Who Is Mary Jackson (engineer)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mary Jackson was born on April 9, 1921, which makes her 104 years old as of 2025. She grew up in Hampton, Virginia, and went on to become one of NASA's first black female engineers, making significant contributions to the United States' aeronautics and space programs. Jackson's journey was not just about engineering; it was about breaking down the barriers for women and minorities in STEM fields, spawning a lifetime of efforts toward advocacy and education.
For more details about her life and achievements, visit her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Mathematician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1921 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 February, 2005 |
| Died Place | Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
Popularity
Mary Jackson (engineer)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mary Jackson stood at an average height. While specific details on her physical measurements are not extensively documented, her presence in the engineering field was larger than life. Despite facing numerous challenges, she maintained a dignified and committed stance against the norms of her time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mary Jackson was married to Levi Jackson, with whom she shared a strong partnership. They had a loving family, including their children, who embraced her legacy. Throughout her life, her relationships were characterized by support and mutual respect, contributing to her successes in both her personal and professional spheres.
Net Worth and Salary
Mary Jackson's net worth was not documented during her lifetime as extensively as other celebrities, mainly due to her role in government service, where salaries were often standardized. However, her contributions to NASA and her pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the engineering world, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists. Her work helped lay the groundwork for future innovations, though the financial aspects of her career were never the primary focus for her.
Career, Business, and Investments
Mary Jackson's career at NASA spanned over three decades, starting as a mathematician and eventually becoming an aerospace engineer. Her work involved studying the effects of atmospheric conditions on aircraft performance and contributing to the United States' aeronautics advancements.
In addition to her engineering role, Jackson was a staunch advocate for gender and racial equality in the workplace. She became involved in initiatives to encourage young women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM, demonstrating her commitment to fostering diversity in the engineering community. Jackson’s legacy inspired future generations, leading to her honorary title of "Hidden Figure," recognized in the film of the same name that depicts her and her colleagues' monumental contributions.
Mary Jackson (April 9, 1921 – February 11, 2005) was an American mathematician and aerospace engineer at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which in 1958 was succeeded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She worked at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, for most of her career.
She started as a computer at the segregated West Area Computing division in 1951. In 1958, after taking engineering classes, she became NASA's first black female engineer.
Social Network
Although Mary Jackson passed away in 2005, her legacy has not diminished in the digital age. Social media platforms and online communities honor her contributions through discussions, educational posts, and commemorative events. Her story has revitalized interest in the stories of women in STEM, visible through various hashtags and initiatives that aim to keep her memory alive.
Jackson's story features in the 2016 non-fiction book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. She is one of the three protagonists in Hidden Figures, the film adaptation released the same year. In 2019, Jackson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
In 2021, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NASA was renamed the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters.
Education
Mary Jackson graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) with a degree in Mathematics and Physical Science in 1942. Her educational journey was just the beginning of her pursuits in engineering, as she continuously sought to expand her knowledge and influence in her field.
Through her commitment to education and advocacy, Mary Jackson has become a timeless figure whose impact resonates well into 2025 and beyond. Her contributions extend beyond her technical achievements, symbolizing the fight for equality in the workplace and inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.
She grew up in Hampton, Virginia, United States of America, where she graduated from high school with the highest honors. Jackson earned bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physical science from Hampton University in 1942. She was initiated into the Gamma Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Hampton.
