02/12/2026
Dr. Mae Jemison is most famous for becoming the first Black woman astronaut to go into space in 1992; she is, however, a trained physician who has dedicated her life to improving global health. Dr. Jemison joined the Peace Corps in 1983 and worked as a medical officer for two years in Africa. Her work in the Peace Corps taught her about healthcare in developing countries. Later, as an astronaut, she learned about satellite telecommunications. She combined those two skill sets to form the Jemison Group, which develops telecommunications systems to improve healthcare delivery in developing countries.
Source: Queens Public Library
