Jerry Lawson

Jerry Lawson

Gerald Anderson Lawson (December 1, 1940 – April 9, 2011) was an American electronic engineer. Besides being one of the first African-American computer engineers in Silicon Valley, Lawson was also known for his work in designing the Fairchild Channel F video game console, leading the team that refined ROM cartridges for durable use as commercial video game cartridges. His innovations in this area led to him being considered the father of the game cartridge. He eventually left Fairchild and founded the game company Video-Soft.

Marie VanBrittan

Marie VanBrittan

The world recognizes Marie as a leading figure who broke down barriers for underrepresented groups in STEM fields and innovation through her patent achievements and recognition. Educational programs and STEM initiatives use Brown's achievements to motivate girls and minority students toward technology and engineering career paths. She created the security system because her Queens neighborhood required protection from crime, since police took too long to respond. The innovation solved actual community requirements through the combination of different viewpoints, which produced better technological outcomes.