Mary Jackson was a pioneering African American mathematician and aerospace engineer, known for her contributions to the field of aeronautical research and for breaking down barriers for women and people of color in STEM fields. Jackson began her career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA, as a mathematician. She was the first African American female engineer at the agency.

Jackson's work at NASA included conducting experiments in wind tunnels and studying mathematical data related to aircraft design, contributing to the success of numerous high-profile projects, including the Apollo space program. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Jackson persisted in her pursuit of excellence and eventually became a respected engineer and advocate for equal opportunities in the aerospace industry.

In 2019, Mary Jackson posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements and contributions to American history. Her story was also highlighted in the book and film "Hidden Figures," which brought her incredible legacy to a wider audience. Mary Jackson's trailblazing career serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and mathematicians, as well as a reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in scientific fields.