As March, Women's Month, ends, recalling the endless contributions of women in technology is essential. Women are pioneers of the creation and development of technology, which we, the people of today, should commemorate and remember. In celebration of Women's Month, here are some of the women who have innovated and built what we know today as technology.
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace, the pioneer of computer programming, was a British mathematician known for computing an algorithm for a machine in the mid-1800s. She is known for her work on the Analytical Engine, a proposed mechanical general-purpose computer by Charles Babbage.
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a pioneering mathematician and a member of NASA's Space Task Group. Johnson played an important role in the calculations of spacecraft trajectories during her 33 years (1953-1986) working for NACA and NASA.
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson was an aerospace engineer for NACA and later NASA. As the first Black female engineer at NASA, she sought to improve opportunities for women at the organization.
Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist, mathematician, and Navy officer. She helped devise the theory of machine-independent programming languages and developed FLOW-MATIC and COBOL, an early high-level programming language.
Annie Easley
Annie Easley was a computer scientist and rocket engineer for NASA. She developed and analyzed code and data for research topics including alternative energy, battery storage, and the Centaur launch vehicle. She was also a strong advocate for equality for women and minorities in STEM careers.
Mary Wilkes
Mary Wilkes is a lawyer and former computer engineer and logic designer. She is known for writing the operating system for what is considered the world's first personal computer, and for being the first person to use one in her home.
Radia Perlman
Radia Perlman is a computer programmer and network engineer, and a major figure in assembling technology behind what we now call the internet. She is known for contributions to network protocols such as STP and TRILL, which remain essential for local network efficiency.
Women have played vital roles in pioneering modern technology. Improving technology, creating opportunities, and building toward the future have all been advanced by these women and many more. Women's Month may have ended, but women's contributions to technology, and to every field, continue without end.
