Women in Tech you should know

A candid conversation with ChatGPT about gender representation.

As you may know, we recently celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), and right around the corner is International Women’s Day (March 8th) —which are important dates for tb.lx. We are on a growth journey to improve our team’s diversity, talent attraction bias, and inclusion initiatives through gathering knowledge with experienced partners, since we see it as a vital area that should be nourished, and by partnering up we find an opportunity to learn more about bridging the gender and diversity gaps and becoming more inclusive in attracting and developing different profiles. This way we can modernize our practices on such relevant topics, boost our creative spirit, and improve how we do business in a holistic perspective.

A proactive way we feel that we can contribute, is to increase dialogue on these topics to gain new perspectives, helping raise more awareness about diverse figures making a difference in the world and in our community (and what better way than in connection to days designed to celebrate women)!

This got us thinking about what we can do to help close the tech gender gap, increase female representation in STEM and Tech, and diminish the Matilda Effect (the bias against acknowledging the achievements of female scientists). So we figured it was about time we sat down for a conversation with ChatGPT and asked who some of the Women in Tech you should know are.

The results are interesting: 33 AI-generated Women in Tech you should know, plus 6 figures we added to the list.

First Prompt: Important Women in Tech (WIT)

Inspired by the Matilda Effect and lack of female representation in tech, our first question was, “Please tell me important female figures in tech that are frequently forgotten and what their accomplishments were”.

ChatGPT answered: “Certainly! There are many influential female figures in tech whose contributions have often been overlooked or under-appreciated. Here are a few notable examples:

• Ada Lovelace (1815–1852): Often considered the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine. She worked with Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.
• Grace Hopper (1906–1992): A pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, Grace Hopper was a trailblazer in computer programming. She was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer and invented the first compiler for a programming language, leading to the development of COBOL.
• Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000): Besides her career as an actress, Hedy Lamarr co-invented frequency hopping spread spectrum technology, which laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication systems, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Katherine Johnson (1918–2020): An African American mathematician, Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in NASA’s early space missions. Her calculations were instrumental in the success of the first manned spaceflights, including Alan Shepard’s Freedom 7 mission and John Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission.
• Radia Perlman (b. 1951): Often referred to as the “Mother of the Internet,” Radia Perlman developed the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), an algorithm that ensures a loop-free topology for network bridges. Her work has been foundational in the development of modern networking.
• Anita Borg (1949–2003): An American computer scientist, Anita Borg founded the Institute for Women and Technology (now AnitaB.org) and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. She advocated for the advancement of women in technology and founded numerous initiatives to support their participation in the field.
• Jean Bartik (1924–2011): Jean Bartik was one of the original programmers for the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), one of the earliest electronic general-purpose computers. Her work was instrumental in demonstrating the potential of electronic computers.

These women, among others, have made significant contributions to the field of technology, yet their achievements have sometimes been overshadowed or forgotten in mainstream narratives. Recognizing their accomplishments is crucial for understanding the diverse history of technology and inspiring future generations of innovators.”

Second Prompt: More Underappreciated WIT

The first list seemed a bit short, so we asked for more underappreciated female tech figures. ChatGPT replied:

“Here are more underappreciated female figures in tech:

• Evelyn Boyd Granville (b. 1924): An African American mathematician and computer programmer, Evelyn Boyd Granville made significant contributions to the Apollo space program, working on trajectory calculations and software for space missions. She was one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics.
• Margaret Hamilton (b. 1936): Margaret Hamilton led the team that developed the on-board flight software for NASA’s Apollo missions to the moon. Her work was crucial in ensuring the success of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Hamilton’s innovations in software engineering and error detection have had a lasting impact on the field.
• Jean Sammet (1928–2017): A computer scientist and programmer, Jean Sammet played a key role in the development of the programming language COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language). She was one of the primary designers of COBOL and contributed significantly to its standardization.
• Erna Schneider Hoover (b. 1926): An American mathematician and computer scientist, Erna Schneider Hoover developed a groundbreaking computerized telephone switching method. Her invention revolutionized telecommunications by introducing computer-controlled systems for handling telephone traffic more efficiently.
• Radia Perlman (b. 1951): As mentioned earlier, [ChatGPT repeats this figure, but adds more context] Radia Perlman developed the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), but her contributions go beyond that. She also made significant advancements in network routing algorithms, network security protocols, and contributed to the development of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards.
• Shafi Goldwasser (b. 1958): A prominent computer scientist and winner of the Turing Award, Shafi Goldwasser has made pioneering contributions to cryptography, computational complexity theory, and the theory of probabilistically checkable proofs. Her work has laid the foundation for modern cryptography and secure communication protocols.
• Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (1906–1992): [another repetition with added context] While Hopper’s role in the development of COBOL is well-known, her other accomplishments are sometimes overlooked. She was instrumental in the development of early programming languages, including the development of the compiler. Hopper also coined the term “bug” in the context of computer programming.

