Margot Lee Shetterly

Margot Lee Shetterly is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race”. With this book, it was Margot’s mission to help the unsung heroes in STEM fields to gain their due recognition.

Throughout her childhood, Margot was told stories of the Black female mathematicians who made it possible for NASA’s moon landing expedition. However, she realised that not everyone was even remotely aware of the revolutionary contributions of these women. Through her book, Margot brought forth the much-needed conversation revolving around intersectionality, race, gender and science set in the times of the Second World War and Civil Rights Era. She was regarded as one of Hollywood’s Power Authors by Hollywood Reporter. Championing for more diversity in STEM fields, Margot is a fervent believer that the future of American innovation lies in addressing race and gender inequalities.  

An instant, rousing success, “Hidden Figures” was regarded as the top book of 2016 by TIME and Publisher’s Weekly and became a USA Today bestseller almost instantly. Adapted into a feature film entitled Hidden Figures, of which Margot was Executive Producer, it starred acclaimed actors such as Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner. Hidden Figures was nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards. The film was also featured at The White House – an incredible achievement.

Founder of The Human Computer Project, an endeavour to recover the histories of the pioneering female mathematicians who worked at institutions such as NACA and NASA, Margot is also a Visiting Scholar at the University of Virginia. A proponent for diversity, inclusion and racial equality, Margot Lee Shetterly is bound to leave your audience better educated about these topics. Book her today!