Mary Jackson
Mary Winston Jackson
Mary Jackson, NASA's first Black female engineer and a subject of "Hidden Figures," was born in Hampton, Virginia.
- Profession
- Engineer, Mathematician
- From
- Hampton, Virginia
- Born
- April 9, 1921
- Years active
- 1951–1985
Early life
Born in Hampton in 1921, Jackson graduated from Hampton Institute with degrees in mathematics and physical science.
Career
She began as a "human computer" at Langley and, after petitioning to take segregated engineering courses, became NASA's first Black woman engineer, later leading its women's programs.
Major achievements
Her story reached global audiences through the book and film "Hidden Figures," and NASA named its headquarters in her honor.
Legacy
Jackson is celebrated as a pioneer for women and African Americans in science and engineering.
References
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