Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Burgman.
Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Titusville, watching the space shuttles launch when I was young. I loved to write and decided to study journalism in college at the University of South Florida in Tampa. After graduation, my mom told me about a new local lifestyle publication in Melbourne (south of where I grew up) called Space Coast Living. I decided to reach out to see if they were hiring; I worked there for nine years (eventually becoming an editor) before seeing an opening at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Public Relations and Communications. I was intrigued to know more. I hadn’t seen the visitor complex since I was in elementary school and didn’t know what a dynamic attraction it was, especially for our area. Since starting, I have seen amazing progress in our area and at Kennedy Space Center. We just opened a new attraction in June called Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. It is an exciting time in the space industry, and Kennedy Space Center is the best place to be a part of it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like everyone, I have had some challenges but feel fortunate that for the most part, it has been a smooth road. The world completely changed professionally (and personally) for so many during COVID-19; professionally, there was no road map or plan for what to do in a pandemic. Both internally and externally, from a communications standpoint, we were starting from scratch. The health and safety of our employees and guests were the most important. Almost every piece of communication changed, including social media. We had to demonstrate and communicate cleaning and safety standards, so guests were comfortable being there. It was a unique time, and I think something that will always stand out for me in my career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the senior manager of public relations and communications at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. I oversee all internal and external communications, including social media. There is no better place to see and experience the past, present, and future of space exploration than at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which also offers some of the closest public launch viewing locations in the area. Seeing a child meet a “real” astronaut for the first time is amazing. You can see the inspiration written all over their face. They know anything is possible. During Chat with an Astronaut kids (of all ages) can ask an astronaut their questions and hear about their experiences living and working in space. Our hope is that we inspire future astronauts, scientists, launch directors, and engineers while they are here.
Kennedy Space Center is probably best known for rocket launches like the historic Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. Now, it is known for the commercial companies as well with frequent rocket launches that are still occurring almost every other week! We are a “must visit” for kids and families in Florida because there is no better place to learn and be inspired. Families will have fun, learn, and be inspired. There’s nowhere else like it on Earth!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best advice I can think of is to be true to yourself and not force anything that doesn’t feel natural or like a good fit. Networking is not easy for me. But I have found that volunteering for organizations that are meaningful to me led to connections with leaders in the community who were able to give advice and guidance. In some ways, I think finding a mentor is like finding love; when you stop looking for one, that’s when you find it! Haha
Contact Info:
- Website: KennedySpaceCenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennedyspacecenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExploreSpaceKSC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/explorespaceksc
Image Credits
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
