Julie Bonner Archives - FreeFall Aerospace https://www.freefallaerospace.com/tag/julie-bonner/ Innovative Communication Systems for Space and Ground Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:03:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-FreeFallAerospace_Icon-02-32x32.png Julie Bonner Archives - FreeFall Aerospace https://www.freefallaerospace.com/tag/julie-bonner/ 32 32 FreeFall Aerospace Celebrates Tucson Changemakers Grant https://www.freefallaerospace.com/tucson-changemakers/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:36:32 +0000 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/?p=17902 Empowering Connectivity: FreeFall Aerospace Celebrates Tucson Changemakers Grant for Antenna Innovation Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Tucson, Arizona – FreeFall Aerospace, an […]

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Empowering Connectivity: FreeFall Aerospace Celebrates Tucson Changemakers Grant for Antenna Innovation

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 
Tucson, Arizona – FreeFall Aerospace, an antenna solutions company, proudly announces its selection for the Tucson Changemakers Grant. Out of over 500 applications, the Groundswell Growth Fund award was presented to FreeFall last week at Hotel Congress.

 

Groundswell Capital’s CEO, Dre Thompson, introduced the Tucson Changemakers Grant Program as a collaboration with the City of Tucson to provide small businesses with flexible, free capital to support their expansion endeavors. The program is part of a newly launched $1 million grant initiative dedicated to helping local small businesses thrive. The Groundswell Growth Fund is designed explicitly for enterprises poised to scale their operations. It provides versatile grant funding applicable to equipment, technology, and expansion efforts to foster business growth and create job opportunities within Tucson.

FreeFall Aerospace, founded in the summer of 2016 by Doug Stetson and Dr. Chris Walker originated from a collaborative effort on a NASA project. The company has since evolved, focusing on developing cutting-edge technology in small spacecraft communications and low-cost ground stations. With ten employees and over half a dozen products in various stages of commercialization, FreeFall Aerospace has become a key player in the Tucson business landscape.

FreeFall’s proposal outlined a strategic plan for growth throughout 2024-2029. The project aims to accelerate the tools and equipment needed for the technical team to propel the organization to the next level. At the top of the list are a thermal test chamber and a 3-D printer for use in their technology lab. FreeFall Aerospace, currently seeking venture capital, has laid out a comprehensive growth plan and strategy. The Tucson Changemakers Grant will be a crucial catalyst in executing this plan.

Commenting on the award, Rick Kettner, VP of Product Development of FreeFall Aerospace said, “Capital equipment is a significant factor in getting a startup technology company off the ground. This grant will help us take the first step in executing our growth plan, ensuring we can meet the rising demand for our products and services.”

In addition to the employee base growth, FreeFall Aerospace plans to expand its infrastructure, facilities, tools, and support equipment. The company strongly prefers local procurement, partnerships, and recruitment in the Tucson area. With a rich heritage with the University of Arizona, FreeFall seeks to contribute to the local economy, build community partnerships, and provide opportunities for skilled graduates. This project aligns with FreeFall Aerospace’s commitment to cementing its foundation in Tucson and contributing to the community for years. The company anticipates growing its employee base by 150%, significantly boosting the local workforce and economy.

For more information about FreeFall Aerospace, please visit freefallaerospace.com

From left to Right, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, CEO Dan Geraci, Rick Kettner, VP of Product Development, and Julie Bonner, Director of Communications of FreeFall Aerospace, are shown.

Several Tucson businesses, including FreeFall Aerospace, received the Groundswell Growth Fund Award last week.

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]]> Technology Marketing Panel with FreeFall’s Julie Bonner https://www.freefallaerospace.com/technology-marketing/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:14:27 +0000 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/?p=14257 Ask the Pros: How to Power Up Your Technology Marketing Whether you’re steering a small startup or an established company, […]

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Ask the Pros: How to Power Up Your Technology Marketing

Whether you’re steering a small startup or an established company, a panel of seasoned technology marketing experts will dive into ways to elevate your marketing strategies to new heights and achieve better results.

  1. Discovering Your Customers: Learn tried-and-true methods for identifying target audiences and tailoring marketing to speak to them effectively.
  2. Translating Complex Concepts: Hear how to simplify complex ideas and make them accessible and drive better engagement in a “scannable culture.”
  3. LinkedIn Best Practices: Discover best practices for leveraging this professional network to connect with potential partners and generate leads.

