Ada Lovelace: First computer programmer, wrote early algorithm. Grace Hopper: Developed COBOL, coined "debugging". ENIAC Programmers: Six women crucial to early computing, recognized late. Sister Mary Keller: First woman with CS PhD, promoted BASIC. Radia Perlman: Essential to Internet's foundation via STP. Silicon Ceiling: Highlights gender biases in tech. Anita Borg: Advocated for women's impact in technology. Sheryl Sandberg: Promoted women in leadership. Kimberly Bryant: Founded Black Girls CODE. Marissa Mayer: Showcased women's leadership in tech.
From Computers to Coding: How Are Women Documented in Tech History?
Ada Lovelace: First computer programmer, wrote early algorithm. Grace Hopper: Developed COBOL, coined "debugging". ENIAC Programmers: Six women crucial to early computing, recognized late. Sister Mary Keller: First woman with CS PhD, promoted BASIC. Radia Perlman: Essential to Internet's foundation via STP. Silicon Ceiling: Highlights gender biases in tech. Anita Borg: Advocated for women's impact in technology. Sheryl Sandberg: Promoted women in leadership. Kimberly Bryant: Founded Black Girls CODE. Marissa Mayer: Showcased women's leadership in tech.
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Ada Lovelace The Enchantress of Numbers
Ada Lovelace, often considered the world's first computer programmer, made significant contributions to the field of computing before it truly existed. Her notes on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine in the mid-1800s included what many regard as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, making her a pioneering figure in tech history.
Grace Hopper The Queen of Software
Grace Hopper was a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and a computer scientist who was pivotal in the development of the COBOL programming language, one of the first high-level programming languages. Hopper is renowned for popularizing the term "debugging" in computing and was a significant figure in making programming more accessible.
The ENIAC Programmers Unsung Heroes
During World War II, six women — Kathleen McNulty, Jean Jennings Bartik, Frances Snyder Holberton, Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer, Frances Bilas Spence, and Ruth Lichterman Teitelbaum — were recruited to program the ENIAC, one of the first electronic general-purpose computers. Their work was critical to the success of ENIAC, yet they were not publicly recognized for their contributions until decades later.
Sister Mary Kenneth Keller Breaking Religious and Digital Boundaries
In 1965, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller became the first woman to earn a PhD in Computer Science in the United States. She was a strong advocate for women in computing and contributed to the development of the BASIC programming language, emphasizing the importance of computers in education.
Radia Perlman The Mother of the Internet
Radia Perlman, a software designer and network engineer, is considered one of the key contributors to the foundation of the Internet. Known for her invention of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Perlman made a significant impact on the Ethernet protocol, allowing for the creation of large networks.
The Silicon Ceiling Womens Struggles in the Tech Industry
Despite the foundational roles women have played in computing history, the ongoing “Silicon Ceiling” refers to the barriers that prevent women from advancing in the tech industry. Issues such as gender bias, wage gaps, and underrepresentation continue to be challenges that women face in technology careers.
Anita Borg A Lifelong Advocate for Women in Tech
Anita Borg was a computer scientist who dedicated her life to revolutionizing the way we think about technology and diversity. She founded the Institute for Women and Technology (now the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology) which aims to increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology and increase the positive impact of technology on the world’s women.
Sheryl Sandberg Leaning Into Tech Leadership
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook (now Meta), has been a symbolic figure for women in tech leadership roles. Her book, "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead," sparked conversations about women in leadership, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and challenge the status quo in male-dominated fields.
Kimberly Bryant Empowering Young Women of Color in Tech
Kimberly Bryant, an electrical engineer, founded Black Girls CODE, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching programming and technology to young girls of color. Her work aims to increase the representation of African American women in tech and provide young girls with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology.
Marissa Mayer From Engineer to Executive
Marissa Mayer was one of the first female engineers at Google and later became the CEO of Yahoo!, where she was instrumental in various product developments and strategic initiatives. Her journey from engineer to executive highlights the potential pathway women can have in the tech industry, breaking through barriers and leading major corporations.
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