Dorothy Vaughan expanded her skills and gained the knowledge needed to confidently operate the IBM computing system by proactively learning the new programming language FORTRAN, which was used to program the IBM 7090 mainframe computer installed at NASA. Recognizing that the IBM machine would soon replace the manual calculations her team performed, she took the initiative to teach herself FORTRAN after hours, even going so far as to secretly obtain a FORTRAN programming book from a segregated library section. She practiced programming on the IBM machine and became proficient enough to teach her team the language as well. This enabled her and her team of "human computers" to transition into NASA's official programming team, with Dorothy becoming their supervisor. Her adaptability and foresight allowed her to turn the threat of automation into an opportunity for growth and leadership