The Arizona Technology Council hosted this virtual panel on Sept 13, 2023.

Marketing and Communication Experts:

Shelly Glandon, Principal/Project Manager | Blue Canoe
Julie Bonner, Director of Communications  FreeFall Aerospace
Paul Tumarkin, Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications | Tech Launch Arizona
Hayley Ringle, Director of Communications & Culture | DAS Technology
Bianca Buliga, Director, Marketing & Communications | Arizona Technology Council (Moderator)

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]]> Arizona Space Innovators https://www.freefallaerospace.com/arizona-space-innovators/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 18:32:06 +0000 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/?p=12663 Arizona Space Innovators   FreeFall Aerospace was on Tipping Point to talk about Arizona space innovators. Host, Zach Yentzer, spoke […]

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Arizona Space Innovators

 

FreeFall Aerospace was on Tipping Point to talk about Arizona space innovators. Host, Zach Yentzer, spoke with FreeFall’s Julie Bonner (Director of Communications).

Listen to FreeFall Aerospace on
Tipping Point Radio Show

FreeFall is on the air at 29:00 in this episode.


ZACH YENTZER – HOST, TIPPING POINT


On Tipping Point with Zach Yentzer, NPR meets talk radio. It’s centered, common sense talk, with news and interviews about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the future of Tucson and Southern Arizona. The show features national, state, and local elected officials, university presidents, and education advocates, business leaders and entrepreneurs, the faith community, policy thought leaders, and many other good people on the ground who are making their community a better place. Zach Yentzer is the next generation of radio and believes in making local radio space to talk about real issues, in real-time, with real people, in a bipartisan way. Zach provides an encouraging message of optimism about the Greater Tucson and Southern Arizona region, along with a firm and pragmatic voice for how to get it done.

He is also the Executive Director of the Tucson Young Professionals. Its mission is to retain, attract, and promote young professionals in Tucson. It is a group of diverse young professionals working together to showcase Tucson as a place for growth and prosperity. TYP is a place for the next generation of business and community leaders to share their ideas, test their insight, and participate in a dynamic conversation. The focus of the organization is to provide members with opportunities to build relationships with the local community and its leaders and inspire like-minded professionals into making Tucson a better place to live, work and play.

JULIE BONNER – DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS


Julie Bonner, Director of Communications for FreeFall, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s intelligent antenna systems. She’s created marketing campaigns and collateral for national corporations like Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor, to Tucson-based start-ups and non-profits. She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for making a significant impact on the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements, and personal qualities, which also inspire others to excel. She is the Chair of the Women in the Workforce for the Arizona Technology Council, and technology is active in Start-Up Tucson and Local First Arizona. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and a Masters in Business.

FreeFall Aerospace is developing revolutionary new antenna technology for ground, air, and space. Their innovative spherical antennas are drawing interest from a wide variety of commercial and government organizations, offering a wide field of view, electronic steering, and low mass to dramatically simplify and improve satellite communications. The company’s unique antennas for the coming 5G wireless world are unlike anything else on the market and enable high-frequency, steerable communications for Smart Cities, connected vehicles, and the Internet of Things. FreeFall was founded in Tucson as a spin-off from the University of Arizona and maintains a close connection with UA faculty and supporters.

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]]> Tucson’s Place in Space with Julie Bonner of FreeFall Aerospace https://www.freefallaerospace.com/tucson-space/ Tue, 06 Jul 2021 18:59:24 +0000 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/?p=12597 Tucson Space News: Interview with Julie Bonner, Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace Tucson’s Place in Space | Life Along […]

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Tucson Space News: Interview with Julie Bonner, Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace

Tucson’s Place in Space | Life Along the Streetcar | July 4, 2021


In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath interviews FreeFall Aerospace’s Director of Communications, Julie Bonner. FreeFall is launching its antennas into space and originally launched itself from the University of Arizona. Julie describes the Tech Launch Arizona process and current Tucson space news.

Listen to this episode Tucson’s Place in Space to learn more.

Founded in 2017, Life Along the Streetcar’s mission is to facilitate a community conversation about the redevelopment of Tucson’s urban core. Focusing on social, cultural, & economic events impacting those who live, work and play in Tucson’s urban core. Listen on DowntownRadio.org 99.1 FM.

