The technology industry has seen a significant rise in the number of women who are making a mark in the field. These women are not only breaking gender barriers but also making significant contributions to the industry. In this article, we will be highlighting the 15 most influential women in tech right now.
The aim of this article is to celebrate the achievements of these women and highlight their contributions to the industry. By recognizing these women, we hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in tech and break down the gender barriers that still exist in the industry.
The Pioneers
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace is widely considered to be the world’s first computer programmer. Born in 1815, she was the daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron. Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, an early mechanical computer prototype. She is credited with writing the first algorithm designed to be processed by a machine, which would have been used to calculate Bernoulli numbers. Ada Lovelace’s contributions to the field of computer science were not widely recognized during her lifetime, but her work has since been celebrated and she is considered a pioneer in the field.
Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper was a computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. She is credited with developing the first compiler, which translated computer code into machine-readable language. This made it possible for programmers to write code in high-level languages, rather than low-level machine code. Grace Hopper also worked on the development of the UNIVAC I, the first commercial computer in the United States. She was a pioneer in the field of computer science and her contributions have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton is a software engineer who worked on the Apollo space program. She was responsible for developing the software that helped land the Apollo spacecraft on the moon. Margaret Hamilton’s work on the Apollo program was groundbreaking, and she is credited with coining the term “software engineering.” She went on to found her own software company, Hamilton Technologies, which focused on developing software for systems that required high reliability and safety. Margaret Hamilton’s contributions to the field of computer science have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Modern Trailblazers
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and one of the most prominent women in tech. She is also the author of the best-selling book “Lean In”, which encourages women to pursue their ambitions and overcome gender bias. Sandberg has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and has been instrumental in implementing policies at Facebook to support these values.
Susan Wojcicki
Susan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube and has been with the company since its early days. She has been recognized for her leadership in growing YouTube into the massive platform it is today, with over 2 billion monthly active users. Wojcicki has also been a vocal advocate for women in tech, and has spoken out about the need for more diversity in the industry.
Ginni Rometty
Ginni Rometty is the former CEO of IBM and one of the most powerful women in tech. During her tenure at IBM, she led the company through a major transformation, focusing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Rometty has also been a champion for women in tech, and has worked to increase the representation of women in leadership roles at IBM.
Marissa Mayer
Marissa Mayer is a former executive at Google and the former CEO of Yahoo. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the development of Google’s search and advertising technologies. At Yahoo, Mayer focused on turning around the struggling company and driving growth through acquisitions and new product development. Mayer has also been a vocal advocate for women in tech, and has spoken out about the need for more diversity in the industry.
These women are just a few examples of the many trailblazers in tech who are paving the way for future generations. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to diversity and inclusion have made them some of the most influential figures in the industry today.
The Innovators
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, a dating app that empowers women to make the first move. Herd’s innovative approach to online dating has made Bumble one of the most popular dating apps in the world. In addition to her work at Bumble, Herd is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.
Anne Wojcicki
Anne Wojcicki is the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a personal genomics and biotechnology company. Wojcicki’s innovative approach to genetics has made 23andMe one of the most successful startups in the tech industry. In addition to her work at 23andMe, Wojcicki is also a philanthropist and a vocal advocate for healthcare reform.
Reshma Saujani
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 to code. Saujani’s innovative approach to education has made Girls Who Code one of the most successful nonprofits in the tech industry. In addition to her work at Girls Who Code, Saujani is also a bestselling author and a sought-after speaker.
These three women are just a few of the many innovators who are changing the face of the tech industry. Through their hard work and dedication, they are inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in technology and to make a difference in the world.
The Future Leaders
Kimberly Bryant
Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls Code, a non-profit organization that aims to teach computer programming to young girls from underrepresented communities. She started the organization in 2011, after noticing the lack of diversity in the tech industry and the lack of opportunities for girls of color in the field. Today, Black Girls Code has chapters in several cities across the United States and has reached thousands of girls.
Stephanie Lampkin
Stephanie Lampkin is the founder and CEO of Blendoor, a job matching platform that uses data and technology to eliminate bias in the hiring process. Lampkin, who has a background in engineering and tech, created Blendoor after experiencing discrimination herself while job hunting. The platform has gained recognition for its innovative approach to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Kathryn Finney
Kathryn Finney is the founder of digitalundivided, a social enterprise that supports Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs in the tech industry. The organization provides training, mentorship, and resources to help women succeed in the field. Finney, who is also a tech entrepreneur and investor, has been recognized as a leading voice in the movement for diversity and inclusion in tech.
These three women are just a few examples of the future leaders in tech who are working to make the industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. They are paving the way for the next generation of women in tech and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.