1956-1992
Sheila Banks was 2nd in the Class of 1974 at Weequahic High School. She was the first Black women to graduate from Steven’s Institute of Technology in 1978 (the school began admitting women in 1971). She received an engineering degree, with a concentration in chemical engineering.
In 1974 she completed a Cornell University program to teach disadvantaged students about engineering and science, and later that year entered the STEP program at Stevens. She completed several internships while at Stevens.
Stevens writes, “During her time at Stevens, Sheila was a member of the Society of Women Engineers, served as secretary of the Black Student Union, and played violin and sang in the Glee Club. Shortly after graduating, she accepted a technical market position with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and was later promoted to sales engineer in their New York City offices.”
She also made most of her own clothes.
Sheila died in Virginia at age 36. She had one son Benjamin Banks.
1974 Yearbook photos:
Bibliography
Peterson, Lisa “A Technical and Moral Victory by a Woman who Persevered” Star Ledger Apr 7, 1978
1974 Weequahic Yearbook: digital.npl.org
“Stevens confers over 400 degrees” Star Ledger May 26, 1978
Banks, Sheila Richmond Times Dispatch Dec 23, 1992
https://www.stevens.edu/women-at-stevens/the-pioneers-and-trailblazers