As Women’s History Month begins, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women in the field of technology. The women’s suffrage movement was a decades-long fight to win the right to vote for women in the United States. It took activists and reformers nearly 100 years to win that right.  So it’s not surprise that women still make up a small portion of those in the tech and related fields. 

There is hope, our numbers are increasing in fields of tech and our contributions are being realized in real time.  According to The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), in 2022, 27% of professions in IT were women up from 25% in 2022. This progress owes much to the courage and determination of pioneering women who boldly fought for their place in this male-dominated domain.

Hedy Lamarr

Most people, if they recognize the name Hedy Lamarr, remember her as an actress in the 30’s and 40’s.  Did you know that she was a patented inventor of groundbreaking technology known as frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)? This technology was initially developed as a solution to the problem of radio-controlled torpedoes being easily jammed by enemies. FHSS involved rapidly switching the radio signals across multiple frequencies, making it incredibly difficult for adversaries to intercept or jam the communication. The technology laid the foundation for many modern communication systems, including secure military communications and, eventually, the development of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, is celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to the field of computer programming and technology. Among her numerous achievements, Hopper is renowned for her work on the Harvard Mark I computer during World War II, where she became one of the first programmers of this electromechanical computer. She also developed the first compiler, known as the A-0 System, which laid the foundation for modern programming languages. Her efforts led to the development of COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), a widely used high-level programming language that revolutionized software development for business applications. Hopper’s dedication to advancing technology and her trailblazing work continue to inspire generations of computer scientists and engineers.

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson’s remarkable career, along with the stories of her fellow African American female mathematicians at NASA, was brought to the forefront in the book and film “Hidden Figures.”  Katherine was a brilliant NASA mathematician and physicist, who made extraordinary contributions to the early years of the United States’ space program, particularly during the Space Race era. Her exceptional mathematical skills played a crucial role in calculating the trajectories for various historic missions, including the first American in space and the Apollo moon missions. Her precise calculations were essential for ensuring the safety and success of these missions, earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues at NASA.

Grace Hopper, Katherine Johnson, Hedy Lamarr, and numerous other unsung heroes of the past have indelibly shaped the landscape of technology, setting the stage for the modern trailblazers of today. As we celebrate their legacies during Women’s History Month, it’s essential to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of contemporary women who continue to break barriers and redefine norms in the tech industry. These remarkable individuals stand at the forefront of innovation, challenging stereotypes and driving progress in fields traditionally dominated by men. Let’s explore the stories of a few such inspiring women who are paving the way for future generations of female technologists.

Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg, formerly Meta’s Chief Operating Officer, is not only a prominent figure in the tech industry but also a passionate advocate for women in leadership roles. She played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Meta, overseeing key operations and strategic initiatives.  Through her work, she has championed gender equality, workplace diversity, and leadership development, inspiring countless women to break barriers and achieve their full potential in both the tech world and beyond. Sandberg is also the author of the bestselling book “Lean In,” which is a book I often hand out to women that ask for career and leadership advice.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li

Known to the world as the creator of ImageNet, a key catalyst of modern artificial intelligence, Dr. Li has spent more than two decades at the forefront of the field. She has held significant academic positions, including serving as the Director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab and the Stanford Vision Lab. Dr. Li co-founded AI4ALL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in AI, and her work has advanced the development of image recognition technologies. Her dedication to bridging the gender gap in tech and her remarkable contributions to AI research have solidified her status as a leading figure in the industry.  I’m looking forward to reading her book: The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI.

What’s Next?

It’s evident that women are making significant strides towards equality and advancement in once male-dominated fields, including technology. While the journey towards gender parity is ongoing, I eagerly anticipate the day when I walk into a room of technology peers and I’m not the sole woman present. The rise of AI signals a potential paradigm shift in technological advancement, and I’m hopeful that more women will step forward to contribute to this transformative era.

To foster greater diversity and inclusion in tech, it’s essential to provide support and resources for women at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re a woman pushing boundaries in the industry or an ally supporting the cause, there are numerous ways to get involved.

Get Involved in School Age Activities:

• Engage in events like One Hour of Code or Girls Who Code to promote coding literacy and participation among young girls.
• Contribute to technology programs offered by organizations like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, either by teaching existing merit badges or by advocating for the modernization of these programs to reflect contemporary tech trends.
• Volunteer as a coach for robotics clubs in high schools, providing guidance and encouragement to students exploring STEM fields through hands-on projects.

Raise Your Voice:

• As a woman in tech, it’s essential to speak up and share your experiences to inspire and empower the next generation of female professionals. While it may be challenging, visibility is crucial for encouraging girls and young professionals to pursue careers in tech.

Be a Mentor:

• Whether you’re in a leadership position or a seasoned professional, seize opportunities to mentor and support women entering the tech industry. Look for potential mentees within your team, among your peers, or even approach your manager to express your interest in mentoring aspiring female professionals.