Presented by The Hampton Roads Oral History Project and Women's and Gender Studies Program at Christopher Newport University.

So many of the diverse women behind history’s biggest accomplishments are forgotten – but thanks to Margot Lee Shetterly, a few of them are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Shetterly is the author of Hidden Figures, the New York Times bestselling book behind 2016’s Oscar-nominated hit film. Hidden Figures details the untold story of the Black, female NASA mathematicians whose grit and determination in the face of discrimination helped America win the space race.

What do these women of science teach us about the value of seeking talent, no matter where it comes from? And what insights can they offer us about the present and future of STEM? With the civil rights movement as background and context, Shetterly shares the stories of these pioneering female mathematicians, and discusses how diversity, mentorship and a passion for work can unlock the door to individual and organizational success. Book signing to follow.

With special support from the Division of Student Affairs and additional sponsorship from Trible Library; the College of Arts and Humanities; the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences; and the Departments of Communication; English; Fine Art and Art History; History; Mathematics; Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures; Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering; Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology; and Theater and Dance.

This event is free and open to the public.