Celebrating Katherine Johnson: The Human-Computer Who Pioneered Space Exploration
As we honor Black History Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible contributions of Black leaders who have shaped history and transformed the technology industry we’re in today. This week, we celebrate Katherine Johnson, a trailblazing mathematician whose groundbreaking work at NASA forever changed the landscape of space exploration and technology. In 2015, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her immeasurable contributions to science and space exploration, and in 2016, the film Hidden Figures celebrated her impact on the big screen. But Katherine solidified her legacy well before — throughout a career of overcoming obstacles as a Black woman in a male-dominated field.
A Calculating Genius
Katherine Johnson, born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, displayed an extraordinary aptitude for mathematics from an early age. By 18, she had graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia State College with degrees in mathematics and French. Little did the world know, she would go on to make calculations that would guide astronauts into space and back home safely.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
In 1953, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. At the time, opportunities for Black women in STEM were scarce, but Johnson’s exceptional skills soon proved indispensable.
One of her most notable achievements was her work on the 1961 mission of Alan Shepard, the first American to travel into space. Her calculations for Shepard’s trajectory ensured the flight’s success. However, her work on John Glenn’s 1962 orbital mission solidified her legacy. Glenn insisted that Johnson verify the calculations made by NASA’s new electronic computers before his launch, famously stating, “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.”
Katherine also played a vital role in calculating the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing and contributed to developing the Space Shuttle program. Despite facing systemic discrimination and segregation, she shattered barriers with her intellect, determination, and courage.
A Legacy of Inspiration
When I first watched Hidden Figures, it was so empowering to see Katherine Johnson and her colleagues, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan, highlighted so prominently. These women, whose contributions had long been overlooked, finally had their stories brought to light. Being a woman of color in the male-dominated technology industry, the strength and pose these women portrayed continues to inspire me.
What stood out most to me was their brilliance and resilience. They faced incredible barriers – racial, gender-based, and societal – yet they refused to let those barriers define their potential. Watching their story unfold made me think about how impactful it would be for future generations to learn about them, see themselves in these trailblazers, and know that they, too, can achieve the extraordinary. While much progress has been made, the work is far from done, and we remain committed to advancing this mission through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Women in Technology (WIT) and Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE), empowering the next generation of diverse leaders.
Honoring Katherine Johnson Today
Katherine’s legacy reminds us of the power of perseverance and the value of diversity in shaping innovation. Her story inspires us to break barriers, embrace challenges, and push boundaries in our fields.
As we reflect on her extraordinary achievements, let us honor her contributions by fostering opportunities for future generations of underrepresented talent in STEM. At AvePoint, we are committed to making an impact through continued investment in groups like our Employee Resource Groups - Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE) and Women in Technology (WIT). We also support mentoring programs with students from nonprofits we partner with, such as the African Diaspora College Access Program (ADC). Katherine Johnson’s brilliance, courage, and pioneering spirit will forever inspire the stars.
Kunal Patel is a Senior Customer Success Manager at AvePoint, assisting strategic customers in their journey to adopting and securing Microsoft workspaces.
