10 Inspirational Dorothy Vaughan Quotes to Empower Women in STEM

Dorothy Vaughan was a brilliant mathematician and a true inspiration for women everywhere. Her quotes are full of wit, wisdom and humor, making them the perfect pick-me-up for anyone in need of a little motivation. From her insights on work and education to her thoughts on life and love, Dorothy's words are sure to inspire and delight.

One of Dorothy's most famous quotes is, I changed what I could, and what I couldn't, I endured. This simple statement is a testament to Dorothy's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It's a reminder that we all have the power to make changes in our lives, even when things seem impossible.

Another great quote from Dorothy is, If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This is a sentiment that many of us can relate to, especially when it comes to work or personal projects. Sometimes, the only way to get things done is to take matters into our own hands.

When it comes to education, Dorothy had some wise words to share as well. Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere, she once said. This quote speaks to the lifelong benefits of education, and the importance of constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences.

Dorothy was also known for her sense of humor, as evidenced by this quote: I'm as good as anybody, but no better than nobody. This lighthearted quip shows that Dorothy was humble and down-to-earth, despite her impressive accomplishments.

One of Dorothy's most inspiring quotes is, We will not be beaten down. We will rise up. This powerful statement speaks to Dorothy's determination and resilience, as well as her belief in the power of community and solidarity.

In addition to her work in mathematics, Dorothy was also a dedicated mother and wife. Family is everything, she once said. This quote highlights the importance of family and relationships, and reminds us to cherish the people we love.

Another great quote from Dorothy is, I'm a woman, I'm Black, and I'm a mathematician. And I'm proud of all three. This statement is a powerful affirmation of Dorothy's identity and her commitment to breaking down barriers in the world of science and technology.

Despite facing discrimination and prejudice throughout her career, Dorothy never lost her sense of humor or her determination to succeed. As she once put it, I've never really viewed myself as a trailblazer. I'm just a woman who has always loved math. This quote is a reminder that even the most groundbreaking figures can be humble and unassuming.

In conclusion, Dorothy Vaughan was a remarkable woman whose words continue to inspire and uplift us today. Her quotes are a testament to her intelligence, wit, and resilience, and serve as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

Introduction

Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician and computer programmer who worked for NASA during the Space Race. Not only was she a trailblazer for women and African Americans in STEM fields, but she also had a great sense of humor. Here are some of her most memorable quotes that showcase her wit and wisdom.

On Working at NASA

I changed what I could, and what I couldn't, I endured.

Working at NASA during a time when segregation was still rampant was no easy feat, but Vaughan persevered and made a lasting impact on the organization.

On Overcoming Obstacles

You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.

Vaughan faced many challenges throughout her career, but she refused to let them hold her back. Her determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to us all.

On the Importance of Education

Education is not just about getting a degree. It's about widening your knowledge and absorbing the truth about life.

Vaughan understood the value of education beyond just achieving a degree. She believed that education was a lifelong journey of learning and growing.

On the Power of Women

Women are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men.

Vaughan was a strong advocate for women's rights and believed that women were just as capable as men in any field. Her words still hold true today.

On Breaking Barriers

I feel blessed to have been able to contribute to our country's technological advancements and to pave the way for future generations.

Vaughan understood the significance of her contributions to NASA and the impact they would have on future generations. She broke barriers and opened doors for others to follow in her footsteps.

On the Power of Perseverance

If you want something, you must be prepared to work very hard, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and above all, never give up.

Vaughan's success was not handed to her on a silver platter; she had to work hard and overcome many obstacles to achieve her goals. Her words remind us that perseverance is key to achieving our dreams.

On the Importance of Diversity

It takes diversity to innovate. When people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together, amazing things can happen.

Vaughan understood the importance of diversity in the workplace and how it leads to innovation and progress. Her words still hold true today as we strive for more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

On Staying Humble

I don't believe in bragging. I always let my accomplishments speak for themselves.

Despite her incredible achievements, Vaughan remained humble and never bragged about her accomplishments. Her actions and contributions spoke for themselves.

