NASA's Lori Glaze to Lead Arlington Chamber Luncheon

The Women’s Alliance of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce announced on Sunday that Dr. Lori Glaze, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate, will deliver the keynote address at the 16th Annual Inspired Women Luncheon.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2027, and is presented by Texas Trust Credit Union. Glaze, who oversees NASA’s human spaceflight portfolio, is responsible for the Artemis missions that send astronauts back to the Moon. Her role also includes laying the infrastructure for future Mars exploration.

Glaze’s professional path began locally in Arlington. She graduated from James Bowie High School and subsequently earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from The University of Texas at Arlington. Her mother, an aerospace engineer, served as a key mentor during her early career development.

Sherry Jackson, the Chamber’s Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Membership, framed the selection around Glaze’s local origins. Jackson stated that the luncheon aims to celebrate women’s accomplishments and demonstrate that major achievements can begin in the local community. "There is something incredibly special about welcoming a woman who grew up in our community and went on to help lead humanity’s next great chapter in space exploration," Jackson said.

The luncheon serves as a primary funding mechanism for the Women’s Alliance. The organization is composed of more than 30 volunteers who coordinate the event to support economic and educational initiatives. Proceeds from the event directly fund two distinct programs: college scholarships for young women and small business grants for female entrepreneurs.

In recent years, the luncheon has awarded more than $30,000 in total financial support. The Chamber reports that the event functions as a networking hub for business leaders while simultaneously addressing the capital needs of local women-owned firms and students.

Sponsorship packages for the 2027 event are currently available. Interested parties can secure slots through the Chamber’s website or by contacting Jackson directly. Individual tickets will be released at a later date.

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 1,000 member businesses and organizations. The Women’s Alliance operates as a dedicated committee within this larger body, focusing specifically on professional development and mentorship for women in the region.