Mary Jackson
An American mathematician and aerospace engineer at NASA, who became NASA's first black female engineer.
Most quoted
"We have to do something like this to get them interested in science. Sometimes they are not aware of the number of black scientists, and don't even know of the career opportunities until it is too late."
— from On community outreach, 1970
"I plan to be an engineer at NASA, but I have to take the graduate-level courses in math and physics to qualify, and they're only offered at a segregated high school."
— from Conversation with supervisor, 1958
"I changed my mind about what I wanted to be, and I changed my mind about what I wanted to do, and I changed my mind about what I wanted to be when I grew up."
— from Interview
All quotes by Mary Jackson (397)
I believed in the power of knowledge.
I wanted to inspire young people.
My work was important. It contributed to something greater.
I was a pioneer. I was breaking barriers.
I faced discrimination, but I didn't let it stop me.
I always held my head high.
I believed in equality for all.
I wanted to leave a legacy.
I was a strong woman in a man's world.
I proved that women could do anything.
I was a role model.
I encouraged others to pursue their passions.
I was a problem solver.
I loved the challenge of complex equations.
Mathematics was my language.
I found beauty in numbers.
I contributed to the advancement of human knowledge.
I was part of a team that made history.
I never sought recognition, but I was proud of my accomplishments.
I believed in the American dream.
Contemporaries of Mary Jackson
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of Mary Jackson (1921–2005).