The history of women in technology is a story often overlooked, yet it’s filled with groundbreaking achievements, untold contributions, and inspiring resilience. From Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to pioneers like Grace Hopper and Katherine Johnson, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the tech world as we know it today.
Despite historically facing societal barriers and gender biases, these trailblazers helped lay the foundation for modern computing, coding, and innovation. In this blog, we will delve into the lives and achievements of these historical figures and also explore how their contributions continue to empower today’s women in tech & how their innovations have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, developers, and leaders.
Early 19th Century:
In the early 19th century, women in tech were often relegated to roles that involved mathematical calculations, but their work laid the groundwork for the technological innovations we associate with computing today. The period marked the beginning of women's involvement in fields that would eventually evolve into modern-day computer science and engineering.
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) – Pioneer of Computer Programming
Contribution: Often regarded as the first computer programmer, she authored the first algorithm designed for a machine, demonstrating a profound understanding of its potential. Lovelace collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a groundbreaking mechanical computing device. She envisioned a future where these machines could transcend mere calculation, encompassing diverse applications such as music and graphics – a remarkable foresight considering the limitations of the technology at the time.
20th Century:
Grace Hopper (1906–1992) – Pioneer of Computer Programming
Contribution: A rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, Hopper was one of the first to develop a compiler—a tool that translates human-readable code into machine code—thereby making programming more accessible. She is also credited with popularizing the term "debugging" after an actual moth was found in a computer. She was instrumental in the creation of COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000) – Inventor
Contribution: Hedy Lamarr co-invented an early version of frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, a method of securely transmitting radio signals that later became a foundation for wireless communications, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Her work in wireless technology wasn’t widely acknowledged at the time but has since been recognized as groundbreaking.
Jean Bartik (1924–2011) – Pioneer of Computer Programming
Contribution: Bartik was one of the original programmers of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), the first programmable digital computer. She and her team were responsible for programming the machine to solve complex mathematical equations for the U.S. Army. Despite their critical role, the women who worked on ENIAC were not initially credited with the creation of the technology.
Radia Perlman (1951–Present) – The Mother of the Internet
Contribution: Perlman is best known for developing the spanning-tree protocol (STP), a fundamental technology that makes today’s computer networks possible. STP prevents loops in network data traffic, making large-scale networks more efficient. Her contributions to network engineering has left a lasting impact on how the Internet functions and operates.
Shafi Goldwasser (1958–Present) – Cryptographer and Computer Scientist
Contribution: Goldwasser’s work in cryptography, particularly her development of zero-knowledge proofs (a method by which one party can prove to another party that they know a value without revealing the value itself), has had wide applications in modern security protocols, including blockchain technology. She is a Turing Award winner and has made significant strides in making encryption both practical and secure.
Empowering the Future of Tech – Women at Encora
The women who contributed to technology in the 20th century broke down barriers, proving that innovation is not limited by gender. Their pioneering work in programming, cryptography, computer science, and engineering set the stage for the next generation of women in tech. Today, many of their contributions are fundamental to the tech landscape, and their legacies continue to inspire women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
The foundation they laid has made it easier for today's women to take on leadership roles, start tech companies, and continue innovating in a more inclusive and diverse tech environment. Their courage and resilience have created a lasting legacy, one that has inspired and paved the way for the women who are leading the charge in tech today. At Encora, we are incredibly proud of the legacy women in tech have built, which continues to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. With around 2,000 women across our organization, making up approximately 30% of our global tech workforce, we have cultivated a dynamic, inclusive community driven by collaboration and excellence. These talented women are making impactful contributions across a range of advanced technologies, including cloud services, cybersecurity, generative AI, DevSecOps, and data & analytics.
Encora’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion is deeply woven into both our workforce and our work culture. We prioritize creating supportive environments that foster continuous learning, mentorship, and professional growth for women in tech. Through leadership development programs, flexible work arrangements, and wellness initiatives, we ensure that our women engineers and technologists are equipped with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Over the years, Women at Encora are driving innovation and shaping the future of tech through their leadership in key roles. With Senior Software Engineers making up 75.82% of our women in tech, they are leading software development efforts and pushing technological boundaries. Women also excel in Senior QA Engineers (6.14%), ensuring product reliability, and Senior Technical Leads (5.62%), driving team coordination and technical excellence. Their contributions extend to Senior Test Engineers (4.58%) who strengthen solution robustness, and Senior DevOps Engineers (3.40%) who implement scalable infrastructure solutions. These diverse roles underscore the significant presence of women across all facets of technology at Encora, proving that gender diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and excellence in the tech industry.
Women at Encora are not only shaping innovation but also leading the way in redefining workplace dynamics. In People and Culture roles, women are driving initiatives that promote diversity, work-life balance, and mental well-being. Our marketing and sales leaders are taking bold steps to drive global growth while cultivating meaningful client relationships—proving that diverse voices are essential to business strategy. In business development, women are paving new pathways for opportunity and inspiring future leaders, while those in operations and strategy are creating sustainable growth frameworks and fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture.
Each year, we come together globally as Women in Tech for an annual panel where we share best practices in development and leadership. This event not only highlights the achievements of women at Encora but also strengthens the bonds of our community. Through Women Hackers, we create spaces for open exchange, offering valuable insights and experiences that promote collaboration and support among women in tech. While the journey toward full gender equality in tech is ongoing, each new generation of leaders at Encora takes us one step closer to a more inclusive and groundbreaking future. By championing women’s leadership and fostering a culture of empowerment, we are proving that when women rise in tech, the entire world of innovation rises with them.
