adempercem/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — It’s one very tiny step for women-kind: In the shadow of the hit “Hidden Figures,” which highlighted a group of African-American women and their contribution to the U.S. space
program, LEGO has announced it will sell a “Women of NASA” set of its Minifigures.
The idea was the brainchild of Maia Weinstock, a science writer and editor, who submitted to LEGO that the company should highlight the efforts of a number of prominent women.
The announced set includes mathematician and NASA trajectory expert Katherine Johnson, whom Taraji P. Henson played in “Hidden Figures.” Also featured are Margaret Hamilton, an MIT computer
scientist who developed the flight software for the Apollo craft; Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; astronaut and physicist Nancy Grace Roman; and Mae Jemison, an entrepreneur,
astronaut and doctor who was the first African-American woman in space.
“We’re really excited to be able to introduce Maia’s ‘Women of NASA’ set for its inspirational value as well as build and play experience,” a rep for the company said, adding that the company hopes
the toys will inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM — that is, science, technology, engineering and math.
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