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Dr. Gladys Brown West: Mathematician and GPS Inventor

Dr. Gladys West and Sam Smith look over GPS data: US Navy (credit)

Ira West, Dr. Carolyn West Oglesby and Dr. Gladys West 
at Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority function



Today, we’re diving into a story that will change the way you think about navigation. Many of us remember the days of road maps and atlases in our cars. My dad, for instance, seemed to have an incredible sense of direction. I followed in his footsteps, priding myself on carrying maps in my first car and later transitioning to MapQuest printouts. But today, we all rely on GPS—an everyday tool that helps us navigate, and we have a brilliant woman to thank for it: Mathematician Dr. Gladys Mae Brown West.

Born in 1930, Dr. West grew up in a segregated world during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships, she set her sights on education as a way out. After excelling in her studies, she earned a scholarship to Virginia State College, becoming the valedictorian of her class. Her journey led her to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she broke barriers as one of the first Black women in her field, working on satellite data and mapping the Earth’s surface.

Her most incredible contribution? She played a crucial role in developing the Global Positioning System (GPS). As Dr. West once said, “Always keep room in your heart for the unimaginable.” Her work has undoubtedly changed how we navigate the world.

Dr. West’s contributions have only recently been recognized, but her legacy as a trailblazer in STEM, especially for women of color, is extraordinary. In 2018, she was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Hall of Fame for her groundbreaking work. Listen to the podcast to learn more about her life and legacy. You can also find out how the acronyms GPS and AKA are connected. Then visit the links below and remember- stay pretty strong! 

#stronggirlsmakestrongwomen #prettystrongpodcast #womenshistorymonth #WomenInSTEM #professionalcheerleader

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