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As an Air Force veteran from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Alex Olley now serves as a contract specialist in the International Space Station Procurement Office at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Olley joined NASA as a Pathways intern in January 2023 to turn his lifelong goal into a reality\u2014bringing his unique experience in the defense and space industries to support one of humanity\u2019s most ambitious endeavors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Olley manages the procurement of supplies, services, and research for the International Space Station. His role requires sharp attention to federal regulations and a deep understanding of business practices, all while supporting the astronauts who live and work 250 miles above Earth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI take great pride in the opportunity that I get to contribute to NASA\u2019s mission each day,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful for my time here, and it feels like a significant achievement, especially because many of my friends and family have shared how inspired they are to pursue their own goals as a result.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A quote shared by Johnson\u2019s director of the Office of Procurement, Bradley Niese, became a guiding principle that has shaped Olley\u2019s NASA experience: \u201cPeople are the mission, and if we take care of the people, the mission will take care of itself.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
That mindset has taught him the value of building relationships within the office, which, he says, often leads to smoother operations and greater motivation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s much easier to be passionate about the mission when you know everyone around you shares the same dedication,\u201d he said. \u201cWith such a strong support system, I\u2019ve learned that I can achieve anything, no matter how challenging or confusing the task may seem at first.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Early on, however, he struggled with imposter syndrome. \u201cI felt like I didn\u2019t belong or wasn\u2019t good enough to contribute meaningfully toward our goals,\u201d said Olley. \u201cI overcame that feeling by taking a chance and sharing my thoughts on a work process.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
To his surprise, his team embraced the idea\u2014and implemented it. That moment became a turning point, eventually leading to Olley becoming one of the office leaders for a wellness initiative called Better toGether\u2014a creative nod to their office code, \u201cBG.\u201d The program was designed to promote physical and mental well-being in the workplace through activities like NASA Moves, an agencywide challenge that encourages employees to track their steps and commit to at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day. Twice a week, Olley leads brief team meetings focused on desk-friendly wellness tips such as stretches to prevent carpal tunnel and improve posture.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
As NASA looks toward the Moon and Mars through Artemis, Olley is focused on uplifting the Artemis Generation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to pass on my perspective on Johnson\u2019s mission: Dare, Unite, and Explore,\u201d he said. \u201cDARE to take on the challenge and face it head on, UNITE with your peers, and never be afraid to EXPLORE the unknown.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n