The women who changed the tech world

With her curiosity and brilliance, Ada not only saw the future—she helped invent it. 

Ada Lovelace, born in the 19th century, was anything but ordinary. As the daughter of the renowned poet Lord Byron, she inherited her father’s brilliance but channeled her genius into numbers and machines rather than verses. 

At the age of 17, Ada met inventor Charles Babbage and was captivated by his mechanical calculator, the Difference Engine. However, Ada’s vision extended beyond simple calculations. She imagined a future where machines could accomplish much more. 

Later, when Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, Ada wrote extensive notes, including what is now recognised as the first computer algorithm. She even envisioned machines composing music and creating art—concepts that seemed like science fiction at the time. 

Ada Lovelace’s story demonstrates how a unique perspective can lead to groundbreaking ideas. Her curiosity and foresight helped shape the future of computing long before it was widely conceived. 

Grace Hopper's legacy reminds us to embrace curiosity and push the boundaries of what's possible. 

Grace Hopper, affectionately known as "Amazing Grace," was a pioneering computer scientist and Navy Rear Admiral. Born in 1906, her innate curiosity led her to dismantle clocks as a child, a precursor to her future in technology.  

During World War II, she worked on the Mark I computer and famously coined the term "debugging" after removing a moth from the machine. 

Grace's groundbreaking achievement was inventing the first compiler, which revolutionised how computers were programmed, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Her work laid the foundation for modern programming languages. Throughout her career, she broke barriers and inspired countless individuals with her determination and innovative spirit.  

Grace Hopper's legacy reminds us to embrace curiosity and push the boundaries of what is possible, demonstrating that anyone can achieve the extraordinary. 

True brilliance knows no bounds; it shines in every passion we pursue and every challenge we overcome. 

Hedy Lamarr was not just a glamorous Hollywood star but also a groundbreaking inventor. During World War II, while dazzling on screen, she teamed up with composer George Antheil to tackle a different challenge: creating technology to assist the Allies. They developed a system of frequency-hopping spread spectrum to guide torpedoes and prevent them from being jammed. 

Despite their innovative invention, which laid the foundation for today’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, their work was initially dismissed. Yet, Hedy’s ingenuity never waned. Years later, her contributions were finally recognised, and she was celebrated not just as a screen legend but also as a pioneer in technology. 

Hedy Lamarr’s story is a vibrant reminder that true brilliance knows no bounds. It encourages us to pursue our passions, challenge the status quo, and never underestimate our potential to make an impact—whether on the big screen or in the world of innovation. 

Radia Perlman proved that creativity and determination can turn skepticism into groundbreaking innovation. 

Radia Perlman, often referred to as the "Mother of the Internet," had a curiosity that knew no bounds. Growing up in the 1950s, a time when women in tech were rare, she immersed herself in computers and networks, driven by a passion for problem-solving. 

In the 1980s, Perlman invented the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), a groundbreaking technology that made modern networking possible by preventing loops in network bridges. Her innovation was pivotal, allowing networks to expand and communicate efficiently without endless tangles. 

Despite her contributions, Perlman faced scepticism and obstacles, but her resilience and love for technology kept her moving forward. She became a trailblazer, demonstrating that with creativity and determination, one can change the world, even when the odds seem stacked against them. 

Elizabeth Feinler's innovation turned challenges into a gateway for global connection and communication. 

In the early 1970s, when the internet was still a distant dream, Elizabeth Feinler was already charting its course. As a pioneering computer scientist, she played a crucial role in creating the early domain name system (DNS), which laid the groundwork for the modern internet. 

At the time, computers were isolated from one another, and communication between them was a complex puzzle. Elizabeth and her team at the Stanford Research Institute were tasked with making these machines communicate. They devised a system to translate user-friendly domain names like "example.com" into numeric IP addresses, making it easier to navigate the web. 

Despite the challenges and scepticism from some quarters, Elizabeth's innovation transformed the internet from a niche academic network into a global phenomenon. Her work made the web accessible to everyone, shaping the way we connect and communicate today. 

As we celebrate the incredible achievements of trailblazing women like Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, Radia Perlman, and Elizabeth Feinler, we are reminded of the profound impact that exceptional female talent can have on the tech industry. 

With The RightBrains Awards now open for public voting, it’s time to recognise and honour the extraordinary contributions of women in technology today. We are featuring remarkable women who are leading the way in tech and inspiring the next generation of female innovators. We invite you to cast your vote for the RightBrains Digital Talent Award and the RightBrains Digital Leadership & Diversity Award. Your vote will spotlight those who are making a significant impact in the industry.