No Longer Hidden
By: Sherrillan Atkinson
While I’m not a mathematician, scientist, or astronaut, I was intrigued the first time I watched Hidden Figures! If you haven’t seen or read the book Hidden Figures, it is a 2016 American Biographic drama based on a team of Black women mathematicians who played a vital role at NASA during the early years of their space program. When I watched this movie, I saw three brilliant Black women, Katherine Johnson Gobles, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, endure some hardships. Still, their determination and overall dedication must be applauded. When you look at women of color in business today compared to the experience of these women, we recognize the progress that has been made, but not without support and a clear fight for equality.
The success of these women took place 60 years ago and in hindsight, may appear to be a lifetime ago, but for those of us with parents in their 60s, I recognize that most of them were just in the beginning stages of their lives when these changes occurred. Katherine Johnson had applied for the 2nd time and was finally provided the opportunity to become one of NASA’s “human computers.” The movie and the real lives of these ladies provided me with an in-depth look at the struggle many faced and the triumph each was afforded because someone believed in their abilities.
In today’s world, I have witnessed firsthand what success can look like for women of color. I now see more women of color becoming top executives, front/line managers, and very successful individual contributors. While I don’t want to focus only on allyship as a stepping stone to the success of these women, it’s understood that having an ally in the workplace can make a huge difference in someone feeling seen and heard. An ally may never know the exact plight women of color may face at work, but they recognize that based on their experiences and what they’ve been able to accomplish could be beneficial to women of color in these spaces.
When I watch Hidden Figures, I don’t only see the struggle. Still, I see confidence, growth, and success by all team members and leaders at NASA who recognized that change was inevitable and that changing from a fixed to a growth mindset benefited the entire organization. As a Black person and a Black woman in America, I must reflect on the courage each of these women demonstrated to pursue their dreams and encourage those around me to never give up but keep going. I want them to know there is someone somewhere rooting for them and will continue being that sound voice for the greater. In conclusion, as I reflect on Katherine Johnson Gobles, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan’s lives, I see how I have an opportunity to mentor young women of color by supporting their growth and continuing to show them how much they matter and will be successful.
Sources:
Melfi, T. (2016). Hidden Figures Movie. Twentieth Century Fox.
Shetterly, M. L. (2016). Hidden figures: the American dream and the untold story of the Black women mathematicians who helped win the space race. First William Morrow movie tie-in trade paperback edition. New York, NY, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
In 1972, Bob Barker set up his business in the back of a barber shop and started supplying food service equipment to jails. From those modest beginnings, Bob Barker Company has introduced many new, innovative products to help solve customers’ problems and make corrections and detention facilities safer.
Bob Barker Company offers the broadest product line and largest inventory of corrections and detention supplies to federal, state, and local government agencies and select businesses.
In 2020, Bob Barker Company established the Belonging Initiative to further advance its efforts of inclusion, diversity, respect, and collaboration. We have a dedicated Belonging Manager, Sherrillan Atkinson, who leads the Initiative by developing projects that improve our Team Members’ sense of belonging, increase retention, and strengthen our inclusive culture where Team Members can bring their best selves to work every day. The Belonging Initiative contributes to improving diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where Team Members feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard.
As Bob Barker Company continues to grow, so will the Belonging Initiative’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion at the company and in our community.
Belonging Vision Statement:
The Bob Barker Company family reflects the rich diversity of God’s creation. We thrive in a flourishing community of care and belonging by loving one another without exclusion.
Meet the Author
Sherrillan Atkinson was born and raised in North Carolina and works as the Belonging Manager for the Bob Barker Company. She received a Master’s in Organizational Leadership in 2020, her Master’s in Business Administration in 2010, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 2003, where she attended “in her opinion,” the greatest school in North Carolina, NC State University. Sherrillan is a dedicated mom of one teen, Zayden, who inspires her to keep reaching for her goals. In addition, she loves all things Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and is motivated to transform people’s lives for the better.