About me
De’Schzunell "DJ" Catlin is a distinguished entrepreneur, engineer, and business development strategist recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree. With a decade-long career at NASA, DJ has built a reputation for innovation and leadership, particularly in fostering equitable access to opportunities for underrepresented businesses focused on technology innovation.As the co-founder and COO of The Equity Space Alliance, DJ is dedicated to advocating for inclusive ownership and diverse participation in the space industry. His pioneering work led to the creation of Gateway-Z (formerly Space Tech Connect), a transformative platform—announced by Vice President Kamala Harris—that revolutionizes how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) engage in government contracting.DJ’s academic background includes Applied Physics studies at Morehouse College, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Antelope Valley, and a Master’s in Global Management from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. He also holds a Venture Finance Certification from UC Berkeley School of Law.Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, DJ has been a key advisor to the Biden-Harris Administration and the National Space Council, focusing on strategies to enhance small, minority-owned business participation in government contracting and space policy. He has contributed to the White House’s Economic Opportunity Strategy and played a leading role in the White House Initiative on HBCUs, spearheading the Executive HBCU Space Lab to expand opportunities in space technology and government procurement.As a guest lecturer, DJ brings a wealth of expertise in government contracting strategies, offering invaluable insights into navigating business development in the public sector. His session will provide actionable strategies for businesses seeking to secure government contracts and expand their impact in highly competitive industries.
