Women who changed the IT world

Information technology has never been a monolith. It has always been a vibrant, tumultuous ecosystem of ideas, inspiration, and innovation. When we look beyond the surface of silicon and source code, we find a tapestry of stories—many of which belong to women whose vision, courage, and intellect have fundamentally shaped our digital world. Their names are often missing from mainstream narratives, but their impact is woven into every line of code, every device, and every connection. Let’s journey through the legacy and ongoing influence of these remarkable women in technology.

The Pioneers: Foundations of Computing

Ada Lovelace is frequently referred to as the world’s first computer programmer. In the mid-19th century, she collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, writing what many consider the first algorithm intended for a machine. Lovelace’s vision went beyond calculation: she imagined computers composing music, processing graphics, and more. Her work challenges the myth that programming has always been a man’s field.

“That brain of mine is something more than merely mortal; as time will show.” – Ada Lovelace

Fast-forward a century. Grace Hopper, a Rear Admiral in the US Navy, developed the first compiler for a computer programming language. Hopper’s advocacy for machine-independent programming languages led to the creation of COBOL, a language still quietly powering critical infrastructure today. She popularized the term “debugging” after extracting an actual moth from a computer relay.

These early innovators set a precedent: technology is not built by individuals working in isolation, but through collaboration and the synthesis of diverse perspectives.

Hidden Figures: The Women Behind the Screens

During World War II and the decades that followed, women were at the heart of computation. The ENIAC programmers—six women, including Jean Jennings Bartik and Kathleen McNulty—were responsible for programming the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer. Their pioneering techniques laid the groundwork for modern software development, yet their contributions were largely unrecognized for decades.

At NASA, Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo missions, ensuring astronauts’ safe passage to space and back. Johnson’s calculations were so reliable that even when computers became available, John Glenn requested she personally verify the results.

“We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.” – Katherine Johnson

Women and the Birth of Software Engineering

The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of software engineering as a discipline. Margaret Hamilton led the team that developed the onboard flight software for the Apollo missions. Her rigorous approach to error detection and fault tolerance saved the Apollo 11 mission from disaster during the lunar landing. Hamilton coined the term “software engineering,” demanding recognition for the complexity and importance of her field.

In parallel, Radia Perlman invented the spanning-tree protocol, a key component of network routing that allows modern internet infrastructure to function. Perlman’s work is sometimes described as the reason the Internet doesn’t collapse under its own complexity.

Breaking Barriers: Diversity and Representation

The visibility of these trailblazers has not always translated into broad inclusion. The percentage of women in technical roles has fluctuated over the decades, often in response to cultural and economic shifts. During the early years of computing, women made up a significant portion of programmers. However, as computing gained prestige and economic value, the field became increasingly male-dominated.

Efforts by women such as Anita Borg and Telle Whitney have sought to reverse this trend. They co-founded the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, now the world’s largest gathering of women technologists. The event provides not only networking and mentorship opportunities but also a powerful sense of community and belonging.

“If we want technology to serve society, we must have diverse voices at the table designing it.” – Anita Borg

Representation matters not just for social justice, but for innovation. Diverse teams are more likely to anticipate problems, design inclusive products, and drive creative solutions. The more varied the backgrounds of those who build technology, the more universally beneficial and resilient our technological future becomes.

Contemporary Innovators: Shaping the Digital Age

Today, women are leading technology companies, founding startups, and building communities. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, helped scale the social media giant and was a key voice in conversations about women’s leadership in tech. Ginni Rometty guided IBM through its data-driven transformation, investing in AI and cloud computing. Susan Wojcicki led YouTube through exponential growth, focusing on content creators and digital media innovation.

In open source, Mitchell Baker has been instrumental in the Mozilla Foundation’s stewardship of Firefox and the open web. Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls CODE, working to create pathways for girls of color in STEM. These leaders show that the future of technology is not monolithic, but multifaceted and deeply collaborative.

Women in AI and Machine Learning

Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, has pushed the boundaries of computer vision and advocated for ethical AI. Her work on ImageNet transformed machine learning research and made AI more accessible. Timnit Gebru is a leading researcher in algorithmic bias and responsible AI, urging the industry to confront the social impacts of its creations.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the world, the leadership of women like Li and Gebru is critical to ensuring that technology reflects the needs and values of all people, not just a privileged few.

Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Tech

Technology’s promise is not simply efficiency or progress, but empowerment. For women who are neurodivergent—those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—tech has been both a barrier and a gateway. Stories like Temple Grandin’s highlight the unique perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to problem-solving and design.

Organizations such as Neurodiversity in Tech and initiatives from companies like Microsoft are beginning to actively recruit and support neurodiverse talent. Women at the intersection of gender and neurodiversity often face compounded biases, but they also drive innovation by approaching problems unconventionally and advocating for more inclusive environments.

“The world needs all kinds of minds.” – Temple Grandin

Inclusive design and accessible technologies benefit everyone. From the development of screen readers and voice assistants to the design of flexible workspaces, the contributions of neurodiverse women are reshaping tech culture from the inside out.

Education and Mentorship: Building the Next Generation

Education remains the foundation of progress. Programs like Girls Who Code, Code.org, and TechGirls are working to close the gender gap by providing coding education, mentorship, and real-world experience to young women and girls. The presence of female role models and mentors is especially crucial for neurodivergent learners, who may struggle to see themselves represented in traditional career narratives.

Universities and bootcamps are increasingly integrating accessibility, ethics, and social impact into their curricula, responding to calls from students and industry alike for a more humane and inclusive approach to technology.

The Ongoing Impact: Redefining What’s Possible

The stories of women in technology are not simply tales of overcoming adversity—they are blueprints for what is possible when barriers are dismantled and talent is nurtured, regardless of gender or neurotype. The influence of these women is everywhere: in the software that powers our hospitals and banks, the networks that connect continents, the algorithms that recommend our next book or diagnose disease, and the communities that foster belonging in a digital age.

Today, the challenge is not only to honor the past, but to create a future where every young woman, every neurodiverse learner, sees technology as a place for her. That means amplifying diverse voices, designing for accessibility, and fostering cultures of respect and curiosity.

Innovation thrives on diversity. The future of technology will be written by all of us—or it will not serve any of us fully.

As we celebrate the women who have changed the IT world, let us also remember that their stories are still being written. Whether you are an aspiring coder, a seasoned developer, a teacher, or simply someone who believes that technology should serve humanity, know that your perspective matters. The next chapter is yours to shape.