Gladys West was born into the heart of rural Virginia in 1930, Her family, dedicated farmers, followed the rhythms of the land, and the world around them offered the future promise of agricultural or factory work. However, Gladys envisioned a different horizon for herself.
Growing up in the segregated South, Gladys attended racially segregated schools. Despite the limitations and challenges presented by segregation and the societal expectations of black women at the time, Gladys showed a determination that set her apart from her peers. She had a natural aptitude for mathematics, which was evident even in her early school years. Recognizing the value of education as a means to a better future, she aimed high academically. Her tenacity and dedication paid off as she consistently performed at the top of her class. This drive to excel academically was not just for personal achievement; Gladys was acutely aware that becoming valedictorian or salutatorian of her high school would provide her with a scholarship to college, a goal she ardently aspired to.
Gladys's dreams materialised when she graduated at the top and entered Virginia State College (renamed University later on) to study Math. This was a pioneering step, especially in an era when a woman's ambition often had societal limitations. The trajectory post-graduation was expected to be teaching, and Gladys too embraced this for a couple of years. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge saw her leaving her teaching job to achieve a master’s degree.
“As I scaled the educational ladder, I realized that knowledge was my true passport to freedom.”
- Gladys West
1956 marked a significant year for Gladys. Equipped with her degree and undeniable brilliance, she joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgreen, Virginia. Here, she was a minority twice over: one of the mere four black employees and among the only two women.
“In those halls, every day was a challenge. Being amidst a different crowd meant I had to constantly compete and assert my presence.”
- Gladys West
In an era shadowed by racial segregation, where sexism was an everyday reality, Gladys carved out a niche for herself. She delved into data collection, processing satellite data and refining computer programming, helping her team determine the exact shape and size of the Earth. On top of this, Gladys's most notable contribution was her development of a detailed mathematical model of the Earth, known as a geodetic model. This model became a significant component in the creation and further refinement of GPS technology. Her calculations helped accurate satellite modeling, which is crucial for GPS to provide precise location data. Her prowess saw her rise to the ranks of a computer programmer and a project manager within the Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Gladys bid farewell to her illustrious career in 1998, but her zeal for learning remained undiminished. In 2018, with her late 80s casting a shadow over her and after battling health challenges like a stroke, she achieved a monumental milestone — earning her PhD.
“Times are changing, doors are opening for women, but the battle is far from over.”
- Gladys West
For long, Gladys's stellar contributions simmered in the background, hidden from the spotlight. A commendation in 1979 was a fleeting moment of recognition. However, the tides turned when a sorority alumni function became the turning point, bringing her incredible journey to the forefront. Today, thanks to renewed interest, Gladys is celebrated by the Virginia State Senate and has become a media sensation, finally receiving the recognition she so rightly deserves.
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