Famous Women Engineers in History – Book 8: Yvonne “YY” Clark – “Don’t Give Up!

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Author: Paul Lief Rosengren

Yvonne “YY” Clark graduated from Howard University in 1951 with top honors — the only woman in a class of 300 engineering students. She was the first woman to earn a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Howard. However, because she was a woman, Clark was not allowed to march in the graduation ceremony with the rest of her class. Instead, Clark received her diploma in the office of the university president. That year, she also became the first Black member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). As a Black woman, she faced twice the prejudice. But despite it all, Clark rose to success in academia and industry, becoming an inspiration for many Black women engineers.