Susan Davis: “Yesterday, we lost a true hero in Sally Ride. Dr. Ride was a constituent, and I recall my excitement in first meeting…”

“Yesterday, we lost a true hero in Sally Ride. Dr. Ride was a constituent, and I recall my excitement in first meeting her years ago. At the age of 32, Sally K. Ride broke her first barrier when she flew on the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. She was the first American woman ever to fly in space. But her journey didn't end there. She went back to space in 1984, and later on became director of the California Space Institute at UCSC, as well as a professor of physics. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She cracked open the door for women to enter the fields of science and engineering and helped inspire countless young girls to follow in her footsteps. I think of what it will mean to my granddaughter Jane to see her in our history books. Dr. Ride will be missed by all those who knew her and all those whom she touched and will continue to reach with her courage, her determination, and fearless spirit. ____________________”