Katherine Johnson was an American math whiz whose work on precision orbit calculations made NASA’s space missions, including John Glenn’s famous orbit around the Earth, possible. Johnson took her extraordinary intellect, precision, and perseverance to the highest and broke down the barriers for women and African Americans in STEM. With her determination and skill, Johnson became a personification of the virtues of resilience, curiosity, and pursuit of excellence. The impact of her work is such that today, the world over, scientists, students, and innovators continue to be inspired by her example and to dare to dream big and face their challenges head-on.