Maureen Zappala

Keynote Speaker and former Nasa Engineer

Maureen Zappala, an award -winning speaker, author and founder of High Altitude Strategies, shows successful high-performers how to overcome the hidden self-doubt of the Impostor Syndrome. A native of NYC, she has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and she spent more than 13 years at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now Glenn Research Center) conducting aircraft engine research. Yes, she’s a rocket scientist!

She became the youngest and first female manager of NASA’s Propulsion Systems Laboratory, a jet engine test facility. Despite stellar credentials and impressive accomplishments at NASA, the annoying Impostor Syndrome was her constant companion, causing her to think, “I’m not as smart as everyone thinks I am, and they’re going to figure it out!” This led to a passion for showing others how to silence those destructive voices that hinder success and create secret shame. Maureen teaches others to match their confidence to their competence so they have more influence. Audience members have called her strategies “gamechangers.” Her clients include AT&T, Merck, Freddie Mac, Boston Scientific, Rea & Associates, University of South Florida, and Parker Hannifin.

After 35+ years in Cleveland, Ohio, Maureen moved to Las Vegas in 2019. She still can't find her winter coat, and that's just fine with her.