Bridgit Mendler: Disney actor turned space startup CEO
Bridgit Mendler, a former Disney actor turned space startup CEO, is reaching for the stars
Remember the days when Disney was the ultimate launching pad for stars like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez? Well, hold onto your hats because a new name is stepping into the limelight, and this time it’s not for another blockbuster movie or chart-topping single. Enter Bridgit Mendler, the former Disney darling, who’s trading her acting chops for the cosmos as she embarks on a new journey as the CEO of a space startup called Northwood Space.
If you grew up watching Good Luck Charlie, you’ll recognize Bridgit Mendler as the talented Teddy Duncan. But fast forward to today, and she’s making waves in a whole new arena. In a recent announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mendler unveiled her latest venture: Northwood Space, a cutting-edge satellite data company based in California. Leading the charge alongside her is her husband, Griffin Cleverly, who’s taking on the role of chief technology officer.
In her tweet, Mendler teased, “Expect the unexpected!” echoing the sentiments of fans and industry insiders alike. Ari Eisenstat, the brains behind the Texas Eclipse Festival’s space program, commended Mendler’s bold move, highlighting how space exploration is no longer just the realm of governments but a frontier open to all. He emphasized the importance of diverse voices shaping the future of space endeavors, a sentiment echoed by many.
Bridgit Mendler’s education set her up for Northwood Space success?
With an initial investment of $6.3 million, Mendler’s vision for Northwood Space is clear: to build a data highway bridging Earth and space. But what led a Disney star to venture into the cosmos? Surprisingly, Mendler’s journey has always been multidimensional. Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, she pursued higher education, earning degrees from prestigious institutions like the University of Southern California, MIT, and Harvard Law School.
The spark for Northwood ignited during the pandemic lockdown in New Hampshire, where Mendler and her team tinkered with antennas while others perfected sourdough recipes. It was during her stint at the Federal Communications Commission in 2022 that Mendler’s passion for space law took flight, laying the groundwork for her cosmic ambitions.
Her fans are already orbiting around her latest endeavor, showering her announcement with over 23,000 likes and counting. As Northwood Space gears up to revolutionize satellite communication, Mendler’s journey from Disney sweetheart to space pioneer is poised to inspire a new generation of women in STEM.
Laurie Bardon Syphard, an environmental science educator, sees boundless potential in Mendler’s venture, citing her impressive credentials and undeniable charisma. For fans who’ve grown up with Mendler’s various personas, from singer to actress to now CEO, her leap into the cosmos feels like the natural next step in an extraordinary career trajectory.
As one fan aptly put it on X, “She is Barbie. Like 12 different careers.” Indeed, Bridgit Mendler’s evolution from child star to trailblazing entrepreneur epitomizes the spirit of possibility and reinvention—a journey that promises to captivate audiences both on Earth and beyond.
