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“Martha Ackmann’s lecture style provides a fascinating and engaging historical picture of the time and setting of the Mercury 13. Her knowledge of the subject matter and ease with discussions make large lectures, individual class talks and casual setting wonderful places for learning and debate.”

Debbie Gray Patton
Assistant Dean of Students
University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh


“Martha Ackmann delivers a message of hope to all women who face gender barriers by the keeping the story of the Mercury 13 alive. Dynamic in her presentation, she holds the audience’s attention throughout the entire talk. If ever there was a story to be brought to the forefront, the Mercury 13 is that one. Participants begin by acknowledging they’ve never heard this story, but they are captivated by the determination exhibited by these extraordinary women. The women’s efforts no doubt created a legacy that paved the way for future generations to realize their dream of space flight.”

John Sellars
EEO Office
National Reconnaissance Office
Chantilly, Virginia


“Martha brought reality into an auditorium full of high school girls who came to hear her speak about a subject that is dear to their hearts: having access as young women to all the world has to offer. Women need to hear the names of the individuals who were denied a dream due to their gender. It still happens. We need to know in order to truly change the way the world works.”

Martha Shepardson-Killam
Head of School
Stoneleigh-Burnham School (grades 7-12)
Greenfield, Massachusetts


“Martha Ackmann told a gripping tale of unsung heroes in the early days of space exploration. By design the original Mercury astronauts were military jet test pilots, a career not open to women at the time. But an extraordinary group of talented and tenacious women showed that they had the ‘right stuff’ too. Ackmann recounted with eloquence the obstacles these women faced as they secretly took the same rigorous physical exams as their more famous male counterparts. This is a remarkable story in itself, but even more telling is how this episode nearly vanished from the nation’s collective memory.”

Professor Richard G. French
Chair, Department of Astronomy and
Director of the Whiten Observatory, Wellesley College
Team Member Cassini Mission to Saturn


“Martha Ackmann’s telling the stories of women who have successfully challenged some of society’s most long-held stereotypes inspires young people to honor those who have come before them while providing new role models to help them move forward.”

Molly Murphy MacGregor
President and Founder
National Women’s History Project


“The talk worked well at our all-employee meeting. It fit nicely with our cultural diversity training, carrying on the theme that we all benefit and become a stronger whole if we can look past the stereotypes and use the talents and skills of those who are different from us. Even thought we don’t all possess the courage and commitment of the Mercury 13 women, their undying persistence in the face of adversity inspired us to keep trying to change the world, if only in very small steps.”

Laura Lecker
Federal Women’s Program Manager
US Department of Agriculture
State of Maine


“Martha brought to life the challenges and realities of the Mercury 13 women. Her book and lecture bring home the incremental successes women have achieved and still are achieving. Martha not only provided the educational instruction, she encouraged us to continue to reach for the stars and pursue out dreams, whether they be in a space ship, our office or in our own homes. What we do as women is no small deed.”

Tonya Wieck
EEO Specialist/Diversity Manager
Edwards Air Force Base, California