In the 1800s, most women took care of their hair at home. Martha Matilda Harper changed that. She invented the beauty salon and built a network of over 500 salons around the world. Hair is the story of this woman’s journey from servant to successful business owner.
Whether you are a sportscar fan or simply someone who treasures getting somewhere smoothly, there will be four different unique opportunities to rally around women’s impact here in Alexandria for Women’s History Month sponsored by the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI)
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When you think about cars, you might picture fast engines, sleek designs, or famous racecar drivers. You might imagine men behind the wheel or developing new technology. But women have been steering the auto industry forward since the very beginning.
Our planet may seem like a big round ball from space. But it’s not. “The Earth is not round,” said Dr. Gladys West. “And we had to figure out the shape precisely,” she explained.
As a mathematician, Dr. West worked to study the shape of the world. She developed an early computer program to calculate it with great detail. And her hard work shaped world history.
As we approach the holidays, I am reflecting on the role men have played propelling women forward. I am married to a man who is a true partner. Even though we had children, I was able to crisscross the United States and Canada for years in search of the hidden story about Martha Matilda Harper, the woman who invented the reclining the shampoo chair and launched modern retail franchising resulting in an empire of 500+ franchises worldwide. Because of Jim Bruen’s commitment to supporting me and my career, as well as his own PLUS being an engaged father, we both succeeded, our family thrived, and Harper’s buried story came to life.
As I get into my car, set my GPS, adjust my rearview mirror, turn on my turn signal or windshield wiper, I thank the many women who designed these innovative godsends and I know their names because of the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI). As I plan for my upcoming Thanksgiving feast and imagine what life would be without a mechanical dishwasher or the practical paper bag designed by women, I sigh with gratitude. Once again, women who have figured out just what is needed in a kitchen.
Wanda Díaz-Merced changed our understanding of the Universe through sound. She is an amazing scientist and role model. She is also a blind astrophysicist who has turned her disability into an asset. With a post-doctorate from the Center for Astrophysics, a collaboration between the Smithsonian and Harvard, she continues to play a vital role in developing systems to use sounds to analyze astrophysical data.
How better to honor the woman who enabled GPS (Global Positioning System), mathematician Dr. Gladys B. West, than to have the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) traveling exhibit featuring West be unveiled at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus Headquarters when the campus opens for classes in January 2025! The exhibit will remain there for the public’s and students’ delight for six months and then continue its national tour.
