Katherine Johnson 

Born August 26, 1918, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, U.S.—died February 24, 2020

Katherine Johnson was an African-American mathematician whose work was critical for several successful NASA missions, including the Apollo 11 mission to the moon and back. 

Johnson fought segregation and discrimination throughout her career while achieving success in her field at the highest level. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.