Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician whose work was crucial to the success of NASA's early space missions. Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson demonstrated remarkable mathematical abilities from a young age. She attended West Virginia University, where she became one of the first African American women to desegregate the graduate school. Johnson's career at NASA began in 1953, where she contributed to trajectory analysis for the first American in space and calculated the flight path for the Apollo 11 moon landing. Throughout her career, Johnson faced significant challenges due to both racial and gender discrimination. Nevertheless, her exceptional talent earned her recognition and respect within the scientific community. She worked with prominent figures like John Glenn, who specifically requested her to verify the calculations made by computers. Johnson's work not only played a pivotal role in the success of space missions but also helped pave the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields. In recognition of her contributions, Johnson received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story gained broader attention through the book and film "Hidden Figures," which highlighted her and her colleagues' significant impact on NASA's programs. Katherine Johnson's legacy as a mathematician and trailblazer continues to inspire many, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity. Katherine Johnson was a pioneering African American mathematician whose contributions were vital to NASA's early space missions, notably the Apollo moon landing. Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, she showcased extraordinary mathematical abilities from a young age and later attended West Virginia University, becoming one of the first African American women to attend its graduate school. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, her work earned her respect and recognition, culminating in awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and her inspiring story being featured in "Hidden Figures."