February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black leaders who have paved the way for future generations. For teen girls in Texas interested in STEM and business, there are many incredible Black women whose stories serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment.
These women have broken barriers, innovated industries, and created opportunities for young girls to follow in their footsteps. Here are some trailblazers whose achievements continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.
1. Dr. Mae Jemison – First Black Woman in Space
Born in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Chicago, Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She is not only an astronaut but also a doctor, engineer, and entrepreneur.
💡 Inspiration for Texas Girls: Dr. Jemison’s love for science started at a young age, showing that girls from all backgrounds can pursue their dreams in STEM. Her story proves that curiosity and hard work can take you beyond the stars!
2. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson – A Pioneer in Physics
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is a physicist whose groundbreaking research has led to advancements in telecommunications, including technology behind fiber optics and caller ID. She was also the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from MIT.
💡 Inspiration for Texas Girls: Her journey shows that Black women belong in high-level scientific research and leadership. For girls in Texas interested in physics, engineering, or computer science, Dr. Jackson’s success is proof that they can excel in these fields.
3. Rosalind Brewer – CEO of Walgreens & Former Starbucks COO
Rosalind Brewer is one of the most powerful Black women in business, currently serving as the CEO of Walgreens. She was previously the COO of Starbucks and the CEO of Sam’s Club, making her the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.
💡 Inspiration for Texas Girls: Brewer’s leadership proves that Black women can rise to the top in corporate America. Texas girls dreaming of starting businesses or leading major companies can look to her journey for motivation.
4. Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young Black girls how to code. Her mission is to close the gap in tech and encourage more girls to pursue careers in software development, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Inspiration for Texas Girls: With Texas being home to major tech hubs like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, girls have access to many coding programs and scholarships. Kimberly’s work encourages girls to develop skills that can lead to exciting careers in tech.
5. Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole – Educator & Business Leader
Dr. Johnnetta Cole is a respected educator, anthropologist, and business leader. She served as the first Black female president of Spelman College, one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country.
Inspiration for Texas Girls: Texas has a strong HBCU presence, including Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. Dr. Cole’s leadership reminds young girls that education is a powerful tool for change and success.
How Texas Girls Can Follow in Their Footsteps
For teen girls in Texas, there are many ways to get involved in STEM and business:
✅ Join STEM programs – Organizations like Black Girls Code, Girls Who Code, and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) offer great opportunities.
✅ Attend local business workshops – Look for programs that teach entrepreneurship skills.
✅ Seek out scholarships – Many scholarships are available for young Black women interested in STEM and business.
✅ Find a mentor – Connecting with women in these industries can open doors to exciting opportunities.
These trailblazing women prove that Black girls can lead, innovate, and succeed in any field. As the Rising Queens Foundation continues to empower young girls, we encourage them to dream big, work hard, and break barriers just like these inspiring role models.
Who inspires you the most? Drop a comment and let us know!
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