HOUSTON – Jewell Norsworthy was honored Thursday for being a trailblazer at NASA, where she began her career in 1963.
Norsworthy, who was born in Hempstead in 1934, began working as a NASA clerk typist during the Jim Crow era.
During a visit to the Johnson Space Center Thursday, Norsworthy was honored at a Black History Month celebration and presented with an award by The African American Employee Resource Group, who recognized her as a trailblazer.
"I've been crying most of the day,” Norsworthy said of the honor. “I guess because I was happy."
Norsworthy knew back then that she was given a rare opportunity, and she excelled in her career.
She climbed the ranks from a typist, to a forms management officer, to an office records management officer and eventually a mail management supervisor.
"I think I was picked a lot of times to serve as an example for others,” Norsworthy said.
But current NASA executives recognize Norsworthy for her incredible achievements and long and fruitful career.
"She continues to touch people with her infectious laugh and great advice,” said Mark Geyer, deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Jewell retired in 1988 and still lives in Houston, where she spends time with her children and grandchildren.
"It has been a fantastic journey for me,” Norsworthy said.