Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Margot Lee Shetterly

Author Of Hidden Figures: The #1 New York Times Bestseller & Inspiration For The #1 Movie

Margot Lee Shetterly Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Author Of Hidden Figures: The #1 New York Times Bestseller & Inspiration For The #1 Movie

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Margot Lee Shetterly
Speaking Fee:
$50,000 to $75,000

Travels From:
RIC - Richmond, VA

Primary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers

Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black

 

Margot Lee Shetterly Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures—the #1 NYT bestseller that inspired the #1 movie—is the true story of the Black women mathematicians who helped NASA land a man on the moon. Growing up, Margot heard these women’s stories from her father, a research scientist at NASA. It was only later in life that she realized how little these women’s contributions were known throughout the rest of the country—and decided she would make a change. In talks, Margot celebrates these unsung heroes, teasing out issues of race, gender, science, and innovation against the backdrop of WWII and the Civil Rights Era.

Margot Lee Shetterly is a celebrated author, researcher, and entrepreneur known for her groundbreaking work, "Hidden Figures." Her book shed light on the under-acknowledged contributions of African-American women mathematicians to NASA's space missions, profoundly changing public understanding of space history. Born in Hampton, Virginia, Shetterly grew up in an environment rich with stories of scientific achievement, thanks to her father, who worked as a research scientist at NASA's Langley Research Center. Shetterly's journey began with a solid foundation in economics, which she studied at the University of Virginia. She then spent over a decade working in investment banking, media startups, and as a business analyst. However, her passion for storytelling and history eventually steered her towards writing. Margot's meticulous research and narrative talent led to the publication of "Hidden Figures," which not only became a New York Times bestseller but also inspired an acclaimed film adaptation. In addition to her literary success, Shetterly is the founder of The Human Computer Project, an organization dedicated to preserving the stories of all of NASA’s women computers and mathematicians. Her work plays a crucial role in diversifying narratives in STEM fields and inspiring future generations. She delights in uncovering these hidden histories and believes in the power of stories to transform cultural perceptions. Margot is also a sought-after keynote speaker, engaging audiences with her deep insights into innovation, perseverance, and the importance of diversity. Her ability to weave complex historical contexts into compelling, accessible narratives makes her a standout figure in contemporary American literature and thought leadership. Margot Lee Shetterly continues to explore and celebrate the intersection of race, gender, science, and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on both history books and the minds of her readers and listeners.
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