District News
Just four years after graduating from Hilliard Bradley High School, Class of 2021 alumna Ella Richardson is helping support one of the most complex engineering endeavors in the world—the International Space Station.
Richardson currently works for Barrios Technology as a contractor at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, serving as an Increment Engineer for the International Space Station (ISS). She is currently supporting Increment 75, working on console as a representative of the ISS Program alongside the Flight Control Team in Mission Control. In her role, she helps coordinate critical operations that keep the ISS running safely and efficiently.
After graduating from Bradley, Richardson attended Purdue University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2025. During her time at Purdue, she immersed herself in opportunities that combined leadership, service and hands-on engineering experience. She was actively involved in Purdue’s Women in Engineering Program, completed the Disney College Program as an attractions cast member at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and interned with Barrios Technology on the ISS Consumables Team—an experience that helped launch her career at NASA.
Outside of work, Richardson continues to give back by volunteering at Space Center Houston, where she helps inspire the next generation of explorers. She also enjoys running, returning to a sport she loved as a two-year varsity cross country runner at Hilliard Bradley.
From the classrooms and trails of Bradley to the flight control room at NASA, Richardson’s journey reflects how curiosity, determination and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary experiences.
Congratulations, Ella! We are proud to celebrate your accomplishments and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.
Share Your Alumni Story
We love highlighting the accomplishments and journeys of Hilliard graduates! If you would like to be featured in an upcoming alumni spotlight, we invite you to submit your story for consideration.
Our team will review all submissions and reach out if your story is selected for a future feature.
Please include the following in your submission:
- The year you graduated and which Hilliard City Schools high school you attended
- A brief overview of what you are doing now (career, education, or personal pursuits)
- Any major milestones, achievements, or unique experiences you’d like to share
- A few photos you are willing to include in your feature (professional or personal that help tell your story)
- Optional: any community involvement, hobbies, or passions that help round out your story
Click the link below to submit your information and be considered for a future alumni spotlight.
