In the debut episode of Tech Brat, host Alecia Vogel sits down with Carolyn Oglesby to explore the incredible life and legacy of her mother, Dr. Gladys West—a woman whose groundbreaking work in mathematics and satellite data analysis quietly paved the way for the invention of GPS.
From her early life in rural segregated Virginia as the daughter of sharecroppers to her pivotal role at the U.S. Naval Proving Ground, Dr. West’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and overcoming obstacles as a Black woman in a male-dominated field. Carolyn shares personal stories of her mother’s love of learning, their shared connection with Alpha Kappa Alpha, and the quiet strength that fueled her 42-year career—one that would ultimately change the way we navigate the world.
Links from this episode:
- Purchase Dr. West's memoir, It Began With A Dream, on Amazon
- Follow Dr. West on Facebook & Twitter
- Contribute to the Ira & Gladys West Scholarship Fund
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