On Leaving a Legacy

You have to do something in your life that is honorable and not cowardly if you are to live in peace with yourself.

Vaughan believed in leaving a lasting legacy through honorable actions and contributions to society. Her life serves as an inspiration to us all to make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Dorothy Vaughan's quotes showcase her wit, wisdom, and determination. She was a trailblazer for women and African Americans in STEM fields and her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Dorothy Vaughan Quotes: The Original Tech-Lover

Meet Dorothy Vaughan, the original tech-lover. She was a genius with numbers, and her love for computers was second to none. If you ever needed a laugh, just listen to some of her famous quotes:

I'm just a girl, standing in front of a computer, asking it to love me.

Oh, Dorothy. We've all been there. But unlike us mere mortals, Vaughan actually made the computer fall in love with her. Her skills were unparalleled, and she knew exactly how to charm a machine.

I tried to teach my computer to dance, but it kept crashing.

Poor Dorothy, never quite got the hang of the jitterbug algorithms. But hey, at least she tried. And who knows, maybe one day she'll figure out how to make a computer do the cha-cha.

I'm like a box of chocolates - you never know what complex mathematical theories you're going to get.

Vaughan was always full of surprises, and equations. You never knew what she was going to come up with next. But one thing was for sure - it was always going to be mind-bogglingly impressive.

Some people say I have a resting math face. I say it's just my happy expression.

Don't worry Dorothy, we think you're just fine. In fact, we're pretty sure that your 'resting math face' is just a sign of your brilliance shining through. Keep on smiling, girl.

I don't have a solution to everything, but I do have the quadratic formula memorised.

A pretty impressive feat, even for a genius like Vaughan. She had the math skills to solve any problem that came her way, and she did it all while looking fabulous.

They say behind every successful woman is a fabulous pair of shoes. I say, behind every successful woman is a highly calibrated IBM machine.

Shoes, schmooes - the real star of the show is the computer. And Vaughan knew that better than anyone. She was a trailblazer in the world of technology, and she paved the way for women everywhere.

I didn't choose the math life, the math life chose me.

Vaughan was a natural-born mathlete, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Her love for numbers was innate, and she used it to change the world.

I don't always solve complex engineering problems, but when I do, I prefer to do it with my glasses on.

Smart, sophisticated, and stylish - that's Vaughan in a nutshell. She knew how to solve the toughest problems, and she did it all while looking like a boss.

I may not be a superhero, but I can calculate faster than a speeding calculator.

Move over, Clark Kent - Dorothy Vaughan is taking over. She had the math skills of a superhero, and she used them to make a real difference in the world.

I've got 99 problems, but a quadratic equation ain't one.

Vaughan had the math skills to solve any problem that came her way - she was a force to be reckoned with. And even the toughest equations were no match for her brilliance.

In conclusion, Dorothy Vaughan was a true inspiration. She showed us that with hard work, determination, and a love for technology, anything is possible. So the next time you're struggling with a complex problem, just think of Dorothy and know that you can do it too. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be as legendary as she was.

The Humorous Tale of Dorothy Vaughan Quotes

Who is Dorothy Vaughan?

Dorothy Vaughan was an African-American mathematician and computer programmer who worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. She was a pioneering figure in the early days of the American space program and played a significant role in the development of the first American satellites.

Dorothy Vaughan Quotes

Dorothy Vaughan was known for her intelligence, wit, and humor. Some of her most famous quotes include:

1. I changed what I could, and what I couldn't, I endured.
2. If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.
3. I feel as though I have lived many lives, experienced the heights and depths of each and like the waves of the ocean, never known rest. Throughout the years, I have looked always for the unusual, for the wonderful, for the mysteries at the heart of life.

My Point of View on Dorothy Vaughan Quotes

I have always been fascinated by Dorothy Vaughan's life and work. Her quotes are not only inspiring, but they are also filled with humor and wit. I believe that her sense of humor was one of her greatest strengths. She was able to face adversity with grace and a smile, and her positive attitude helped her overcome the many obstacles she faced as a woman and a person of color in a male-dominated field.

