Tracee Ellis Ross: A Beacon of Light for Women of Color in STEM

Written by a Shipmate on March 1, 2023

As a Black woman engineer, I know firsthand how important representation is in the field of STEM. When I was a young engineer, I did not see many women who looked like me in the field, which made it difficult for me to envision myself in that space. In the absence of a role model, I turned to Tracee Ellis Ross as a source of inspiration and guidance.

Tracee is a trailblazer in her own right, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women of color in the entertainment industry. Her historic win at the Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy was a moment of triumph not just for her, but for women of color everywhere. Seeing someone who looks like me achieve such a feat gave me hope and showed me that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

But Tracee's impact on my life goes beyond her achievements in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to self-care and self-love has been an inspiration to me in my own life. As a woman of color in a male-dominated field, it can be easy to feel like I need to constantly prove myself and work twice as hard to be taken seriously. But Tracee's dedication to prioritizing her health and wellness has shown me the importance of taking care of myself, both physically and mentally. Her love for working out and her commitment to self-care have been a reminder that my health and well-being should always come first.

Tracee's impact on the world of fashion and beauty has also been an inspiration to me. As a Black woman, I have often felt like mainstream beauty standards do not always align with my own features and attributes. But Tracee's unique sense of style and her love for hair and fashion have shown me that it is possible to embrace my own unique beauty and celebrate it. Her confidence and self-assuredness have been a reminder to me that I should never be afraid to take risks and be myself, both in my personal life and in my professional life.

But perhaps most importantly, Tracee's commitment to representation and inclusivity has shown me the importance of creating space for women of color in all areas of life. As a woman of color in STEM, I have often felt like I am the only one in the room, and that my voice and perspective are not always heard or valued. But Tracee's advocacy for diversity and inclusivity has reminded me that my voice is important and that I have a responsibility to speak up and be a trailblazer for future generations of women of color.

Here are some of Tracee's highest accomplishments and firsts:

Accomplishments:

First Black woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 35 years (2017)
Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2018)
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for "Black-ish" (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year (2017)
Time's 100 Most Influential People (2018)
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (2019)
Founder of Pattern Beauty, a haircare line for curly and coily hair

Firsts:

She was the first Black woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy in 2017 for her role in "Black-ish."
She was the first Black woman to host the American Music Awards in 2017.
She was the first Black woman to host the NAACP Image Awards in 2020.
She was the first person to win a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in back-to-back years for her role in "Black-ish" in 2015 and 2016.
She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 30 years for her role in "Black-ish" in 2016.

As I reflect on the impact that Tracee Ellis Ross has had on my life and the lives of so many other women of color, I am reminded of the importance of being confident in who we are and embracing our unique qualities.

You never know who is watching and who you will inspire by simply being true to yourself. Tracee's trailblazing achievements, commitment to self-care and inclusivity, and unique sense of style and beauty have shown us that it is possible to be excellent, fabulous, and confident all at the same time.

So, I encourage you to embrace your own unique qualities, celebrate your beauty, and be a trailblazer for future generations. Let's continue to break down barriers and create space for women of color in all areas of life. Together, we can make a difference and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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