There is a children’s song about friendship that shares the importance of making new friends but keeping the old for some are silver and others are gold. What is interesting about these lyrics is that we must value those who come into our lives and remember they are valuable, but some hold a special place in our hearts and lives forever.
One such friend of mine is retired Colonel Yvonne Cagle, MD, PhD, NASA astronaut, senior flight surgeon, aerospace professor, and recent honoree of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Gold Medal from President Joe Biden. Now, of course, when we first met as young teenagers this was not her pedigree, but the character and integrity that built such a woman was evident even back then.
When we were young girls growing up, she lived in Northern California and I hailed from Southern California, but the California Baptist Young People’s Convention not only caused our paths to cross, but also would knit our hearts together forever. Over time life would take our paths in different directions but we still managed to stay in touch and connect whenever possible whether it was partaking in a Thanksgiving dinner while in college or making sure when one of us was in each other’s territory we would pause and reach out to make sure the other was doing well. Our families are close, and I am honored to be the godmother to her daughter.
Earlier I referred to Dr. Yvonne Cagle’s pedigree, as they would say fruit does not fall far from the tree. Her parents were highly accomplished and always supported and encouraged her to reach for the stars and be her best self. She excelled in STEAM, sports, and student councils. After receiving her degrees she served as a physician, rising to the rank of colonel as a senior flight surgeon, maintaining the air crew’s safety, readiness, and performance while logging hours on a wide variety of high-performance aircraft.
Yvonne is also recognized as a global speaker, including presentations at TEDx. She has made history here on Earth, but now we need to help her make history in space. Her unique accomplishments as a colonel culminate in a long and distinguished career in the service of her country, reflecting credit upon herself, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
One of Dr. Yvonne Cagle’s mentors was Creola Katherine Johnson, who was one of the first Black women to work for NASA. What is a shame is that we had to learn about Ms. Johnson and all the contributions she made to history from the movie “Hidden Figures.” As a mentee of Ms. Johnson, Yvonne had the honor and privilege to escort Ms. Johnson across the stage at the Oscars when she was given an honorary award.
As Yvonne’s friend, it brought tears to my eyes when I saw her side by side with her mentor. I feel like it is Dr. Cagle’s turn to go from a hidden figure to her time in the spotlight and being among the stars. This starts by making sure we know who she is, what she has accomplished, and helping her get her star right now here on earth.
Knowing someone for close to half a century is a long time. Yvonne and I have such a relationship. I am grateful for the seeds she has planted in my life to help me to continue to grow and believe in myself and that I can do anything I put my hands to do.
Her life can also serve as an excellent example to other young women, especially women and girls of color that they too can reach for the stars and be all they believe they can be. Let us not keep her “hidden but let us bring her to the light and shoot her into space.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
