Nancy Grace Roman (1925–2018) was a pioneering American astronomer who became NASA's first Chief of Astronomy and the agency's first female executive, playing a vital role in establishing the US civilian space program. Known as the "Mother of Hubble", she was instrumental in planning the Hubble Space Telescope, creating NASA's space astronomy program during the 1960s and 1970s. Her passion for astronomy began early—she formed an astronomy club at age 11 and decided by seventh grade to pursue the field, despite facing discouragement from educators. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, studying under notable astronomers like Peter van de Kamp and William Wilson Morgan, after overcoming initial skepticism at Swarthmore College. In May 2020, NASA honored her enduring legacy by naming the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope after her, and she remains a celebrated advocate for women in science.