Inspirational women in tech
Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to the technology sector, playing a key role in shaping the industry as we know it today. Not only were women among the very first programmers in the early 20th century, they were also the first computers — yes, human computers, not machines.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a look at four of the amazing women who made a big impact on the tech sector.
1. Ada Lovelace (1815–1852)
The prophet of the computer age and the first computer programmer
Although she earned little public recognition during her lifetime, Ada Lovelace is now considered a pioneer and prophet of the computer age. She was a mathematical genius who made an influential contribution to Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine — which served as a precursor to the modern computer. Thanks to Ava’s notes on the engine, Lovelace is now widely recognized as the first computer programmer.
2. Grace Hopper (1906–1992)
The queen of software
Hopper was a computer scientist, Yale Ph.D., and United States Navy Rear Admiral who also — on top of everything else — helped pioneer computer programming. As one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, she was a pioneer of computer programming who invented one of the first compiler related tools. She popularized the idea of machine-independent programming languages, which led to the development of COBOL, an early high-level programming language still in use today.
3. Mary Kenneth Keller (1913–1985)
First female computer science Ph.D.
The first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Computer Science was a nun. Mary Kenneth joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in 1940 took her vows with the congregation. Moreover, Keller helped develop a key computer language: the BASIC programming language (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), which transformed the world of computer science. Thanks to BASIC, writing custom software was no longer restricted to mathematicians and scientists. Her contribution made computer use much more accessible to a broader portion of the population.
4. Radia Perlman (1951)
The mother of the internet
Perlman is an American computer programmer and network engineer. She is most famous for her invention of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), fundamental to the operation of network bridges. Perlman impressively holds more than 100 issued patents.
It’s hard not to be inspired by the groundbreaking work that these women — and the countless others who couldn’t be included in this small list — have achieved. Their hard work and visibility has changed the game and no doubt inspired countless generations of young women. You, too, can begin making your mark on the tech world!
Share the stories of the remarkable women in tech who have inspired you in the comments, and if you want to learn more, read on!
15 unsung women in tech you should know about
The History of Women in Tech is Longer (and Cooler!) Than You Know
