Resilience in the Face of Adversity

<p>In her revealing autobiography Dr. Tolbert describes how she overcame the obstacles that threatened to derail her aspirations for a sound education and professional career. From humble beginnings—surrounded by dirt roads and segregated schools left orphaned and penniless at an early age—she chose a path of hard work and diligent study that lifted her out of poverty despair and ignorance. </p><p>In an era of tense race relations and despite numerous stumbling blocks Dr. Tolbert rose to prominence as an African-American scientist educator and administrator—often in positions traditionally held by males. She eventually became: </p><p>• The first African-American female to serve as director of the nation’s New Brunswick Laboratory. • The first African-American female appointed director of education at Argonne National Laboratory. • The first female to serve as director of the Carver Research Foundation of Tuskegee Institute. • One of six African-American senior executives at the National Science Foundation. • The second African-American to graduate from Brown University with a doctorate in biochemistry. • The first member of the Mayo family of Suffolk Virginia to earn a doctoral degree. </p><p>Her journey however was no “crystal stair.” In publishing her tale Dr. Tolbert affirms our human ability to survive the unexpected rally against adversity and charge ahead on a path to personal accomplishment. She is a strong role model with an inspirational message for others struggling against overwhelming odds. </p>