Connect with Life Along the Street Car

Tom Heath, Host

Tom Heath has been originating home loans for 20 years. Over his career he’s done more than helping people buy and refinance real estate, he’s an active promoter of financial literacy in the community, a resource for information about  Tucson’s Urban Development, and an advocate for local businesses. Tom currently serves on the board of directors for the Downtown Tucson Partnership and Tucson Association of REALTORS ®.  He also sits on steering committees for the Tucson Festival of Books and Local First Arizona. He’s held roles with Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association, Arizona Association of Mortgage Professionals where de lobbied the state legislature encouraging them to adopt loan officer licensing requirements–before the big real estate crash.

Each Sunday you can hear Tom on 99.1FM as host of “Life Along The Streetcar” discussing topics that impact Tucson’s urban core and on Saturday from 9-12 you will find Tom volunteering with Tucson Trolley Tours to share what he loves about the place we call home.

Julie Bonner, Director of Communications

Julie Bonner is the Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace, a cutting-edge Tucson startup developing intelligent orbital and terrestrial antenna systems. She has previously served as the Art Director for Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor. Her own graphic design business, Julie Originals, has empowered numerous Tucson-based startups and nonprofits with innovative branding and design.
 
Bonner has received the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for making a significant impact on the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements, and personal qualities. She also earned multiple Addy Awards for her design work, including her Desert Dwellers Flash Cards. Bonner is an active member of Startup Tucson, Arizona Technology Council, Creative Mornings Tucson and Local First Arizona. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and an MBA.

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]]> Julie Bonner | The Power of Creatives in Tech https://www.freefallaerospace.com/julie-bonner-creatives-in-tech/ https://www.freefallaerospace.com/julie-bonner-creatives-in-tech/#respond Thu, 20 May 2021 21:14:14 +0000 https://www.freefallaerospace.com/?p=12575 The Power of Creatives in Tech Julie Bonner on The Power Shift Podcast with Sharon Melnick Julie Bonner is the […]

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Julie Bonner on The Power Shift Podcast with Sharon Melnick

Julie Bonner is the Director of Communications for FreeFall Aerospace, a tech company in Tucson, Arizona that is developing intelligent antenna systems for space and terrestrial applications. She is also the Chair of the Arizona Technology Council’s Women in the Workforce and also organizes Creative Mornings Tucson.

Julie is also a fine artist and blended her paintings with her graphic design expertise to create the Addy Award-winning Desert Dwellers Flash Cards. Inspired by the desire to teach her son about Southwest wildlife, each card contains amusing stories about desert animals from A to Z and features her acrylic paintings. Local teachers, parents, and grandparents use them to promote literacy and teach children about their environment. Previously she has served as Art Director for national chains Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor.

Julie also believes in the power of education and supporting the community. They are active in events for the youth, especially young women by exposing them to really cool opportunities in science, engineering, and tech. Learn more about her journey, her story, and her vision in this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Sharon Melnick and Julie Bonner discuss:

  • What power looks like for Julie Bonner, in a pretty male-dominated environment.
  • How her background as a creative helped her in the tech industry.
  • Her vision to make the company diversified and bring the tech industry closer to the hearts of young women.

If you’re thinking of having a career in tech and think that this might not be right for you, let Julie empower you with her story:

“It’s a strength to come into something with a little bit of a different perspective than maybe the norm!”– Julie Bonner, FreeFall Aerospace

The Power Shift Podcast

About The Power Shift Podcast

The Power Shift podcast is all about redefining the idea of “power” and how we use it for good, not with the traditional idea of force. Listen to thought-provoking and practical interviews to help you understand power from every angle– how a person gets ‘in her power’, how power works in the workplace, and how power can shift and be shared. Host Dr. Sharon Melnick is a Harvard Medical School-trained business psychologist who’s a best-selling author, speaker, and sought-after executive coach who helps Women Leaders be in their power, get into a next level position of power and use their power as a Culture Carrier in their company and community. Because every woman in her power is a Change Agent!

