Mary Winston Jackson
Personal Information
Born: 1921
Died: 2005
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: Black
Education
Hampton University BS Mathematics & Physical Science 1942; University of Virginia-engineering classes
Professional Life
Field of Study: Mathmatics; Aerospace Engineer
Institution/Corporation: NASA; Langley Research Center; Girl Scouts
Degrees & Memberships: Member: National Technical Association, Girl Scouts
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2019, Congressional Medal of Honor; 1969, Apollo Group Achievement Award; 1976, Langley Research Center Volunteer of the Year; 2021, Washington DC Headquarters of NASA renamed Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters; Daniel s Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to Disadvantaged Youth; National Council of Negro Women, Inc Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Community;1972, Distinguished Service Award for work with the Combined Federal Campaign Representing Humanitarian Agencies; 1975, Langley Research Center Outstanding Volunteer Award; 1976, Iota Lambda Sorority Award for the Peninsula Outstanding Woman Scientist; King Street Community Center Outstanding Award; 1976, National Technical Association s Tribute Award; Hampton Roads ChapterBook of Golden Deeds for service; 1976-77, Langley Research Center Certificate of Appreciation; Nov. 6, 2020, a satellite (NuSat17 or Mary COSPAR 2020-079J) named after her was launched into space
Achievements: NASA s 1st Black female engineer
1958, 1st African-american female engineer to work at NASA
1 of NASA's Hidden Figures
Had to 0btain special permission from the city of Hampton, VA to attend the all-white school to take classes she needed to become an engineer
Worked to influence the hiring & promotion of women in NASA's science, engineering, & math careers
Was a Girl Scout leader for over 30 years
1970s, helped African-American children in her neighborhood community create a miniature wind tunnel for testing airplanes
tutored high school & college students throughout her lifetime