Margot Lee Shetterly

Margot Lee Shetterly is an acclaimed American author, researcher, and entrepreneur, best known for her groundbreaking book Hidden Figures. Born in 1969 in Hampton, Virginia, she grew up near NASA’s Langley Research Center, where her father worked as a research scientist. Her deep ties to the world of science and technology inspired her to explore untold stories of African American women in STEM. Shetterly’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling brought long-overdue recognition to the Black female mathematicians who contributed to America’s space program.

Her 2016 debut book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a highly successful, Oscar-nominated film. Through her writing, Margot Lee Shetterly highlights themes of perseverance, systemic racism, and the power of intellectual excellence in the face of adversity. She continues to advocate for diversity in science, history, and education through her nonprofit, The Human Computer Project.

Among Shetterly’s most quoted reflections is: “The story of the women at Langley is one of the most important and rich stories in American history that has not been told.” Another powerful quote is: “There’s something about witnessing people who’ve done extraordinary things that makes you want to rise to your best self.” These insights reflect her mission to bring hidden narratives to light and to empower readers through truth, recognition, and representation. Through her work, Margot Lee Shetterly reshapes our understanding of history and who gets to be remembered in it.