Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I discuss, Dr. Gladys West, the brilliant Black mathematician whose calculations made modern GPS technology possible. This mini documentary explores how her work in satellite geodesy and mathematical modeling of the Earth’s shape became the foundation of the Global Positioning System used worldwide today. From rural Virginia to U.S. Navy research laboratories during the Cold War, Dr. West helped transform navigation, mapping, and everyday technology. Her story highlights the vital contributions of Black women in STEM and the hidden figures behind major scientific breakthroughs.
#DrGladysWest #blackwomeninstem #hiddenfigures #TeachOurOwnHistory #BlackHistoryEducation
Explore the full Teach Our OWN History series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFD6VWiYpiKpXvQdjvlVkbF_G7y_0Vvkt
The autobiography mentioned in this video:
It Began with a Dream: Dr. Gladys West is the 2020 autobiography of Dr. Gladys West.
Available Now on Amazon:
The Personal Vision and Mission Workbook
amazon.com/Personal-Vision-Mission-Statement-Workbook/dp/B0DJ53QHMN?ref_=ast_author_dp
Just Grateful: A Gratitude Journal
amazon.com/Just-Thankful-Gratitude-Journal-Black/dp/B0DKD1514F?ref_=ast_author_dp
Notes, Thoughts, and Random Musings Notebook
amazon.com/Thoughts-Random-Musings-Colette-Elizabeth/dp/B0FWR6XDTN?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1
Additional resources:
Therapy for Black Girls’ website:
therapyforblackgirls.com
Black Health Matters (BHM)
blackhealthmatters.com
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
nami.org
Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/bebe-moore-campbell-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month
Follow me on Instagram:
instagram.com/thecoletteelizabeth
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or licensed mental health care professional. Therefore, the content discussed on this channel should not be construed as medical or mental health advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, expertise, or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical or mental health concern, you should consult with your health care provider and/or seek other professional medical treatment.
The content provided and topic(s) discussed on this channel are intended for EDUCATIONAL and INFORMATIONAL purposes only.
In this video, I discuss, Dr. Gladys West, the brilliant Black mathematician whose calculations made modern GPS technology possible. This mini documentary explores how her work in satellite geodesy and mathematical modeling of the Earth’s shape became the foundation of the Global Positioning System used worldwide today. From rural Virginia to U.S. Navy research laboratories during the Cold War, Dr. West helped transform navigation, mapping, and everyday technology. Her story highlights the vital contributions of Black women in STEM and the hidden figures behind major scientific breakthroughs.
#DrGladysWest #blackwomeninstem #hiddenfigures #TeachOurOwnHistory #BlackHistoryEducation
Explore the full Teach Our OWN History series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFD6VWiYpiKpXvQdjvlVkbF_G7y_0Vvkt
The autobiography mentioned in this video:
It Began with a Dream: Dr. Gladys West is the 2020 autobiography of Dr. Gladys West.
Available Now on Amazon:
The Personal Vision and Mission Workbook
amazon.com/Personal-Vision-Mission-Statement-Workbook/dp/B0DJ53QHMN?ref_=ast_author_dp
Just Grateful: A Gratitude Journal
amazon.com/Just-Thankful-Gratitude-Journal-Black/dp/B0DKD1514F?ref_=ast_author_dp
Notes, Thoughts, and Random Musings Notebook
amazon.com/Thoughts-Random-Musings-Colette-Elizabeth/dp/B0FWR6XDTN?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1
Additional resources:
Therapy for Black Girls’ website:
therapyforblackgirls.com
Black Health Matters (BHM)
blackhealthmatters.com
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
nami.org
Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/bebe-moore-campbell-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month
Follow me on Instagram:
instagram.com/thecoletteelizabeth
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or licensed mental health care professional. Therefore, the content discussed on this channel should not be construed as medical or mental health advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, expertise, or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical or mental health concern, you should consult with your health care provider and/or seek other professional medical treatment.
The content provided and topic(s) discussed on this channel are intended for EDUCATIONAL and INFORMATIONAL purposes only.
