User:Kmermel

Karen Mermel

My dad wanted a boy! He got me instead. But, it was great. I grew up doing all the things both girls and boys did. I spent lots of time playing baseball and climbing trees and riding my bike.

I spent time with my dad outside, in the evening, looking at the stars. I was about nine years old when I decided I wanted to become an astronomer. One of my dad's friends bought me my first science fiction book which I devoured. I've been hooked ever since. But, my efforts to get a degree in astronomy have never come to fruition. I'm still active in astronomical and pro-space items but as an activist, not a researcher.

I got involved in data processing in the 70s when a friend mentioned that I would be a great systems analyst. I began my career as an Algol systems programmer on a Burroughs mainframe and went on to other mainframes and on to client/server stuff but as a closet techie. I'm now a program/project manager, certified PMP. I keep up with my field technically and produce free web sites for non-profits.

In the early days of the space program I became involved with the L5 Society and the Planetary Society. I've continued to be an active member of the National Space Society and served on the Board of Directors for many years and also as the Liaison to the Board of Governors and VP of Public Affairs. As Chair of Strategic Planning, I was the first to lead the group to define the mission and vision for the Society.

Today, I work as an activist in many areas including space, animal rights, volunteering at at least 3 cat shelters and working as Chair of the Chicago Software Process Improvement Network. I've also just joined the Steering Committee of CQAA. Part of my background is in Quality Assurance and Testing.

See www.nss.org, www.almosthomefoundation.org, www.c-spin.com for more information of just some of my activities.

One of the things that this encyclopedia has given me is a sense of what's going on in the world. I have seen what pseudo-churches like the Scientologists do to people they don't like. See Keith Henson's page here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Henson).

There is an enormous problem today with ageism. I'm 64 and toward the top of my career and don't want to retire for a long time if ever. I've heard that project managers can write their own ticket in the US but that hasn't happened for me. I have a great resume, wonderful experience but the minute someone sees me they think I'm too old for the job. I've been out of work as long as 2 years in the last five and this time I've been out since the end of March. I have experience in most platforms, most languages and most businesses. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? www.karenmermel.com