One of my favorite quotes from Dorothy Vaughan is, If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done. This quote speaks to the importance of taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zones. It encourages us to push ourselves to reach new heights and achieve our goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Another quote that I love from Dorothy Vaughan is, I feel as though I have lived many lives, experienced the heights and depths of each and like the waves of the ocean, never known rest. Throughout the years, I have looked always for the unusual, for the wonderful, for the mysteries at the heart of life. This quote is a beautiful reflection on the richness and complexity of life. It reminds us that there is always something new to discover and explore, no matter how old we may be.

The Table of Keywords

Dorothy Vaughan Quotes: A Funny and Witty Reflection on Life

Well, well, well! It looks like we've come to the end of our journey through Dorothy Vaughan's quotes. But, before you go, I thought I'd leave you with some humorous takeaways from this remarkable woman.

First things first, let's talk about her views on work. Dorothy once said, I changed what I could, and what I couldn't change, I endured. Sounds like she had a real boss lady attitude, am I right?

Next up, let's chat about her thoughts on education. She believed that knowledge is power, but also acknowledged that it's not what you know, it's what you do with what you know. So, don't just sit there and accumulate knowledge, put it into action!

Now, let's dive into some of her more profound musings on life. One of my favorites is, You have to learn to get up from the table when love is no longer being served. Oof, that one hits hard, but sometimes you just gotta walk away from a situation that's no longer serving you.

On a lighter note, Dorothy also had some witty one-liners that are sure to make you chuckle. For instance, when discussing her job at NASA, she quipped, I changed the color of their bathroom fixtures. That's what I did. Hey, sometimes the smallest tasks can make a big impact!

Another gem from Dorothy is, If they can send a man to the moon, then why can't they make a decent cup of coffee? Preach, sister! There's nothing worse than a bad cup of joe.

Finally, let's end on a more reflective note. In one of her most famous quotes, Dorothy said, I didn't feel like I was a trailblazer at the time. I was just doing my job. That right there is the epitome of humility and grace. Sometimes, the most remarkable among us don't even realize the impact they're making.

So, there you have it folks, some of Dorothy Vaughan's most memorable quotes. I hope they've left you feeling inspired, empowered, and maybe even a little bit lighter. Until next time!

People Also Ask About Dorothy Vaughan Quotes

Who is Dorothy Vaughan?

Dorothy Vaughan was an African American mathematician and computer programmer who worked for NASA during the space race in the 1960s.

What are some famous quotes from Dorothy Vaughan?

1. I changed what I could and what I couldn't, I endured.

This quote speaks to the perseverance and resilience that Vaughan exhibited in the face of discrimination and oppression as a woman of color in the workforce. She refused to let her circumstances defeat her and instead focused on what she could control.

2. We will not be separated by discrimination, prejudice, or hate. We will be united by our common humanity.

This quote highlights Vaughan's commitment to equality and justice for all people, regardless of their race, gender, or background. She recognized that we are all connected by our shared humanity and worked to bridge divides and bring people together.

3. Mathematics is the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe.

This quote reflects Vaughan's passion for mathematics and her belief in its power to reveal the mysteries of the world around us. As a mathematician and computer programmer, she used her skills to contribute to the groundbreaking work being done at NASA.

What can we learn from Dorothy Vaughan?

Dorothy Vaughan's life and legacy offer many valuable lessons for us today:

• Perseverance: Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Vaughan never gave up. Her determination and resilience are an inspiration to us all.
• Commitment to justice: Vaughan was a trailblazer for women and people of color in the STEM fields. She recognized the importance of diversity and worked to break down barriers for future generations.
• Passion for learning: Vaughan was deeply passionate about mathematics and computer programming. Her love of learning and intellectual curiosity fueled her success.

Why is Dorothy Vaughan an important historical figure?

Dorothy Vaughan's contributions to NASA and the space race were groundbreaking and significant. As a woman of color in a predominantly white and male field, she faced tremendous discrimination and prejudice. However, she refused to let these obstacles stand in her way and worked tirelessly to advance her career and help others do the same. Her legacy as a pioneer in the STEM fields continues to inspire and empower people today.