Engineering breakthroughs rarely happen overnight. They come from years of curiosity, courage, and dedication—qualities embodied by the trailblazers who have quietly shaped our world. In Part 2 of our “Engineers You Should Know” series, we highlight three remarkable women whose innovations transformed aviation, space exploration, and leadership in STEM: Elizabeth “Elsie” MacGill, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Wanda M. Austin.
Their stories remind us that engineers are problem solvers, pioneers, and advocates for the next generation. Let’s dive into their extraordinary impact.
Elizabeth “Elsie” MacGill: The Queen of the Hurricanes
Elizabeth “Elsie” MacGill made history as the first woman in the world to earn an aeronautical engineering degree and the first woman to design an aircraft. Born in Canada in 1905, MacGill overcame staggering obstacles, including paralysis from polio—to become a pioneering force in aviation.
During World War II, she led the production of the Hawker Hurricane fighter planes for the Allied forces. Her leadership and technical brilliance earned her the nickname “Queen of the Hurricanes.” She didn’t just manage production, she improved the aircraft’s design and developed modifications for flying in harsh winter conditions.
Beyond her engineering achievements, MacGill was a fierce advocate for women’s equality. She served on the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada, pushing for workplace equity, childcare support, and educational opportunities. MacGill proved that innovation and activism can go hand in hand, and that engineering can be a powerful tool for shaping society.
Mary Jackson: NASA’s First Black Female Engineer
Mary Winston Jackson’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and service. Before she became NASA’s first Black female engineer, Jackson worked as a math teacher, bookkeeper, and secretary. Her path to NASA was anything but linear, but every step revealed her commitment to helping others and expanding the reach of science.
Beginning as a “human computer” at the segregated West Area Computing unit—led by Dorothy Vaughan—Jackson quickly distinguished herself. After working in Langley’s Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, she earned a recommendation to join an advanced engineering program. Because classes were held at a segregated high school, she had to petition the City of Hampton for permission to attend. She succeeded, completed the courses, and in 1958 achieved her historic promotion to engineer.
For nearly two decades, Jackson conducted groundbreaking research on airflow, aerodynamics, and boundary-layer behavior around aircraft. When she realized that women at Langley faced systemic barriers to advancement, she made a bold decision: she stepped down from engineering to manage the Federal Women’s Program, advocating for women engineers, scientists, and mathematicians across NASA. Her legacy is both technical and human—proof that lifting others is a form of engineering, too.
Dr. Wanda M. Austin: A Leader Guiding the Future of Space
Dr. Wanda M. Austin is a modern engineering icon whose work has shaped national security, space technology, and STEM leadership. As the first woman and first African American president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, she led more than 3,600 employees and oversaw nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. Under her leadership, the organization advanced crucial technologies that protect the nation’s space assets.
Austin grew up in New York City and attended the competitive Bronx High School of Science before earning degrees in mathematics and systems engineering. Her expertise eventually led her to serve on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and the NASA Advisory Council, where she helped guide national policy on space exploration and defense.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Austin is deeply committed to inspiring young people to pursue STEM. She founded MakingSpace, Inc., wrote the leadership book Making Space: Strategic Leadership for a Complex World, and continues to advocate for diversity and excellence in engineering. Her career shows that engineers don’t just build systems—they build futures.
Why These Women Matter
Elsie MacGill, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Wanda M. Austin lived in different eras and faced different challenges, but they shared a powerful truth: engineering can change the world, and anyone with passion and perseverance can be part of that change.