Astronaut shows why ‘career showers’ are just as special as bridal or baby showers

Bachelorette parties, bridal showers, baby showers, kids’ birthday parties—the opportunities to celebrate women during such major milestones feels endless. And while it’s amazing to shower your loved ones during these big life moments, women who don’t get married or have children can certainly feel isolated from all the celebratory events.

One astronaut is making the case for career showers, sharing that the women in her family threw her an adorable “space sprinkle” to celebrate her second spaceflight. Naturally, the soirée included plenty of space-themed snacks, drinks, and decorations… and if you wish you’d gotten an invite, we’re right there with you.

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A post shared by Kellie Gerardi (@kelliegerardi)

As one of the first 100 women to go to space, Kellie Gerardi has a laundry list of accomplishments and accolades, all of which are worth celebrating in equal measure. Along with working towards “democratizing access to space” and inspiring young girls—including her 7-year-old daughter Delta—to pursue their own career ambitions in the space sciences, she is also an author and researcher.

Back in June, Gerardi announced she’d be embarking on her second spaceflight, calling it an “exciting new chapter” for her family. Shortly thereafter, she shared on TikTok how “lucky” she feels to have been born in a time where women are better able to achieve their dreams than they were in her mother’s generation. And yes, that includes a “space sprinkle” thrown by her nearest and dearest, complete with all the fixings for an out-of-this-world space-themed shindig.

“Just one generation later, it feels surreal for my own daughter to watch the women in my family celebrating a career ‘shower,’” she wrote, “especially for a (second) spaceflight. It’s pure luck to have been born in this generation. ✨”

“I can’t help but think of all the equally ambitious women in history who were born before society had caught up to their talents and potential,” she continued. “it’s always been an issue of access, not aptitude.”

Career showers have been trending for some time now, and they’re a great way to honor any sort of professional achievement, be it a promotion or new job, launch of a new business, or any special moment worth celebrating. After all, there are so many joyous, exciting milestones in someone’s life, and they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Especially if your pal has been there for every engagement and bachelorette party, bridal and baby shower, and kid birthday party, showering them with some love in return sounds like a solid plan all around.