5 Really Amazing Sexism-Busting Things Sally Ride Did For Kids

sall rideDr. Sally Ride, the applaudable lady who “shatter[ing] the space ceiling” to quote The New York Times, sadly left this world yesterday at only 61 years old. After a battle with pancreatic cancer, the first American woman in space passed away at her home in San Diego. Although Sally now has a large chunk of history to her name, her time in orbit isn’t all that she managed to accomplish. While on earth,  the physicist left quite a legacy of education and mentorship, especially for girls. The Times obituary noted Dr. Ride’s dedication to girls and education, adding that of all the marketing and PR opportunities she had, obliterating sexist stereotypes for young ladies was absolutely one that she wanted to be associated with:

In 2003, Dr. Ride told The Times that stereotypes still persisted about girls and science and math ”” for example the idea that girls had less ability or interest in those subjects, or would be unpopular if they excelled in them. She thought peer pressure, especially in middle school, began driving girls away from the sciences…”It’s no secret that I’ve been reluctant to use my name for things,” she said. ”I haven’t written my memoirs or let the television movie be made about my life. But this is something I’m very willing to put my name behind.”

In great appreciation for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, Dr. Ride did her part to encourage school-age girls to consider careers and passions in science, becoming a recognizable face for an entire generation of women. So from the Sally Ride Science Academy to her children’s books, Dr. Ride has left our daughters and sons with much to be grateful for.

[ITPGallery]

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