Lydia
Lydia, an entrepreneur, was a seller of purple. Purple cloth in ancient days was a symbol of wealth. A confident, successful business woman who sold luxury goods to the elite and the powerful, Lydia knew there was more to life. It is here where Lydia’s heart was changed by God to hear the call of Jesus. Lydia was the Apostle Paul’s first European convert and provided support to him. When the heart of a working woman is opened to the gospel, she can impact the world!
In the spirit of Lydia and her extraordinary life and influence, each year Scenic City Women’s Network honors an extraordinary Christian working woman – a modern day Lydia. She is chosen as someone who has exhibited a life-time of mature Christian faith, enthusiasm for life, positively impacting lives and making a difference in the world around her, and being an encourager to other Christian working women. The SCWN Lydia honoree is a woman that demonstrates leadership, dedication, and faithfulness.
Modern Day Lydias
2025 Lydia Award Honoree
June Scobee Rodgers
June Scobee Rodgers is the Founding Chair of the Challenger Center and the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Richard “Dick” Scobee. June has dedicated her time and energy to continuing the crew’s educational mission. She founded the Challenger Center for Space Science Education to foster a new generation of “star challengers” – young people who will reach for the stars no matter their circumstances. Today, the Challenger Learning Centers around the globe engage hundreds of thousands of students and tens of thousands of teachers in dynamic, hands-on exploration and discovery opportunities that strengthen their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
An active and prominent leader in education, June holds a Ph.D from Texas A&M University and an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the University of Leicester, England. She has been a classroom teacher and university professor, served as a consultant to local, state and federal education agencies, and become a nationally recognized advocate for the advancement of science and math education.
While best known for her tireless efforts on behalf of Challenger Center, June has also gained attention for her work as an author. “Silver Linings: My Life Before and After the Challenger 7” is the expanded story of her book, “Silver Linings: Triumph of the Challenger 7” that was first published in 1996. It is a coming-of-age story that deals with issues like personal triumph and dreams to soar above it.
June has been nationally recognized and honored with countless awards during her professional career, including:
● National Eagle Award
● Women’s International Center’s Living Legacy Award
● Spirit of Volunteerism
● National Space Club Educator Award
● National Award for Excellence in Leadership
● Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award
● Apollo 50th Education Award
June has appeared on numerous national television news and talk shows, including CNN, Dateline NBC, Fox News, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The O’Reilly Factor and 60 Minutes. Her story was featured in various publications, including Guideposts, LIFE Magazine, Southern Living and Woman’s Day.
June was married to retired Lt. Gen. Don Rodgers (recently deceased), and together they have three adult children. She attends First Centenary Methodist and serves as a trustee on the National Medal of Honor Board. Originally from Texas, June and her siblings experienced many hardships that led to foster care placements and multiple relocations throughout her childhood.
But the one thing that always stayed with her was a small Bible her mother gave her at the age of eight. And even with her spotty education as a child and her lack of a stable home environment, she has often said, “I knew God would take care of me and I would become a teacher one day,” her dream job. June’s life did change significantly after she met, and married Dick Scobee, and the rest is history.
Past Lydia Award NOMINEES