Hear The Power Shift Podcast on: iTunes  Spotify  TuneIn  Stitcher Amazon  iHeartRadio and Google

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]]> https://www.freefallaerospace.com/julie-bonner-creatives-in-tech/feed/ 0 Inflatable Antennas and Disruptive Space Innovations on Casual Space Podcast https://www.freefallaerospace.com/inflatable-antennas-space/ Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:29:19 +0000 https://freefallmovingdata.com/?p=12396 Inflatable Antennas and Disruptive Space Innovations Doug Stetson and Julie Bonner from FreeFall Aerospace on Casual Space Podcast with Beth […]

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Inflatable Antennas and Disruptive Space Innovations

Doug Stetson and Julie Bonner from FreeFall Aerospace on Casual Space Podcast with Beth Mund


When we travel through and explore space, we’re going to need to communicate, and gather a LOT of data. Fast, reliable, low-cost access to large volumes of data is one of the most critical capabilities that will define the future. Freefall Aerospace is providing antennas that help move data and allow us to communicate effectively and quickly in space. Julie Bonner and Doug Stetson sat down with Beth Mund at SpaceCom Expo in Houston, Texas and highlighted these new technologies, why and how they will “disrupt” and improve communications, and what some of the challenges their company, FreeFall Aerospace, will have to overcome, including a LAUNCH in January 2021.


LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW

“We are developing some very innovative technologies. That’s a good thing, but one of the challenges is that when you have something that’s what we call disruptive, it has to be not just a little bit better, but a LOT better than the other systems that people and companies are used to using…and it’s a question of proving to the community that the rewards of using this type of new system are worth the additional risk to implement something new.” -Doug Stetson

Doug Stetson: President and CEO

 
Doug Stetson is President and CEO of FreeFall Aerospace, a small business dedicated to advancing and developing innovative antenna technology for satellite communications and 5G internet applications. Prior to founding FreeFall in 2016, Doug spent nearly 30 years at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in a variety of technical and management positions including several assignments at NASA Headquarters. At JPL, he had lead roles in systems engineering and mission design for a number of high-profile missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and was responsible for the development of new planetary mission concepts and programs. Doug led the development of a number of mission and technology “roadmaps” for the national science community and NASA, and established new initiatives for mission and system innovation and cost assessment. During his three tours at NASA Headquarters, Doug served as the deputy manager of the NASA Advanced Planning and Integration Office, coordinated development of the Agency’s 2003 Strategic Plan, and served as acting chief of Planetary Advanced Studies in the early 1990’s After leaving JPL in 2008, Doug established the Space Science and Exploration Consulting Group and was project manager for the LightSail mission, a privately-funded Cubesat that successfully deployed and tested a solar sail in Earth orbit. Doug holds a B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.
 
He is the recipient of a number of local and national awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the JPL Award for Excellence in Leadership.

Beth Mund: Host of Casual Space


Beth delivers contagious enthusiasm and unabashed space geekery, drawing on her experience as the former Public Affairs Officer for NASA and more than 20+ years of speaking and executive speech writing.

From US Space Camp attendee to Space Academy instructor, Beth’s passion for space exploration and future- forward innovations has never waned. As an International Space Station Communications Officer and official NASA spokesperson – the first person answering the phones during the Columbia disaster – Beth faced the task of conveying highly technical information in a way that was relatable, clear, and human.

Since then, Beth has gone on to wow audiences across the nation with her captivating keynotes and workshops, bringing listeners on a journey through the final frontier, leaving them filled with wonder, enthusiasm, and inspired ideas to implement within their own organizations.

As the host of the weekly podcast, Casual Space, Beth is dedicated to bringing the stories from the space exploration industry to her ever-growing community of students, businesses, investors and space enthusiasts. Beth’s guests include engineers, authors, astronauts and industry leaders, sharing space exploration events and perspectives with listeners from around the world.

Julie Bonner: Marketing Director


Julie Bonner, Marketing Director for FreeFall Aerospace, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s intelligent antenna systems. She’s created marketing campaigns and collateral for national corporations like Mister Car Wash and Clear Channel Outdoor, to Tucson-based start-ups and non-profits. She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for making a significant impact on the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements and personal qualities, which also inspire others to excel. She is also active in Start-Up Tucson, Arizona Technology Council and Local First Arizona. Julie holds a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design from Drexel University and a Masters in Business.

