Celebrating the legacy of Mary W. Jackson, NASA’s first black female engineer

Born on April 9, 1921, Mary W. Jackson made history as NASA’s first Black female engineer, shattering racial and gender barriers during the era of segregation in the United States. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, brilliance, and a quiet revolution within the fields of science and engineering.

Early Life and Education: Born in Virginia, Jackson excelled in mathematics and science from a young age. She graduated with degrees in math and physical science, setting the foundation for her future career. (wikimedia commons)

Starting at NASA (NACA): She began her career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA, working as a “human computer,” performing complex calculations by hand.

Breaking Barriers to Become an Engineer: To become an engineer, Jackson had to take special classes held in a segregated school. She obtained court permission to attend, ultimately earning her promotion to engineer in 1958.

Contributions to Aerospace Engineering: Jackson worked on wind tunnel experiments and helped improve aircraft design. Her research focused on aerodynamics, contributing to safer and more efficient flight.

Legacy and Recognition: Her story gained widespread recognition through the book and film Hidden Figures. In 2020, NASA honoured her by naming its headquarters the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters.

Advocate for Equality: Later in her career, she chose to step down from her engineering role to focus on promoting equal opportunities for women and minorities within NASA.