Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to orbit into space aboard the shuttle Endeavour in 1992. The team made 127 orbits around the Earth over eight days. Beyond being a former NASA astronaut, Jemison is also a physician, medical doctor, Peace Corps volunteer, and president of a tech company, the Jemison Group. On top of all these roles, she is also in charge of the 100-Year Starship project through the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The project is studying and developing the viability of human space travel to another star over the next century. She continues to work towards the advancement of young women of color in technology, engineering, and math careers.

(Source: Parade “30 Black Americans To Celebrate During Black History Month and Beyond“)