The Girl With a Mind for Math

1. Raye Montague: A Trailblazing Black Woman Engineer

"If there's something you want, but it seems out of reach, here's a story for you—a great truth it will teach."

Defying expectations. Raye Montague's life story is a testament to the power of determination and intellect in overcoming societal barriers. Born in 1935 in Arkansas, she faced the triple challenges of being black, female, and educated in segregated schools. Despite these obstacles, Montague became a pioneering engineer in the U.S. Navy, revolutionizing ship design and paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.

Breaking barriers. Montague's achievements include:

• First person to design a ship using a computer
• Navy's first female program manager of ships
• Registered professional engineer in both the U.S. and Canada
• Recipient of numerous awards, including the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award

2. Childhood Dreams and Early Obstacles

"Engineering," thought Raye, and her life's DREAM began. Except most people laughed when she told them her plan.

Inspiration strikes young. At just seven years old, Raye's fascination with engineering was sparked during a tour of a captured German submarine. When she inquired about designing such vessels, she was dismissed due to her race and gender. This dismissal, rather than discouraging her, ignited a lifelong passion to prove her doubters wrong.

Family support. Raye's determination was nurtured by her supportive family:

• Her grandfather encouraged her interest in math and science
• Her mother instilled the belief that education could overcome societal barriers
• They taught her that there was no such thing as "women's work" or "men's work"

3. Education and Persistence in the Face of Segregation

"Stay STRONG," said her mom. "Use your BRAINS. You'll be fine. There will always be people who pay you no mind—just because you're a girl, and because you are black. Don't let them or the state of your SCHOOL hold you back."

Overcoming educational barriers. Despite attending segregated schools with limited resources, Raye excelled academically. She faced significant challenges:

• Secondhand textbooks, often with missing pages
• Limited access to advanced courses
• Restrictions on black educators pursuing advanced degrees

Adapting to limitations. Unable to study engineering due to racial barriers, Raye pursued a business degree at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College. She graduated with honors in 1956, demonstrating her academic prowess and laying the foundation for her future career.

4. Breaking into the Navy's Male-Dominated World

"I'm off to a place filled with HISTORY's greats—the CAPITAL CITY of all fifty states!"

Seizing opportunities. After graduation, Raye moved to Washington, D.C., seeking better career prospects. She secured a position with the U.S. Navy as a clerk typist, strategically placing herself in proximity to engineering work.

Self-taught skills. Raye's determination and intelligence allowed her to rapidly advance:

• Used her photographic memory to learn engineering tasks
• Taught herself to use the UNIVAC I, the world's first commercial computer
• Took night classes in computer programming
• Stepped up to complete engineers' work when they were absent, leading to a promotion

5. Overcoming Workplace Discrimination with Humor and Skill

"People say very negative things. If you let it fester, then they control you. You must always have a comeback ready—a humorous comeback—that allows you to take back control of the situation."

Wit as a weapon. Raye faced constant discrimination but countered it with humor and exceptional performance. When mistaken for service staff, she would quip, "I'll take one too. Make mine with cream and sugar," turning awkward situations to her advantage.

Proving her worth. Despite facing unrealistic standards and deliberate obstacles, Raye:

• Worked doubly hard to meet every challenge
• Put in extra hours and night shifts, often without pay
• Consistently outperformed expectations, gradually earning respect and recognition

6. Revolutionizing Ship Design with Computer Technology

"I'LL DESIGN THE FIRST SHIP BY COMPUTER! No sweat."

Groundbreaking achievement. In 1971, when President Nixon ordered a new ship design in just two months, Raye seized the opportunity to showcase her innovative computer-aided design system. She completed the task in just 18 hours and 26 minutes, a process that typically took two years by hand.

Impact on naval engineering:

• First person to design a ship using a computer
• Dramatically reduced design time from years to hours
• Revolutionized the field of naval architecture
• Paved the way for modern computer-aided design in shipbuilding

7. Recognition and Legacy as a Hidden Figure in Naval Engineering

"Google me!"

Delayed recognition. Despite her groundbreaking work, Raye's contributions were often overlooked or attributed to her white male superiors. It wasn't until later in life that she began receiving widespread recognition for her achievements.

Lasting impact:

• Honored by the Congressional Black Caucus
• Featured on Good Morning America in 2017
• Recognized by the U.S. Navy as their first "hidden figure"
• Inspired future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields
• Engineering scholarship established in her name at the University of Oklahoma

Raye Montague's legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers, particularly women and minorities, demonstrating that with determination, skill, and a positive attitude, one can overcome societal barriers and make significant contributions to their field.

Last updated: August 8, 2024