H. Justin Ballenger is an assistant professor of STEM education within the Professional and Continuing Studies Division at Morehouse College. He is also deputy director of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative and director of research for the National Data Science Alliance. His professional endeavors center on promoting inclusivity in data science and space STEM, both in research and community engagement. At the AUC Data Science Initiative, Ballenger spearheads initiatives aiming to expand research infrastructure and foster collaboration in the field of space STEM throughout the AUC, while also championing broader engagement across historically Black colleges and universities. He is an active participant in faculty advisement groups for the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy and National Space Council, as well as for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. Moreover, he is the site director for the AUC Data Science Initiative’s partnership with the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, collaborating with educators and NASA scientists to nurture the future space STEM workforce. Ballenger is the executive vice president of the Hines Family Foundation, where he conceptualizes and executes space STEM outreach programs tailored to benefit the African American community.