General Mashiko was born in Glendale, California, and entered the air force as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where she earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. Her career has spanned a wide variety of space and acquisition assignments, including chief of the Programs Division in the Office of Special Projects, executive officer to the Department of Defense Space Architect, and Director of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle System Program. She has also served as the program executive officer for Environmental Satellites; commander, MILSATCOM Systems Wing; and vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center. Prior to her current assignment, she was director, space acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, D.C. Mashiko earned a M.S.