I chose not to pay them too much attention and just work as hard as I could and look forward. That being said, I know that the only reason I can do this is because many before me had to fight very hard for equality in the workplace. Nobody ever asked me to bring them coffee just because I was a woman, and I am very grateful to those who fought before me.

What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to the next generation?

Hard work is worth more than talent! Like I said, I was always much better at languages than science. But I wanted to have a career as a scientist so I stuck to it! But you don’t have to settle and in ways can “have it all”.  I am proof as I now I speak 5 languages!