Black Female Innovators in Tech.

When you think of ‘women in tech,’ do Black women instantly come to mind?

Let's face it, Black women are often overlooked despite their groundbreaking contributions.

We are all plagued by this inherent societal bias. It affects our community by excluding Black women from spaces we absolutely deserve to be in, especially in industries like Tech.

To be deemed 'successful,' 'capable,' or 'knowledgeable,' society says fit the mould. And often, that mould looks nothing like us.

Today, I want to challenge that narrative by celebrating three incredible Black women who broke through those barriers:

Katherine Johnson: The Human Computer

At a time when technology was still in its infancy, Katherine Johnson’s genius as a mathematician made her a key player in the success of NASA’s early space missions. Known as a "human computer" for her extraordinary ability to perform complex calculations, her work on orbital mechanics was instrumental in the launch of the first U.S. spaceship by NASA. Her role in calculating trajectories for missions like the Apollo moon landing cannot be understated.

Despite being one of the first Black women to work at NASA as a scientist, Johnson’s perseverance in a field dominated by white men ensured that her talent and dedication would change the course of space exploration. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

Dr Gladys West: The Mathematician Behind GPS

Have you ever wondered who’s responsible for the GPS technology we use every day? One of the key contributors to this innovation is Dr. Gladys West, an African American mathematician from rural Virginia. Raised in an agrarian community, West’s journey to becoming one of the leading minds behind GPS began when she graduated top of her class and earned a scholarship to Virginia State College (now University).

Dr. West’s work at the U.S. Naval Proving Ground involved performing the mathematical calculations necessary to model the exact shape of the Earth. This breakthrough was essential to the development of the Global Positioning System, allowing us to determine our location from any point on the planet. Dr. West’s work paved the way for navigation systems we now rely on daily.

Dr Patricia Bath: Revolutionary Ophthalmologist

Dr. Patricia Bath was not only a brilliant ophthalmologist but also a revolutionary in the field of eye care. After completing medical school at Howard University and interning at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Bath noticed that Black communities, such as Harlem, had disproportionately high rates of visual impairment compared to more affluent areas. She realized that the disparity was largely due to a lack of access to adequate healthcare, rather than genetic factors.

In response, Dr. Bath proposed a program called Community Ophthalmology, which aimed to provide affordable eye care to underserved populations. Her most groundbreaking achievement, however, was her invention of the laser phaco probe, a device used to perform minimally invasive cataract surgery. This invention has restored the sight of millions around the world and revolutionized eye care.

Dr. Bath faced significant discrimination as a Black woman in medicine, but her determination and brilliance led her to become the first Black woman to receive a medical patent and the first female faculty member at UCLA's Department of Ophthalmology.

The stories of these women reflect the challenge of being a Black woman with ambitions and big dreams, but it is also a reminder that these challenges do not define your future. There is room for you in spaces you've been written out of, and you CAN take up space against all odds.

Book of the Week

Pratima Rao Gluckman's Nevertheless, She Persisted: True Stories of Women Leaders in Tech.

This book highlights stories of 19 women breaking barriers in tech, showing us that no matter what we’ve been told, our place is wherever we choose to take it.

Video of the week

How to Let Your Light Shine Bright by Lisa Nichols

In this inspiring video, you’re reminded to embrace your own light, regardless of how others try to diminish it I loved when Lisa said 

"As your light gets brighter, people are going to tell you, 'Your light's too bright.' look at them and say, Well, I'm not gonna dim my light, I'm just going to hand you some shades."

 Affirmation of the Week

Let’s close with our weekly mantra: 

“My light will not go unnoticed. I refuse to be afraid to let it shine.” 

Say it and believe it. Let it remind you that you have every right to stand tall and be proud of who you are, because you belong in every space you step into. 

 Until next time,
Natalia. 
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