Mezziah Boyd Diversity in Technology

 Black Woman in the Technology Field  What was her contribution to the field of technology? Annie worked at NASA (and its predecessor NACA) beginning in 1955 as a mathematician-one of only four African Americans among roughly 2,500 employees. As NASA transitioned to digital computing, she taught herself FORTRAN and assembly language, becoming a key programmer. Her code supported rocket propulsion software for the Centaur rocket and simulations used in early battery and energy-conversion research. Annie's work laid groundwork for hybrid vehicle energy systems and spaceflight computing. What inspired her to pursue a career in technology? Annie was inspired after reading about twin sisters working at NACA as human "computers". She applied soon after and was hired, drawn to the challenge and emerging field of flight and space research. How did under-representation shape her experiences in technology? As one of very few black women at NACA/NASA, Annie encountered racial and ge...

  Black Godfather of Silicon Valley What was his role in contribution to the field of technology? Roy L Clay Sr coded software to simulate nuclear radiation spread at Lawrence Livermore lab, he was recruited by HP co-founder David Packard. He led HP's first computer division and wrote software for the HP2116A (1966)- HP's first minicomputer using circuits. He later founded Rod-L Electronics, pioneering electrical-safety testing equipment still in use today.  What inspired Him to pursue a career in technology? Clay grew up in segregated Missouri, excelled at math, and overcame limited opportunities by teaching himself coding. His initial role as a teacher led him to self-teach computer programming, pursuing computing despite institutional barriers. How Did Under-representation shape his experiences in technology? During an interview at McDonnell Aircraft after college, Roy states he was told " we don't hire professional negroes". Undeterred, he persisted and eventu...