Born: 1921 (Hampton, Virginia)
Died: 2005
Biography:
Mary Jackson (née Winston; April 9, 1921 – February 11, 2005) was an American mathematician and aerospace engineer who made significant contributions to the field of aeronautics at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Her remarkable career spanned over three decades at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, where she played a pivotal role in advancing aerospace technology.
Born on April 9, 1921, in Hampton, Virginia, Mary Jackson was the daughter of Ella Winston and Frank Winston. She grew up in this segregated town and attended high school, excelling academically and graduating with highest honors. Jackson’s thirst for knowledge led her to Hampton University, where she obtained bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physical science in 1942. During her time at Hampton, she was initiated into the Gamma Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
After completing her education, Jackson faced limited opportunities as a black woman in the 1940s. She persevered and worked as a teacher at an African-American school in Calvert County, Maryland, where she taught mathematics. Despite the racial discrimination prevalent in the South at the time, Jackson was determined to make a difference. She also dedicated herself to tutoring high school and college students, a passion she would pursue for the rest of her life.
In 1951, Jackson’s journey took an exciting turn when she joined the West Area Computing division of NACA, where she began her career as a computer. Although segregation was institutionalized, and facilities were racially divided, Jackson’s talent and dedication earned her recognition and respect among her colleagues. She swiftly gained traction, moving from a computation role to taking engineering classes. In 1958, she became the first black female engineer at NASA, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the field of aerospace engineering.
Throughout her tenure at NASA, Mary Jackson persistently proved her technical brilliance. She made significant contributions to various projects, including supersonic aircraft experiments in the 4’x4′ Supersonic Pressure Tunnel. Her expertise played a vital role in advancing the understanding of aerodynamics and optimizing flight performance. Jackson’s unwavering commitment to excellence earned her the most senior engineering title available at NASA after 34 years of dedicated service.
However, Mary Jackson faced another obstacle in her career progression. She recognized that promotional opportunities beyond a certain point required a supervisory role, which was difficult to attain for women, especially women of color. Determined to overcome this barrier and make a lasting impact, Jackson accepted a demotion to become a manager of the Federal Women’s Program and the Affirmative Action Program in the NASA Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. In this role, she became an influential advocate for increasing diversity and promoting the hiring and advancement of women in science, engineering, and mathematics careers at NASA.
Mary Jackson’s inspiring story gained wider recognition with the publication of the 2016 non-fiction book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. The book showcased the remarkable contributions of Jackson and her fellow female colleagues at NASA. The film adaptation of the book, also titled Hidden Figures, was released the same year, further highlighting Jackson’s important role in history.
In recognition of her groundbreaking achievements and significant contributions to the field, Mary Jackson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019. Her dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations of women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM fields.
In a testament to her enduring legacy, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NASA was renamed the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in 2021, honoring her pioneering spirit and indelible impact on the field of aerospace engineering.
Awards:
– Congressional Gold Medal (2019)
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