Samantha Snabes - Captain, Founder, 3D Printer

Samantha Snabes, Catalyst and Co-Founder, is a Captain in the Mississippi Air National Guard. In her civilian capacity, Samantha is the CEO for re:3D where she facilitates connections between others printing at the human-scale and/or using recycled materials to access locally driven manufacturing in 50+ countries. As a serial entrepreneur, she currently volunteers as the Global Chair of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Steering Committee. Previously, she served as the Social Entrepreneur in Residence for the NASA HQ and Deputy Strategist supporting the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Space Life Sciences Directorate after selling a start-up for a DARPA-funded, co-patented tissue culture device. Samantha holds a BS in Biology, BA degrees in International Relations & Hispanic Studies, a MBA with concentrations in Supply Chain Management & International Relations, and certifications as a firefighter & EMT-B. re:3D® Inc. is committed to decimating the cost & scale barriers to industrial 3D printing. After pioneering the world’s first affordable, human-scale industrial 3D printer, re:3D is now enabling 3D printing directly from reclaimed plastic pellets or flake.

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Q. Best advice for women who want to go out in life and crush it!

A. Just be yourself!

Q. What do you want to see more of?

A. A navy admiral once told me when I was a 2nd Lt that I could be stupid for a day or stupid forever. For this reason, he advised me to be bold in asking questions.

Q. Recommended reading:

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

I find it really remarkable that such a young lady had the courage to stand up and risk so much for her community. I admire her confidence and resiliency.

Q. The theme for this year's women's history month is Valiant Women of the Vote. What women's rights are you most passionate about?

A. I'm passionate about equality in pay. For this reason, I am thankful to be in 3D printing, an industry I view as gender agnostic. Although there may be disparity in some career fields, I think individuals such as myself are called to share opportunities in emerging tech where people care less about who you are, and more about what you can do to shape society.

Q. Shout out to another woman who has made a difference in your life and how she/they did that.

A. I'd like to thank Jane Finette, a founder of the Coaching Fellowship who connected me to Monica, who helped me develop my voice as a woman!

Connect with Samantha Snabes online:

Monica Phillips