Dorothy Vaughan

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Dorothy Vaughan's achievements stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and intellectual rigor. She broke barriers as the first African-American woman to supervise a group at the Langley Research Center. Her ability to adapt to new technology saved her team's jobs during a major industry shift. The 2019 Congressional Gold Medal recognized her as one of the key figures in the American space race, a distinction shared only by a select few scientists and engineers.

AwardsDorothy Vaughan received numerous honors posthumously and late in her career. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2019, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal along with Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson. She also received honorary doctorates from Hampton University and the University of Richmond.

Honours & Distinctions

National Women's Hall of Fame Induction

National Women's Hall of Fame·2007

Inducted for her contributions to science and breaking racial and gender barriers.

Congressional Gold Medal

United States Congress·2019

Awarded posthumously alongside Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson for their roles in the space race.

Honorary Doctorate

Hampton University·1990

Received an honorary degree for her distinguished service to the university and the field of mathematics.

Records & Feats

First African-American Woman Supervisor at Langley

Career Milestone·1949

Became the first African-American woman to hold a supervisory role at the Langley Research Center in 1949.