Meet Katrina Carter-Journet | Physicist, Author, & Innovator in STEM and Empowerment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrina Carter-Journet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by resilience and the way people rise when life gives them challenges. I am inspired by creativity and the courage to take an idea and turn it into something that changes lives. I am inspired by young people who are still discovering who they are and all that they can become. I am inspired by my children, Lana and Robert who keep energized and current. These inspirations fuel my passion for creating spaces where others can see their brilliance, step into leadership, and know they belong. Whether I am writing, mentoring, or building programs, I carry this belief with me: inspiration is not only what I receive from others, it is also what I am called to give back. That is why I continue to create, to empower, and to remind others that they are brilliant, bold, and boundless.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Physicist and currently work as a Reliability Engineer. Supporting programs like the Space Shuttle Program and the International Space Station has been some of the most meaningful work of my career. Today, I contribute to the commercialization of space and its opening to the public in ways I never imagined when I began. My career has been built on problem-solving, persistence, and innovation, and I am proud of the role I’ve played in advancing space exploration.

At the same time, I have expanded my career into writing and creative expression. Under my pen name, K. L. Carter, I publish affirmation and reflective books, and I recently completed my first children’s book, Let’s Chase the Moon. Writing became a natural extension of my journey, allowing me to shift from reader to writer and share my voice in ways that inspire and empower others. That passion also led me to launch my Etsy store, NebulaWaters, where I turned affirmations into wearable art.

What drives me is simple: I love to explore, to learn, and to create. Whether in engineering, writing, or design, I see each step as an opportunity to make an impact. My story is one of resilience, curiosity, and reinvention, and I want others to know that they too are capable of reaching beyond what they imagined for themselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I would want them to experience the beauty, culture, and flavor that make Southern California unforgettable. We would begin with a visit to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Lancaster to see the wildflowers in bloom. While there, we would also stop at one of my favorite wineries, Thief and Barrel, to enjoy good wine and conversation. In addition, we would also spend some time at Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, a place that my children and I volunteer at and love. From there, we would spend time at the Gilruth Observatory to connect with the wonder of space.

Later in the week, we would hike through Runyon Canyon for an incredible view of Los Angeles, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and take in a show at the beautiful Pantages Theatre. We would also spend an afternoon at Octavia’s Bookshelf, getting lost in the beautiful atmosphere of the bookstore and discovering incredible books to take home as keepsakes. Since I am now closer to Long Beach, we would explore the food scene at LBX Hangar and enjoy some of the great local options. We would also spend a day in Laguna Beach visiting the art galleries and relaxing by the ocean, followed by an evening at the Santa Monica Pier for a classic coastal experience.

For food, we would stop at Dulan’s on Crenshaw Boulevard for soul food and later enjoy dinner at Sol Agave near downtown Los Angeles. We would also visit the California African American Museum to take in the art and history. To close the week, we would find a quiet spot to relax and look out at the Hollywood sign, reflecting on friendship and the memories created during the trip.

For me, the best part of this itinerary isn’t just the places we would see, but the connection and inspiration that come from sharing these moments together. That balance of adventure, reflection, and joy is what makes a trip unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I thank God for guiding my steps and giving me direction each day.

My shoutout goes to the mentors, educators, and communities that poured into me along the way. I am grateful to my parents, who shaped my values and laid the foundation for who I am today. I am thankful to my teachers at Baker High School in Baker, Louisiana, who nurtured my curiosity and drive. I owe deep appreciation to my professors at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue excellence. I also want to recognize my professors at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who challenged me to grow, think bigger, and step fully into spaces where representation mattered. I am grateful to my sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, whose example of sisterhood and service continues to inspire my path. I am equally inspired by the young people I mentor and serve, because they remind me daily why I write, create, and build programs that empower. And most of all, I thank my children, who are my constant source of strength and the reminder that legacy is not just what we achieve, but who we lift up along the way. My story is not mine alone, and I stand on the shoulders of many who encouraged me to keep rising.

Instagram: @klcarterwrites

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-carter-journet-52190b9

Other: Etsy Store – NebulaWaters

Image Credits
My personal photographs were taken by Lisa G. Artistry (@lisagartistry). The rest are fun shots taken by my children for me.