Margot Lee Shetterly is an American author and entrepreneur who gained widespread recognition for her book “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race.” The book, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film, shed light on the contributions of African-American women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race era.
As of 2024, Margot Lee Shetterly’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. This figure is a testament to her success as an author and the impact of her work in bringing to light the stories of these remarkable women.
Shetterly’s journey to success began with her upbringing in Hampton, Virginia, a town that played a significant role in the history of NASA. Growing up, she was surrounded by the stories of African-American women who worked as “human computers” at the Langley Research Center. These women, despite facing racial and gender discrimination, made invaluable contributions to the field of mathematics and played a crucial role in the success of NASA’s missions.
Inspired by these stories, Shetterly embarked on a mission to uncover the hidden figures behind the scenes of the Space Race. She spent years researching and interviewing the women who worked at NASA, delving into their experiences and achievements. The result was her book, “Hidden Figures,” which was published in 2016.
The book received widespread acclaim and became a New York Times bestseller. It not only shed light on the contributions of these women but also highlighted the systemic racism and sexism they faced in their careers. The success of the book led to its adaptation into a film of the same name, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. The film was a box office hit and received three Academy Award nominations.
Apart from the success of “Hidden Figures,” Shetterly has also been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. She is the founder of The Human Computer Project, an initiative that aims to collect and preserve the stories of women who worked at NASA. Through this project, Shetterly continues to honor the legacy of these women and ensure their stories are not forgotten.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Shetterly has also been a sought-after speaker, delivering keynote addresses at various conferences and events. Her talks focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and the need to recognize the contributions of underrepresented groups.
With her book’s success, entrepreneurial ventures, and speaking engagements, Margot Lee Shetterly has built a substantial net worth of $3 million as of 2024. However, it is important to note that her financial success is not the sole measure of her impact. Shetterly’s work has sparked conversations, inspired countless individuals, and brought recognition to the often-overlooked contributions of African-American women in the field of mathematics and science.
Looking ahead, it is likely that Shetterly’s net worth will continue to grow as she expands her entrepreneurial ventures and continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her work serves as a reminder that the stories of marginalized individuals can have a profound impact when brought to light, and that their contributions deserve recognition and celebration.
