Surmounting Barriers: Women of Color in STEM, (Part I)
Behind the scenes, brave women of color work to improve life for those around them. This has been true throughout history, as power structures have long created barriers to opportunities for women—especially women of color. At a recent conference of leaders and educators, PowHERful ambassador Deshawna Henry inspired her audience by featuring examples of women of color who, in the face of these barriers, have made unique contributions in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Deshawna asserts, "The more we share these women’s stories to educate, enlighten, and inspire, the more we can normalize the fact that women of color always were—and can be—scientists."
Here, we introduce just four of these women:
Ynés Enriquetta Julietta Mexía
Image source: California Academy of Sciences
Ynés Enriquetta Julietta Mexía (1870–1938), a Mexican-American, did not begin her career in botany until age 55. Then, in thirteen years of practice, she collected more than 145,000 specimens from Mexico, Alaska, and multiple South American countries, becoming one of the most prolific plant collectors of her time. She discovered over 500 new plant species, 50 named in her honor. Mexía’s accomplishments highlight the importance of perseverance and passion in scientific exploration.
Alice H. Parker
Image source: New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Alice H. Parker (1895–1920) introduced a new approach to home heating with her patent for a gas-powered central heating system. At the time of her innovative design, people relied on burning coal or wood as their primary heating source; her system was the first to be powered by natural gas and controlled by individual air ducts. Parker laid the groundwork for modern central heating, making homes safer and more comfortable.
Henrietta Bradbury
(Torpedo Discharge Means patent)
Image source: U.S. Patent issued Dec. 11, 1945
Henrietta Bradberry (1903–1979) an African American housewife, earned two patents in the 1940s, one for a bed rack to hang and freshen garments and, significantly, another for a device that used pressurized air to fire torpedoes from beneath the water's surface. Bradberry explained that ideas came to her during her workday, and she made the time to finesse her ideas. In inventing a more effective torpedo bomb, Bradberry demonstrates the critical role of women in advancing military technology and innovation.
Mary Golda Ross
Image source: San Diego Air & Space Museum
Mary Golda Ross (1908–2008), born in a small town in Oklahoma, was the first Native American female engineer. A trailblazer in aerospace engineering, Ross made significant contributions to Lockheed's early designs of intercontinental ballistic missiles and later to NASA's space exploration efforts, including the Apollo missions. She played a critical role in developing technologies that propelled humanity into space. In retirement, Ross focused on advancing young women and Native Americans in STEM fields.
In our next post, we’ll introduce four more inspiring women who surmounted barriers to make essential contributions to science and technology.