Proposal: Voyaj x MoonDAO x Chris Sembroski #

Voyaj Event: Chris Sembroski in Conversation with College Track Scholars — San Francisco, Spring 2026#

Abstract#

Voyaj connects people from around the globe for one-on-one meaningful exchanges to foster global understanding and peace. Our mission drives us forward daily. As such, Voyaj proposes hosting a large-scale Voyaj event in San Francisco in Spring 2026 featuring Inspiration4 astronaut Chris Sembroski in conversation with students from College Track, a leading college-completion nonprofit serving first-generation scholars from under-resourced communities, founded by Loraine Jobbs. https://collegetrack.org/ 

This Voyaj event will bring together Chris’s lived experience of spaceflight, risk, resilience, and teamwork with the stories of immigrant and first-generation students striving for college success. By creating a dynamic dialogue between exploration in space and personal journeys of overcoming obstacles on Earth, this event will inspire students to see themselves as future leaders, problem-solvers, and potential contributors to humanity’s exploration of the unknown.

Problem#

Many immigrant, first-generation, and low-income students face structural barriers to college access, degree completion, and career pathways in science, technology, and leadership fields. College Track equips students confronting systemic barriers with a 10-year integrated program that supports academic readiness, college persistence, career design, and life success — dramatically improving college completion outcomes.

Despite progress, students from under-resourced communities still rarely see their lived struggles reflected in high-profile narratives of resilience and exploration like spaceflight. This gap can limit belief in what’s possible for them — especially in STEM and future-focused fields.

At the same time, missions like MoonDAO’s seek to make space exploration relevant to all humanity, not just elite sectors — but too few touchpoints exist that deeply connect community members with space pioneers in meaningful, human terms.

Solution#

We propose producing a Voyaj signature event in San Francisco featuring Chris Sembroski in a moderated conversation with College Track scholars and alumni. This event will:

• Bring Chris’s story of spaceflight, curiosity, and overcoming adversity into direct dialogue with students’
  
• Highlight parallels between personal resilience and the mindset needed for exploration and innovation
  
• Inspire students to see college, STEM, and leadership as avenues for shaping the future
  
• Provide MoonDAO with rich storytelling content that connects space futures with human aspiration
  

Event Format Highlights#

• Keynote + fireside conversation with Chris Sembroski and College Track scholars
  
• Student panels and Q&A featuring diverse voices from the College Track community
  
• Interactive dialogue with MoonDAO representatives about space career pathways, exploration culture, and inclusive futures
  
• Community participation from local educators, families, and partners
  

Benefits#

For MoonDAO:#

• Reinforces MoonDAO’s mission of making space exploration relevant and accessible to all humanity
  
• Creates inspiring media and storytelling content linking space narratives with community impact
  
• Positions MoonDAO as a partner in educational equity, future leadership, and inclusive innovation
  
• Connects MoonDAO with students who may become future explorers, engineers, and creative citizens
  

For College Track & Community:#

• Inspires students with a live conversation that expands academic and career horizons
  
• Strengthens College Track’s support for scholars by linking their journeys to real-world explorers
  
• Offers meaningful exposure to space careers, systems thinking, and global impact pathways
  
• Builds belief in personal agency, resilience, and future possibility
  

Risks#

1. Budget constraints: Large events have cost variables. Mitigation: Secure in-kind sponsorship, venue partners, and shared promotional support
   
2. Audience engagement: Mixed-age groups may vary in interest. Mitigation: Thoughtful program design with student voice at the center
   

Objectives#

Objective:#

Host a landmark Chris Sembroski x College Track event in San Francisco (Spring 2026) that inspires first-generation and immigrant students toward futures in higher education, STEM, and innovation.

Key Results:#

• 500+ attendees, including College Track students, families, educators, and community partners
  
• 25+ student voices featured in discussion or panels
  
• Professional media assets produced:
  • One 3-minute event recap video
  • A set of 5 social posts + 1 reel (pre + during + post)
    
• Published content across MoonDAO + Voyaj + College Track channels
  
• 90%+ participant engagement satisfaction via quick post-event feedback
  

Team (Table A)#

1. Project Leads: Yasmine El Baggari — Founder & CEO of Voyaj and Chris Sembroski. 
2. Initial Team
   1. Event Producer – logistics, vendor coordination
   2. Astronaut Liaison – coordinate astronaut participation and scheduling
   3. Media Lead – oversee photography, video, and post-production.
   4. Cultural Experience Designer – curate Moroccan and cross-cultural hospitality experience.
      
      

Transactions (Table C)#

Please write out the specific transactions that need to be executed if this proposal passes. Please include the exact amount and token type and the receiving address (this is the multi-sig if there is more than one transaction that needs to be executed throughout the lifetime of this project.)

Venue Rental & Voyaj Event Production#

Large auditorium or event space in San Francisco suitable for 400–600 attendees, including stage, seating, AV setup (sound, lighting, projector), and on-site technical support for 4–6 hours. Estimated cost: $1,500

Food & Beverages#

Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages for students, families, and guests (water, juice, snacks), designed to support accessibility and comfort rather than a full meal. Estimated cost: $800

Program Design, Signage & Branding#

Event signage, printed programs, MoonDAO and Voyaj branding, stage backdrop, and wayfinding materials to create a cohesive and inspiring environment. Estimated cost: $400

Filming & Photography#

Professional photographer and videographer for keynote, student interactions, and audience moments (4–5 hours), including post-production of:

• One 3-minute recap video
• 3–5 short social clips

Estimated cost: $800

Speaker Travel & Hospitality#

Travel support, local transportation, and basic hospitality for Chris Sembroski (ground transport, lodging contribution if needed). Estimated cost: $2,000

Voyaj Event Staffing & Miscellaneous#

Event support staff, registration materials, accessibility accommodations, permits, insurance, and contingency costs. Estimated cost: $500