“You have the right to be involved. You have something important to contribute, and you have to take the risk to contribute it.” – Mae Jemison
Jemison is an engineer, doctor, and astronaut from Decatur, AL. As a child, she knew she wanted to study science, yet she was irritated with the lack of women and black scientists—especially on the Apollo Missions. She graduated with a B.S. in chemical engineering in 1977, an M.D. in 1981, and became the first black astronaut in 1992. Jameson faced racial discrimination throughout her studies and demonstrated strength in persisting. She has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame among other honors, and currently leads the 100 Year Starship Project through DARPA.