Alexandria, VA – As we approach the holidays, I am reflecting on the role men have played propelling women forward. I am married to a man who is a true partner. Even though we had children, I was able to crisscross the United States and Canada for years in search of the hidden story about Martha Matilda Harper, the woman who invented the reclining the shampoo chair and launched modern retail franchising resulting in an empire of 500+ franchises worldwide. Because of Jim Bruen’s commitment to supporting me and my career, as well as his own PLUS being an engaged father, we both succeeded, our family thrived, and Harper’s buried story came to life. (www.marthamatildaharper.org).
Ira West, husband to Dr. Gladys B. West (the woman who enabled GPS), recently died after 67 years of committed marriage to Dr. West. In his own right, he was a distinguished Dahlgren scientist, part of the team that created the trailblazing submarine tracking system that ironically my Navy enlistee husband likely used in the 1950s to track Russian submarines. Ira West was also an engaged parent for the three West children and a key cheerleader for Dr. West’s professional and educational pursuits. Yet, the Wests were indebted to Ralph Neimann, the determined white manager who purposely hired professional blacks into his operation, breaking the historic color barrier.
Mr. West was the second such hire, and Dr. West became the fourth black and second woman. While clearly each of them was a brilliant scientist, neither might not have succeeded without Niemann’s brave moves.
That’s the point. If women are to succeed, we need the encouragement and commitment of men and corporations, along with the personal fortitude to persist and be encouraged by groups like the National Center of Women’s Innovations. The challenge remains formidable. Only 28% of women are in STEM, 15% are engineers, and less than 3% are women of color. As this column has demonstrated, despite these challenges, women have transformed the world, but imagine what it might be like if we all pulled together.
Virginia Tech’s Center of Innovations’ new academic campus will open in Potomac Yards this January 2025, thanks to the public and private sectors rallying together. The National Center of Women’s Innovations is thrilled that the Dr. Gladys B. West traveling exhibit will be unveiled at that Center when classes open and will remain there until June 2025. That exhibit was designed by Virginia Tech (Dr. West got her Ph.D. there). The worldwide Trimble Corporation, with the largest number of GPS patents of all corporations combined, is the named exhibit underwriter. With its support, Trimble will encourage youngsters, especially girls, to learn about Dr. West and be inspired to follow in her footsteps. Plan on visiting the public exhibit on the Center’s first floor from January to June, bringing friends and family! Drop in whenever the school is open if you want to arrange a school visit to the exhibit and have your students engage in the Dr. Gladys West GPS Challenge email [email protected]. Together, we will inspire our students to dare to explore STEM fields. And you can help by volunteering and donating. NCWI is your answer to your year-end New Year’s resolution to make a difference. www.womensinnovations.org
Speaking of giving back, just as the community supports us, volunteers from The National Center of Women’s Innovations recently stepped forward to help the Rotary. Ann Kaupp and Diane Redvanly helped me dish out scrumptious Warehouse crab bisque on November 1, 2024, at the Rotary Taste of Alexandria. It was the least we could do to support the Rotary, which graciously donated to our STEM student outreach. Of course, Mary Lee Anderson was the Rotarian assembling the many volunteers it took to pull off that jammed pack evening.
Lynn Kehoe and Christina Lam recently brought me to the Watkins Glen Racetrack to demonstrate the science behind racing, convincing our Board that 2025 should focus the community on women and automobiles. Stay tuned to jaw-dropping discoveries of the role women have and will be playing that are linked to women and motorsports. To wet your whistle, did you know, in 1893 Margaret Wilcox, a mechanical engineer, created a car heater? June McCarroll in 1917 came up with the concept of painting the road to designate lanes!!!! Lots to share in 2025, meanwhile stay safe and drive strategically to benefit.
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