Available to book

Former NASA astronaut & NFL player

Leland Melvin

Adversity

Resilience

Effective Leadership

Transform STEM education and leadership with Leland Melvin, speaker and former NASA astronaut. Leland works with organizations to inspire resilience and innovation, delivering powerful insights from his unique journey from NFL player to space explorer.

Check Leland’s availability

Trusted by Hashicorp, NASA, Detroit Lions, National Geographic

Leland Melvin

Richmond, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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Book Leland

Richmond, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Leland Now

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Leland Melvin's biography

Educator

STEM

After Dinner Sports

NASA

American Football

Astronaut

Inclusion

Scientist

Sport

Author

Inspirational

International Mens Day

At a glance

Former NASA astronaut and Atlantis mission specialist
First NFL draftee to fly in space
Science author and STEAM advocate

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, and former NASA astronaut, whose diverse career path has taken him from the football fields of the NFL to the vastness of space. As a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Leland played a crucial role in constructing the International Space Station during missions STS-122 and STS-129. His unique journey is marked by resilience and adaptability, making him a compelling figure in science and education. Before his time at NASA, Leland was drafted by the Detroit Lions, making him the only person drafted into the NFL and flown in space. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized his athletic and academic achievements, honoring him by displaying his Detroit Lions jersey. Leland's transition from professional sports to space exploration exemplifies his ability to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. Leland's academic background is rooted in science, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond and a Master’s degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia. His work at NASA Langley Research Center involved developing optical fiber sensors for aerospace vehicles, contributing to numerous scientific publications. After retiring from space missions, Leland led NASA's Education division and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, shaping the nation’s STEM education strategy. In addition to his technical expertise, Leland is a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. He holds five honorary doctorates in recognition of his contributions to education, science, and philanthropy. His memoir, "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances," offers insights into his life journey and the values that have guided him. Leland's experiences have also been shared through various media appearances, including National Geographic's "One Strange Rock" and as a guest judge on "Top Chef." His story of perseverance and excellence continues to inspire future generations to explore careers in STEM fields.

Leland's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

An Astronaut's Story of Curiosity, Perspective and Change

Leland Melvin, a former tennis ace, cross-country traveller, chemistry enthusiast, and NFL draftee, found his ultimate calling as an astronaut. He shares his journey of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities, which eventually led him to the International Space Station. Attendees will learn about the transformative experiences that shaped his unique perspective on life on Earth.

Lessons from Space: Leadership, Innovation, and Teamwork

As an astronaut, engineer, and former professional athlete, Leland Melvin understands high-stakes teamwork and problem-solving. Drawing from his experiences aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis and NASA’s mission control, he shares insights on collaboration, crisis management, and leadership in extreme environments. His perspective on innovation and adaptability offers valuable takeaways for organisations looking to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and build resilient teams.

Why we recommend booking Leland

Unlock the potential of your team with Leland Melvin, former NASA astronaut and NFL player. His unique insights into teamwork and innovation, developed in space and on the field, address today's challenges. Book now to inspire transformative change.

Check Leland's availability

Trusted by Hashicorp, NASA, Detroit Lions, National Geographic

Testimonials

Leland was a huge hit! His presentation was extremely well received (rave reviews in the chat room), and he did a great job with the Q&A. On the whole, it wildly exceeded my expectiations!

Experient

Leland was amazing. His gentle, human approach was exactly what the team needed, and he was by far everyone's favorite part of the event. I would hire him as a speaker over and over again.

Hashicorp, Hashicorp

Leland Melvin was a sensation! We have never had so many students and parents go the stage afterwards to stand in line to say something to Leland. He connected with our students probably better than any speaker we have ever had!!! We couldn't be more pleased that Leland ended up our speaker!!!

Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence

Featured Projects

Chasing Space: An Astronaut'S Story Of Grit, Grace, And Second Chances

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How do I book Leland Melvin for my next event?

Email leland.melvin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Leland Melvin for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Leland Melvin's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Leland Melvin directly.

What is Leland Melvin's speaking style like?

Leland delivers inspiring, relatable talks that highlight resilience, adaptability, and the power of education. His engaging style motivates audiences to embrace challenges and pursue excellence in science, sports, and life.

What topics does Leland Melvin specialise in?

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Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

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