5 Influential Women in STEM Throughout History
“Here’s to Strong Women, May We Know Them, May We Be Them, May We Raise Them.”
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a day that acknowledges the ongoing struggle for gender equality and celebrates the contributions of women to society. International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s, and its importance has only grown in recent years as more women have entered the workforce and taken on leadership roles. This day is an opportunity to recognize the progress that has been made in advancing women’s rights but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality around the world. It is a day to honor the achievements of women throughout history and to inspire the next generation of female leaders to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world.
For International Women’s Day, we at civils.ai aim to showcase five immensely influential women from the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries.
Emily Warren Roebling
Born September 23, 1843, Emily was an engineer known for her contributions over a period of more than 10 years to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. After her husband, the chief engineer of the project, fell ill, she took over his duties and oversaw the completion of the bridge. This was a significant achievement for a woman in the 19th century, as the construction and engineering industry was primarily male-dominated.
Her contributions to the project included liaising with contractors, making design decisions, and overseeing the safety of workers. Roebling’s leadership and expertise helped make the Brooklyn Bridge one of the most iconic and enduring engineering achievements in history. Her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue careers in engineering and construction today.
Upon completion of her work on the Brooklyn Bridge, Roebling shifted to supporting several women’s causes, including the Committee on Statistics of New Jersey’s Board of Lady Managers for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Committee of Sorosis; Daughters of the American Revolution, George Washington Memorial Association, both of which worked on historical issues for the US; and Evelyn College.
Fun fact: Emily was the first person to cross the Brooklyn Bridge when it opened in 1883.
Zaha Hadid
Born October 31, 1950, Zaha was a pioneering artist, architect, and designer known for her innovative and avant-garde designs. Her contributions to the construction and engineering industry include creating some of the most iconic buildings in the world, such as the Guangzhou Opera House in China, the Broad Art Museum, Rome’s MAXXI Museum, and the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics.
Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, which is considered the Nobel Prize for architecture. Her work challenged traditional design conventions and inspired a new generation of architects and designers to think outside the box. Hadid’s legacy as a visionary architect continues to inspire and shape the future of the AEC industry.
Lillian Gilbreth
Born May 24, 1878, Lillian was an industrial engineer and management consultant who developed groundbreaking methods in motion study and human factors engineering that increased efficiency and safety in manufacturing and construction processes.
Gilbreth was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering from Purdue University and was the first female member of the Society of Industrial Engineers. She worked with her husband, who had a construction management background, to improve efficiency and productivity by finding the “one best way” to perform even the most mundane tasks, such as washing dishes or brushing teeth. After her husband’s sudden death, she raised 11 children alone and continued to teach, consult for the government, and advise several U.S. presidents on civil defense and women’s issues.
Gilbreth invented several household items, including the foot-pedal trash can, electric mixer, refrigerator shelves, and electric can opener. She was also the first female member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering and received her first membership in the Society of Women Engineers. Gilbreth died at the age of 92 after working into her 80s. Gilbreth’s legacy continues to inspire new approaches to workplace design and process improvement in the construction and engineering industry.
Hedy Lamarr
Born November 9, 1914, Hedy was an Austrian-born actress and inventor who made significant contributions to the engineering industry. During World War II, Lamarr co-invented a frequency-hopping technology that was used to control torpedoes and avoid radio interference. This technology, which is now known as spread-spectrum communication, is used in modern wireless communication, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS.
Lamarr’s invention was a groundbreaking advancement that significantly improved the safety and efficiency of military and civilian communication systems. Her legacy as a brilliant inventor and innovator continues to inspire women in the construction and engineering industry and beyond.
Edith Clarke
Born February 10, 1883, Edith was an electrical engineer who made significant contributions to the engineering industry. She developed mathematical models for power transmission lines that are still used today and invented the Clarke calculator, a graphical calculator used for solving equations in electrical engineering.
Clarke was the first woman to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She also became the first female professor of electrical engineering at the University of Texas. Clarke’s work helped improve the design and efficiency of power transmission systems and inspired a new generation of female engineers to pursue careers in the construction and engineering industry.
