Retired U.S. Air Force Col. – and retired shuttle astronaut – Eileen Collins is the headline speaker at the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s 2nd Annual Reaching New Heights: Women in Space symposium on Jan. 10, 2026, at the Sands Space Center Museum, Cape Canaveral. The event runs from 1-4 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in exploring aerospace engineering and space sciences. This event is for all ages, especially women and girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM.)
Collins was the first woman to pilot the space shuttle and the first female to command a space shuttle mission.
Other speakers include:
Each year, Zonta Clubs worldwide celebrate the life and legacy of Zontian and famed aviator pilot Amelia Earhart. Amelia Earhart was a member of Zonta, joining the Boston, Massachusetts club in 1928 and later transferring to the New York City club. Soon after her tragic disappearance in 1937, Zonta established the Amelia Earhart Fellowships awarding the first in 1928. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her plane was ever found. Her life and career continue to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world still mainly dominated by men. Amelia remains an icon of aviation and a symbol of courage, determination, and a life worth living to the fullest.
The Amelia Earhart Fellowships have grown to $10,000 fellowships annually awarded to 30 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. Since the program’s inception in 1938, Zonta has awarded 1,794 Amelia Earhart Fellowships, totaling more than $12.2 million to 1.365 women from 80 countries.
Fellows have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists and even Secretary of the U.S. Air Force.
Viera veteran’s community names employee of the year
Donal Case recently was named the 2025 Employee of the Year for Indian River Colony Club, the Viera 55+ golf community for military veterans.
An employee since 2021, Case was recognized during the community’s December membership meeting and presented with a $500 monetary award. Case is the Lead Mechanic at Indian River Colony Club, with the primary duty of maintaining the equipment for the 18-hole golf course, along with all other mechanical equipment used in support of the nearly 800-home neighborhood. The 54-year-old resident of Port St. John has an associate’s degree in Auto & Diesel Technology and holds a Master ASE & Specialty accreditation, the highest level of certification for Automotive Service Excellence.
Nominating Case for Employee of the Year was Gene Stys, golf course superintendent for Indian River Colony Club, along with Dennis Rohne, residential manager.
“Donal is not just a ‘parts-changer,’ but a true mechanic in every sense of the word,” said Rohne. “He welds, designs, constructs, and invents solutions to ANY problem that stops or slows the work at IRCC. After hours, Donal often works on private vehicles for staff and residents– going as far as complete motor replacements. Donal never has a bad day. His pleasant demeanor, tireless energy, and do-the-right-thing mentality make him an instant friend the first time someone meets him. This outstanding staff member truly deserves being recognized as Employee of the Year.”
For more information about Indian River Colony Club, call 321-255-6000 or visit their website at www.ColonyClub.com.
Jobes selected as southeast regional vice president of International Propeller Club
Kevin Jobes recently was selected as the Southeast Regional vice president for the International Propeller Club, which is considered the world’s largest and most historic maritime networking organization. Jobes is office lead for the Certerra Insight Group.
Jobes, a past president of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, as vice president of the southeast region will offer guidance and support to local ports, represent the organization at industry events and work to strengthen relationships with stakeholders. His region covers Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, with approximately 1,800 members.
“Kevin’s leadership skills and his deep understanding of the maritime industry have not only strengthened the organizations’ international presence but have also elevated the visibility and prestige of our local club, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across all levels,” said Josh Hester, current chair of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Collins to headline Zonta Club symposium in Cape Canaveral
Reporting by Compiled by Wayne T. Price, For FLORIDA TODAY / Florida Today
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