A third-generation Pakistani who grew up in East London, Sabrina Alam has been fighting for what she wants all her life. “Where I come from is probably not the best area,” she says. “Most people from there don’t usually leave.”
“I always knew that I absolutely loved science and physics,” Alam continues. “But there wasn’t much funding in school, so I was always told that science and maths and physics are not for you.” Battling stereotypes and other obstacles, “a part of me always knew that I didn’t really care what they said. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to make the world a better place using space and technology.”
That love for science and an ambition to change the world brought Alam to Queen Mary University of London, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in theoretical physics, followed by a master’s degree in space studies at the International Space University in Strasbourg. Alam was a research scholar at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, then returned to Europe where she worked as a researcher for the European Space Agency, conducting and analysing radiation shielding simulations. Pivoting towards commercial space, Alam joined SES, where she combined her interests in sustainability, space, technology, and business. She developed the company’s sustainability department, covering everything from space junk to lifecycle assessment and understanding the impact of the space industry on the planet.
Space and defence are evolving rapidly. “For the defence domain, space is playing a bigger role,” says Alam, who expects to see more funding, startups, and innovation. But space has a role to play in other industries, from finance to agriculture. “Everything is so data-driven, and space is what provides data.”
In 2023, Alam joined BDO as a director, then moved over to KPMG in 2024 to pursue more space-related work. She’s now a director for space, defence, and ESG advisory, as well as EU space lead, managing all space-related activities across the EU. “With my work, it’s really bringing in a lot of big European projects to Luxembourg,” she says, adding that it’s important to show that the country is a hub that has the expertise for these kinds of projects.
But that’s not all: Alam also shares her passion for space as a UN Space4Women mentor, aiming to make the industry more diverse and inclusive, and founded the Women in Aerospace Luxembourg chapter. Good networks and allies, she adds, can help you overcome barriers.
“I’ve been able to do everything I wanted to do as a kid, bridging the gap between space and making the world a better place,” says Alam. A key lesson learned? Don’t let others decide for you. “No matter who you are, no matter what you want to do, the industry and any role that you want to do – it’s for you. And don’t let people tell you otherwise.”
In her free time, Alam spends time with her pet chinchillas Pokie and Zeke, the “best husband in the world,” their three-month old baby, and loves going to the gym, reading romance novels, and playing the drums.
This article was published in the 8th edition of Forbes Luxembourg.
Read more articles:
Forbes Luxembourg Shines a Spotlight on Its First Ever Under 30 Honourees
