Cotton Canvas Tote Bag (Mary Jackson)

Mary Jackson (born April 9, 1921, Hampton, Virginia, U.S.—died February 11, 2005, Hampton) was an American mathematician and aerospace engineer. Here are the key highlights of her remarkable career:

Breaking Barriers:

In 1958, Mary Jackson became the first African American female engineer to work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
She was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, and earned a dual degree in mathematics and physical science from the Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1942.

Contributions to NASA:

Jackson worked as an aerospace engineer for about 20 years.
Her focus was on studying the airflow around aircraft, which was crucial for space exploration.
Despite early promotions, she faced barriers and was denied management-level positions.

Advocacy and Legacy:

In 1979, she left engineering to become the manager of the women’s program at NASA, where she worked to improve opportunities for all women.
Mary Jackson’s contributions gained greater recognition after her death in 2005.
She, along with other remarkable women like Dorothy Vaughan and Katherine Johnson, inspired the book and film “Hidden Figures,” highlighting the untold story of Black women mathematicians who played a pivotal role in the U.S. space race.