These women have made significant contributions to various aspects of technology, from programming languages to telecommunications, yet their achievements are not always as widely recognized as those of their male counterparts. Recognizing their contributions is essential for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the history of technology.”

Third Prompt: Diverse WIT

Our third prompt requested more diversity. ChatGPT’s response:
“Here are some more diverse female tech figures who have made significant contributions to the field:

• Ursula Burns (b. 1958): Ursula Burns is the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. She served as CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. Burns has been a strong advocate for diversity in the tech industry and has spoken out about the importance of inclusive leadership.
• Fei-Fei Li (b. 1976): Fei-Fei Li is a Chinese-American computer scientist known for her work in artificial intelligence and computer vision. She served as the Director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab and Chief Scientist of AI/ML at Google Cloud. Li is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in AI research.
• Arlan Hamilton (b. 1981): Arlan Hamilton is the founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. She is a prominent advocate for diversity in the startup ecosystem.
• Reshma Saujani (b. 1975): Reshma Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology by teaching girls coding skills. She is also an author and advocate for women’s and girls’ empowerment in STEM fields.
• Megan Smith (b. 1964): Megan Smith served as the Chief Technology Officer of the United States under President Barack Obama. She is a technologist and entrepreneur who has worked to promote diversity in the tech industry, particularly through initiatives like the White House’s TechHire program.
• Maggie Johnson: Maggie Johnson is the Vice President of Education and University Relations at Google. She oversees Google’s efforts to support computer science education and promote diversity in the tech industry, including initiatives like Google’s Women Techmakers program.
• Tracy Chou (b. 1987): Tracy Chou is a software engineer and entrepreneur known for her advocacy for diversity in the tech industry. She co-founded Project Include, an organization that works to improve diversity and inclusion in tech companies.

These women have made significant contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, whether through their leadership roles, advocacy work, or initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Their efforts have helped to create a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem for all.”

Fourth Prompt: Portuguese WIT

Still thinking about AI-bias and diversity, this time we asked about Portuguese female figures in tech. The personalities that ChatGPT suggested were:

“Here are some notable Portuguese female figures in the tech industry:

• Cristina Fonseca: Co-founder of Talkdesk, Cristina Fonseca is a prominent figure in the Portuguese tech scene. Talkdesk is a cloud-based contact center software provider that has gained international recognition. Fonseca’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have contributed to the company’s success.
• Catarina Macedo: Catarina Macedo is the co-founder and CEO of Ophiomics, a biotech startup specializing in personalized medicine and genomic analysis. Macedo’s work in leveraging technology for healthcare solutions has garnered attention both in Portugal and internationally.
• Margarida Mano: Margarida Mano is a researcher and professor in the field of computer science and engineering. She has made significant contributions to areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. Mano’s work has helped advance the field of technology both through research and education.
• Mariana Sá: Mariana Sá is the founder of Faber Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage tech startups in Portugal. Sá’s efforts in supporting and funding emerging tech companies have played a role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Portuguese tech ecosystem.
• Ana Paula Rafael: Ana Paula Rafael is a computer scientist and researcher known for her work in human-computer interaction and accessibility technologies. She has been involved in projects aimed at developing technology solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
• Isabel Trancoso: Isabel Trancoso is a prominent figure in the field of natural language processing and speech recognition. As a researcher and professor at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, she has contributed to advancements in speech technology and has been involved in various international research collaborations.
• Clara Gonçalves: Clara Gonçalves is the co-founder and CEO of NeuroPsyAI, a startup focused on developing AI-powered solutions for mental health diagnosis and treatment. Gonçalves’ work in leveraging technology to address mental health challenges has garnered attention in Portugal’s tech and healthcare sectors.

