Emillianna Manino

Emillianna Manino (she/her/hers) is an artist, creative scientist, and DEIA/STEAM advocate focused on integrating equity, science, and the arts. She studied Political Science at Columbia University, specializing in Political Theory and International Relations.

Driven by her passion for space exploration, she merges storytelling, public policy, and technological innovation. She applies a research-driven approach to make space science and public policy more accessible, inclusive, and emotionally resonant by integrating public engagement, policy insights, and cultural heritage into her creative work.

Her commitment to space exploration is highlighted by her leadership role on the 2X NASA award-winning project, MUSHROOM FORGE (Fungi Off-World Resource Generation Ecosystem) for pioneering its advancements in Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems. Concurrently, she chaired a NASA solicitation review panel and was selected as Primary Reviewer, scoring proposals and providing detailed feedback. As a member of the Space Force Association, her interdisciplinary work has also been showcased at Carnegie Hall (with the United Nations), Columbia University's Miller Theatre, and various NYC arts venues. Building on this leadership, she actively engages with arts and innovation communities to foster inclusive collaboration. She contributed to the Science New Wave Festival selection committee and has participated in global dialogues through the Broadway Advocacy Coalition and Women's Aerospace Network.

Emillianna founded a non-profit in the arts and cultural sector, merging creative expression with data-driven strategies for social change. Deeply informed by her Puerto Rican, Taíno, Argentinian, and Sicilian heritage—her work centers on underrepresented voices and uses curiosity to design narratives that foster a more inclusive and equitable cosmic future, inviting broader participation in space science.