K. Renee Horton

K Renee Horton is a renowned advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and an influential leader in STEM education and outreach. As the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc., a nonprofit focused on advocacy and mentoring in STEM, she travels the globe, inspiring personal and systemic change to reshape the face of STEM fields.

A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Horton earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in Material Science with a concentration in Physics from the University of Alabama, becoming the first African American to earn such a distinction from the university. Currently, she serves as NASA’s Airworthiness Deputy for the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstrator project at Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Her career is decorated with prestigious awards, including the Black Engineer of the Year Trailblazer Award, NASA Space Flight Team Award, and NASA Center Accommodation Award. In 2019, she was named Louisianian of the Year and inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction.

Horton is a dedicated community leader, serving on several boards and mentoring through various programs. She is also the author of Dr. H Explores the Universe, a children’s series, with the latest installment released in 2021.