Margot Lee Shetterly

Margot Lee Shetterly is a renowned American writer, researcher, and speaker, best known for her deep commitment to highlighting African-American achievement and racial equity. She is the founder of The Human Computer Project, which preserves the legacy of Black women in STEM, and author of the New York Times Bestseller, Hidden Figures. Margot’s lived experience as a Black woman raised in Hampton, Virginia—surrounded by a community of Black professionals and NASA scientists—inspires her work and her advocacy. Her speaking topics include racial and gender equity, the history of African-American contributions to science and innovation, and the systemic barriers faced by marginalised groups. Through her storytelling, she engages audiences with the power of inclusion and representation in shaping both history and the future.

Margot began her career in finance and media, working on Wall Street before moving to Mexico, where she founded the Mexico Meetings Network in 2010. Her transition to writing and historical research was spurred by her interest in unearthing forgotten narratives of African-American excellence. In 2014, she launched The Human Computer Project to document the achievements of the African-American women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race. This work led her to write Hidden Figures, published in 2016, and adapted into an Oscar-nominated film for which she served as executive producer. Her commitment to accurate, inclusive storytelling has been the foundation of her success as both an author and racial equality speaker.

Margot’s work has earned her numerous accolades. In 2018, she joined the board of Terra Alpha Investments, a firm dedicated to sustainable capitalism. In 2019, she was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Virginia, and in 2022, she received the prestigious Barnard College Medal of Distinction and delivered their commencement address. These honours reflect her influence as both a cultural historian and advocate for equity.

Margot speaks on the power of visibility, the importance of inclusive historical narratives, and the intersection of race, gender, and STEM. Her talks resonate with organisations seeking to foster equity and honour overlooked contributions to society. With her compelling personal perspective, scholarly insight, and professional achievements, she is an exceptional speaker for any institution committed to racial equality, social justice, and meaningful change.