I'M MELISSA CORLEY CARTER, THE BAREFOOT DANCING ROCKET SCIENTIST
I help high achievers dream bigger and live an epic life.
When my 20-year astronaut dream was shattered, I continued on the fast track of an Air Force career that looked like traditional success. But internally, I was adrift. I could have followed in the footsteps of the high-powered and inspiring women I worked for, but I realized I wanted to inspire people in a different way — and with a lot more life balance.
When I came to a major decision point, I leaped into the unknown and left my active-duty military career. At the time I didn't know what my life purpose was, but I knew something bigger was waiting for me.
In the years since, I've forged my own path. I've realigned my life with my passions for creativity, inspiration, human connection, leadership, and dreaming big dreams.
I've realized that my astronaut dream emerged from an intuitive sense of my spiritual connection to the universe, and from a desire to inspire people to greatness the way astronauts had always inspired me.
My journey has taught me that identity and goals are not synonymous, that even major disappointments hold gifts beyond imagining, and that every experience brings us closer to our purpose on this earth.
In my daily dance with the universe now, I'm truly living my dream.
MISSION
Shine My Light and Inspire You to Shine Yours
VISION
7.9+ Billion Humans Loving Themselves and Owning How Powerful, Unique, and Awesome They Are
VALUES
Gratitude
Experience Wonder and Awe
Joy
Laugh with Delight
Courage
Boldly Go
The Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist
Origin Story
In my mid 20s, one of my favorite activities was swing and country dancing. In my late 20s, I started running barefoot. A month after I turned 30, I earned my astronautical engineering PhD. The Barefoot Dancing Rocket Scientist emerged from what I did, but it's become so much more. It's an embodiment of who I'm being in the world.
Barefoot
For me, the barefoot piece is about grounding. It's about connecting with the earth, the moment, the wisdom of our bodies, and all the deep sources of knowing that are available to us. It’s about finding beauty and simplicity in all things natural, whether it’s natural movement, leveraging our natural gifts and strengths, or connecting with the most natural, true, and aligned dream in our hearts.
Dancing
The dancing piece is about connection. It’s about artistry and teamwork. A strong connection in partner dancing helps you sense signals and timing. It helps you make smooth transitions between leading and following. On a cosmic scale, the universe is our dance partner. It offers us inspiration and infinite creative potential. In the dance we recognize the magic of synchronicity, sense the signals and timing of life, take aligned action, and find awe in every moment.
Rocket Scientist
The rocket science piece is about exploring and expanding our vision of what's possible for ourselves and for the world. Not just the outer world, but also the inner world. People love saying, “It’s not rocket science.” Actually, it is. With no math or equations, rocket science is essentially about letting go to lift off, acknowledging progress and adjusting course, and going from where we are to where we want to be. In that light, every aspect of life itself actually IS rocket science!
CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS
