Nicole Mann named USA TODAY Women of the Year honoree.

NASA astronaut Col. Nicole Mann, the mission commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission and the agency's first Native American woman in space, has been named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year. Mann, who is registered with the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in California, hopes to inspire the younger generation, especially indigenous youth, to pursue their dreams and overcome adversity. She encourages taking on challenges and not being afraid to fail, as that's how one learns and grows. Mann's parents, who instilled in her a strong work ethic and ability to dream big, remain her greatest sounding board.