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]]> Marketing Communications Director Julie Bonner on Rise Grind Repeat https://www.freefallaerospace.com/marketing-director-julie-bonner-rise-grind-repeat/ Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:19:57 +0000 https://freefallmovingdata.com/?p=12393 Marketing Communications with Julie Bonner of FreeFall Aerospace Host Dustin Trout speaks with Julie Bonner about marketing and the antenna […]

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Host Dustin Trout speaks with Julie Bonner about marketing and the antenna technology of FreeFall Aerospace. Produced by Andrei Gardiola for the Rise Grind Repeat Podcast –  powered by EIC Agency.

Julie Bonner on Rise Grind Repeat Podcast Episode 045

“The buzz about 5G is everywhere, but the tech behind it is complex, so all you hear is the buzz. How do you know what 5G can mean for all of us? That’s where Julie Bonner comes in. Julie has a graphic design degree, an MBA and her own business. And when FreeFall Aerospace — 2019 Innovator of the Year Startup Company — needed somebody to explain their ground-and-satellite 5G tech to people like, well … us, they hired Julie. See, marketing isn’t rocket science. But marketing rocket science — that takes some really innovative ideas. And Julie’s got ’em.” – Dustin Trout

Watch this full video episode Rise Grind Repeat with Julie Bonner on YouTube.

“FreeFall is developing new antennas for space, ground and in the 5G wireless community. FreeFall’s hardware unique design is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The technology actually spun out of the University of Arizona. Our co founder, Chris Walker, a professor of astronomy at the UA  previously connected with our president, Doug Stetson, on a NASA project called GUSTO. Together they realized that what Chris is doing for space exploration in terahertz astronomy could be applied to telecommunications. Chris was used to studying dark matter and interstellar particles in the sky through the large telescopes he was building, but he realized this special design can help improve communications on the ground as well. Our unique antenna design helps move the data better from space back down to earth and vice versa. FreeFall is developing these concepts and applying them to move the data in a more efficient way.” – Julie Bonner

About Rise Grind Repeat:

Welcome to the Rise, Grind, Repeat Podcast where we (Dustin Trout of EIC Agency) talk to local entrepreneurs about their entrepreneurial journey. Their woes, and discuss strategy on different digital marketing tactics that they can maybe implement in their own business.

For more information visit EIC Agency website at https://eic.agency/ or Instagram @EveryImpressionCounts

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]]> Julie Bonner of FreeFall on SuccessLab Podcast https://www.freefallaerospace.com/julie-bonner-successlab/ Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:14:55 +0000 https://freefallmovingdata.com/?p=12245 Drive Connections by Aligning Your Mission, Values and Goals FreeFall’s Julie Bonner was interviewed on the SuccessLab Podcast by Beth […]

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Drive Connections by Aligning Your Mission, Values and Goals

FreeFall’s Julie Bonner was interviewed on the SuccessLab Podcast by Beth Cochran.  She is the marketing director at FreeFall Aerospace, a Tucson-based startup developing intelligent orbital and terrestrial antenna systems (or as this recent article in Wired Magazine referred to them, inflatable satellites).

“In this episode of The SuccessLab Podcast, we talk to Julie Bonner about how she broke into Arizona’s thriving aerospace sector,  how impactful connections have shaped her career journey, why getting involved in industry associations is key to securing new business as a marketers and designer, and the reason to always follow-up when networking (and not take it personally if someone doesn’t respond).”

“I believe in lining up with the right organizations. When you find the right ones, you’re aligning your values, your mission and your common goals, while building connections at the same time. For FreeFall, I’ve really become involved with Arizona Technology Council. We’re all supporting technology businesses thriving here in Arizona, and through that, we’ve built some really good partnerships. There’s a lot of ways we can help each other and also build up Arizona together.”

About Julie Bonner:
Julie Bonner, Marketing Director for FreeFall Aerospace, connects partners, vendors, and investors to FreeFall’s intelligent antenna systems. She’s created marketing campaigns and collateral for national corporations like Mister Car Wash to start-ups and non-profits. She has been awarded the Tucson AdFed Next Generation Award for making a significant impact on the advertising industry through leadership, career achievements and personal qualities, which also inspire others to excel. She is also active in Start-Up Tucson, Arizona Technology Council and Local First Arizona.

About Beth Cochran:
Beth Cochran is the founder and CEO of Wired PR, a strategic communications firm based in Phoenix. She specializes in helping organizations identify and interpret their unique stories to engage their consumers and convert them into passionate advocates. She is also the founder of SuccessLab where entrepreneurs collaborate to achieve greatness.

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