Author: Yasmine El Baggari

Date: 9/16/2025

Abstract

We want to host a special dinner event in San Francisco on November 7th where astronauts and refugees sit together, share a meal, and talk about their journeys. Even though they come from different worlds, both astronauts and refugees know what it’s like to face the unknown, take big risks, and adapt to new worlds. This project will create a safe, inspiring space for those conversations, helping people see how much we have in common. So far, we’ve hosted two dinners with Chris Sembroski in both Kent, Washington and San Francisco, and a third dinner with Astronaut Chris Hadfield in Tampa, Florida. We also plan to invite Frank White as a key guest, as well.

Problem

There are over 117 million displaced people worldwide and 3.7 million in the U.S. who have lost their homes due to war, climate change, and political unrest. Many feel isolated, unseen, and disconnected from the communities around them. At the same time, space exploration is often viewed as distant from everyday life. The connection between astronauts and refugees — both navigating uncharted territory — is rarely explored, and the opportunity to bridge these worlds is being missed.

Solution

The Voyaj Astronaut–Refugee Dinner Series brings astronauts, refugees, and local community members together for intimate, culturally immersive dinners. The setting includes Moroccan rugs, shared meals prepared by refugee chefs, and an intentional facilitation process that encourages storytelling. Astronauts like Chris Hadfield, José Hernández, Nicole Stott, Jeanette Epps will join refugees in conversation about courage, resilience, and adaptation.

Work to be done:

• Secure venue in San Francisco.
• Design cultural atmosphere with Moroccan decor and tea ceremony.
• Coordinate with astronaut guests and refugee community partners.
• Curate storytelling facilitation for meaningful exchange.
• Capture the experience through photos and video for MoonDAO and Voyaj networks.

Benefits

For MoonDAO:

• Aligns with MoonDAO’s mission of making space exploration relevant and accessible to all humanity.
• Offers inspiring media content linking space to human resilience on Earth.
• Builds public awareness of MoonDAO’s values through press and community engagement.

For the community:

• Fosters belonging for displaced individuals.
• Connects space exploration with real-world human experiences.
• Inspires collaboration between diverse communities.

Risks

1. Scheduling Conflicts: Astronaut availability may shift — mitigated by confirming backup guests.
2. Budget Constraints: Costs may exceed estimates — mitigated by securing in-kind donations from venue and food partners.
3. Community Sensitivity: Discussions may touch on trauma — mitigated by professional facilitation and creating a safe, respectful space.

Objectives

Objective #1: Host a successful Astronaut–Refugee Dinner in San Francisco in Fall 2025 that fosters authentic connections and generates storytelling assets for MoonDAO.

Key Results:

1. Host 30-40 participants including at least 1 astronaut, and 15 refugees, and local community.
2. Capture high-quality photos and 3–5 short videos for storytelling.
3. Publish post-event media to at least 3 platforms (MoonDAO channels, Voyaj, partner organizations).
4. Achieve 90%+ participant satisfaction via post-event feedback survey.

Member(s) responsible for OKR and their role: All led by Yasmine El Baggari

Team (Table A)

1. Project Lead: Yasmine El Baggari — Founder & CEO of Voyaj, event host, and community facilitator.
2. Initial Team

• Event Producer – logistics, vendor coordination
• Astronaut Liaison – coordinate astronaut participation and scheduling
• Media Lead – oversee photography, video, and post-production.
• Cultural Experience Designer – curate Moroccan and cross-cultural hospitality experience.

Timeline (Table B)

Deadline for the project: End of Q3.

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.)

Breakdown of cost:

Food & Beverages: Catered Moroccan-inspired dinner prepared by refugee chefs (30–40 guests), including tea service $1,300

Venue Rental: Intimate gathering space in San Francisco, 4–6 hours, with setup and cleanup $1,500

Signage & Cultural Decor: Moroccan rugs, cushions, tea set, printed signage, and branding elements for MoonDAO & Voyaj $600

Filming & Photography: Professional photographer + videographer, 3–4 hours, plus basic editing for 3–5 short clips $1,200

Miscellaneous & Transportation: Astronaut/local speaker transport, permits, contingency costs $400