These Portuguese female figures have made significant contributions to various areas of the tech industry, from entrepreneurship and venture capital to research and innovation. Their work has helped shape the Portuguese tech ecosystem and has positioned Portugal as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Fifth Prompt: Current + International WIT

This was our last question. This time we asked ChatGPT to generate more current international names. ChatGPT’s response:
“Here are some current international female figures in the tech industry:

• Ginni Rometty: Ginni Rometty served as the Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM from 2012 to 2020. During her tenure, she focused on transforming IBM into a leading cloud and cognitive solutions company. Rometty’s leadership and strategic vision have had a significant impact on the tech industry.
• Safra Catz: Safra Catz is the CEO of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s largest enterprise software companies. She has been instrumental in Oracle’s growth and expansion, particularly in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
• Sheryl Sandberg: Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook (now Meta Platforms). She is known for her leadership in expanding Facebook’s business operations and for her advocacy for women’s empowerment in the workplace. Sandberg is also the author of the bestselling book “Lean In.”
• Whitney Wolfe Herd: Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, a popular dating app that empowers women to make the first move. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in the tech industry and has led Bumble to become a leading player in the online dating market.
• Anne Wojcicki: Anne Wojcicki is the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a company that provides direct-to-consumer genetic testing and personalized DNA analysis. She has been at the forefront of the personal genomics industry, leveraging technology to empower individuals to access and understand their genetic information.
• Ruzwana Bashir: Ruzwana Bashir is the co-founder and CEO of Peek.com, a platform for booking travel activities and experiences. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to the travel industry and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in tech entrepreneurship.
• Jennifer Tejada: Jennifer Tejada is the CEO of PagerDuty, a leading digital operations management platform. She has played a key role in scaling PagerDuty and driving its growth as a critical tool for managing digital operations in the modern enterprise.

These women are leading figures in the tech industry today, shaping the direction of some of the world’s most influential technology companies and driving innovation in various sectors. Their leadership, vision, and contributions continue to have a significant impact on the tech landscape.”

Who we would add: even more WIT you should know

We know ChatGPT and other AI tools have their (natural) flaws and biases. That’s why we would like to add a few names from our own research:

• Lise Meitner (Austria): Investigator in radioactivity and nuclear physics. She co-discovered nuclear fission, but in 1944 the Chemistry Nobel Prize was granted to Otto Hahn who never mentioned Meitner’s role in the investigation. Lise was nominated 48 times in 4 decades and never won a Nobel Award.
• Branca Edmée Marques (Portugal): Portuguese scientist who founded the Radiochemistry Lab of the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (FCUL). In 1931 she investigated Nuclear Physics at Marie Curie’s lab in Paris. She was the first chemistry professor in Portugal, and accepted to marry a university colleague as long as he never interfered with her career.
• Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Northern Irland): Astrophysicist who developed a radiotelescope to study quasars and discovered the first pulsars in 1967 — although her discovery was granted to her advisors who received the Physics Nobel Award in 1974. Between 2002 and 2004, Jocelyn was the president of the Royal Institute of Astronomics and later of the Physics Institute. In 2018, she used 3 million dollar award prize to create a female minority and refugee scholarship.
• Svetlana Mojsov (Yugoslavia): Svetlana studied Chemistry in Belgrade and later moved to the USA where she helped identify an intestinal hormone that triggers insulin production in the pancreas — an essential discovery to develop new diabetes and obesity medication although she had to fight so that her name was included in the discovery articles and medication patents.
• Katalin Karikó (Hungary): Biochemistry doctorate, her ARNm work was the basis for developing vaccines against covid-19. She emigrated to the USA and was demoted for insisting on working on ARNm when there were no available investigation scholarships, and earned less than a lab technician. In 2023 she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine together with her colleague Drew Weissman.
• Angelica Ross (American): Born 1980, Ross is a businesswoman, a transgender rights advocate, and an actress. Starting off as a self-taught computer programmer, she is now the founder and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that helps employ transgender people in the tech industry.

Final thoughts: Taking Action

It may feel like an extensive list, but considering the Matilda Effect and having the clarity and humbleness of acknowledging that we don’t know what we don’t know, who else is missing from this list?

What can we do as a community to celebrate these women as they deserve to be celebrated, bringing more female representation to the area and building more diversity in our field?

We’re looking at our partners but also at you, readers and tb.lx friends, to learn what resources exist that we can share, to open the dialogue, build more bridges, and not letting this conversation die out.

Openness to feedback and transparent communications are part of our company DNA, so please reach out — our social media channels are open to your suggestions and insights 💚 LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter/X, Facebook.

Let’s celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science and International Women’s Day every day, even if the internet algorithms and audiences are more favorable to these topics when they coincide with the calendar.

Did you know about the Matilda Effect? Who else is missing from this list?

Let us know in the comment section.

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