October Thinker: Frank S. Greene
Frank S. Greene made significant contributions to the technology industry. He was a scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in the fields of science and technology. Greene's work in semiconductor memory systems was groundbreaking. His efforts to promote diversity in STEM continue to influence the tech industry today.
Early Life
Frank S. Greene was born on October 19, 1938, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, during a time of racial segregation. Greene’s parents encouraged him to pursue education despite the challenges of discrimination. He had a strong interest in math and science from an early age. This talent allowed him to excel academically.
Greene was among the first African-American students to attend Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He then continued his education at Purdue University, obtaining a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1962.
After completing his graduate studies, Greene entered the United States Air Force, becoming the first African-American cadet to graduate from the Air Force ROTC program. He achieved the rank of captain and served as an electronics officer, where he was involved in developing high-performance computers for the National Security Agency (NSA).
Work and Contribution
Greene’s career took off in the 1960s when he worked at Fairchild Semiconductor. Greene played an important role in the development of high-speed semiconductor memory systems. His work led to one of the fastest memory chips at that time. This achievement contributed to the advancement of early computing technology.
In the 1970s, Greene founded Technology Development Corporation (TDC). TDC was one of the first Black-owned technology firms in Silicon Valley. He later founded another company, ZeroOne Systems, Inc. These ventures showed that African Americans could succeed in the tech industry. They also highlighted Greene’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to breaking racial barriers in business.
Greene was not just focused on technology. He was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. In the late 1990s, he co-founded NewVista Capital. This venture capital firm focused on supporting minority- and women-led startups. His goal was to provide opportunities to groups often excluded from the tech industry.
Greene also worked to increase access to STEM education for underrepresented communities. He contributed to scholarships and programs designed to encourage African American students to pursue careers in science and technology. Greene believed that education was key to breaking down barriers in the tech industry.
Missed our September Thinker? Learn about Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to travel to space and a former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
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