Resilience in the Face of Adversity

A Suffolkian's Life Story

by Margaret Ellen Mayo Tolbert


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Softcover
£12.44
Hardcover
£24.87
Softcover
£12.44

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 17/06/2015

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 290
ISBN : 9781504331968
Format : Hardcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 290
ISBN : 9781504331975

About the Book

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.

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:

• 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.

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.


About the Author

Dr. Margaret E. M. Tolbert is a biochemist and expert manager of complex science and engineering programs. She has experience in academia and the private and federal sectors. Working in these sectors has enabled her to address diversity issues at local and national levels. She has published scientific and non-scientific articles and books and has served as a speaker at conferences and universities. Additionally, she has completed several tours of duty in foreign countries. For her significant contributions to society, she has received numerous awards.