Trailblazer Who Paved the Way
Mae Jemison
Engineer, Physician & Astronaut - NASA
“Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.”
Her Story
Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel to space, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Before NASA, she earned degrees in chemical engineering and medicine, and served as a Peace Corps medical officer in West Africa.
How She Got Into Tech
She studied chemical engineering at Stanford at 16, then pursued a medical degree at Cornell before applying to NASA's astronaut program, drawing on both her engineering and medical background.
A Day in Her Work
Aboard Endeavour, she conducted experiments in life sciences and material sciences as a mission specialist, work that combined her medical and engineering training directly.
Proudest Achievement
Becoming the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992.
Biggest Challenge
Navigating a field with very few visible role models who shared her background, and pursuing multiple advanced degrees across different disciplines to build the qualifications NASA required.
Advice for the Next Generation
Don't let anyone else's limited imagination about what you can do define what you actually pursue.
Who Inspired Her
Actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura on Star Trek, whom Jemison credits with helping her imagine herself in space before she ever thought it was possible.
More
Founded the 100 Year Starship organization and continues public speaking and STEM advocacy work.
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