The #MathGals Story
In the summer of 2018, Chrissy & Cora Newell started reading about inspirational women in mathematics in the book Power in Numbers by Dr. Talithia Williams. They decided that everyone should know these women’s names, and #MathGals was born!
They design shirts that honor past & present #MathGals, inspire future #MathGals and start conversations to include and inspire girls to love math.
Why first names only?
To me, it creates a different kind of spotlight – less like lionizing or canonizing, and more like a birthday party.
That was actually really important to us. Many of the #MathGals had to learn, research, and publish under male pseudonyms. (Sophie Germain was a pen pal of Gauss for two years before he knew her real identity!) For some, it was illegal to study mathematics, or they weren’t allowed to earn advanced degrees or teach at the university level. We wanted to honor these women with their first names right up front.
–Chrissy Newell
#MathGals Call to Action
Be intentional about the messages girls receive about math
Design opportunities for girls to do math together
Tell girls they belong!
#MathGals in the Wild
Students, teachers, and friends all share their love of math and #MathGals!
