Women’s History Month: Honoring the Pioneers of Technology

Did you know March is Women’s History Month? This is a time to honor remarkable contributions of women throughout history and celebrate their achievements in shaping society, culture, science, and technology. From pioneering innovations in smart technology to driving advancements in connected healthcare, transportation, retail, and safety women will forever continue to shape the future of IoT. Their leadership and creativity have created a more connected and efficient world, proving that diversity in tech leads to stronger solutions used by everyone around the globe.  

This month, we’re highlighting 5 women who transformed the IoT landscape and the world forever, inspiring the next generation of women in technology. 

Ada Lovelace (Computer Algorithm – 1843) 

Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, developed the first algorithm intended for a machine, making her the world’s first computer programmer. In 1843, she translated an article by Italian mathematician Luigi Federico Menabrea about Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. In her notes, she described a step-by-step method to calculate Bernoulli numbers.  

She laid the groundwork for computer programming, as a century later her ideas became a foundation in early computing. Lovelace’s contributions were revolutionary for her time! 

Hedy Lamarr (Wireless Transmission Technology – 1900s)

Not only was Hedy Lamarr a famous Austrian-born American actress, but also a brilliant inventor who co-developed the concept of spectrum communication, a foundation for GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi technology. During World War II, Lamarr and a composer named George Antheil worked together to develop a secure radio communication system to prevent enemy forces from jamming Allied torpedoes. This concept was called “frequency hopping” – where signals rapidly switch between different frequencies. Lamarr and Antheil’s invention was patented in 1942 under “Secret Communication System” (U.S. Patent No. 2,292,387).  

The U.S. Navy initially dismissed the invention, but it was later revised in the 1960s and became a core technology for cellular communication. In 1997, she received the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award and is celebrated today as a trailblazer in both entertainment and STEM. 

Grace Hopper (Computer Compiler – 1952) 

Grace Hopper, an American computer scientist and mathematician, invented the first compiler, a program that translates human-readable code into machine language. This led to the development of the COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), one of the first programming languages designed for business applications. COBOL simplified coding and allowed businesses to use computers for record-keeping, payroll, and banking.  

Hopper was also a leader in the U.S. Navy – by 1966, she accomplished the rank of Commander. The next year she was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff as Director of Navy Programming Languages Group. In the following years she attained Captain, Commodore, and finally Rear Admiral. In 2016, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her novel contributions to computing.  

Marie Van Brittan Brown (Home Security System – 1969) 

Marie Van Brittan Brown, an American nurse, was the inventor who revolutionized security by creating the first home security system. In 1966, Brown, along with her husband Albert Brown, applied for a patent for the first closed-circuit television (CCTV) home security system, and it was granted in 1969 (U.S. Patent No. 3,482,037). The idea came to her when she was concerned about safety when she was home alone and realized she would feel less vulnerable if she could see who was at her door. Her system included peepholes, cameras, a monitor, and a two-way microphone.  

Although her design was originally created for home security, her concept was later adopted by banks, businesses, and other public surveillance systems. Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention continued to inspire modern security systems and smart doorbells like Ring and Nest.  

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (Telecommunication Research – 1970s) 

Shirley Ann Jackson, an American physicist, conducted significant research at Bell Laboratories in the 1970s that helped advance modern telecommunications and paved the way for innovations in electronic signal transmission. While she did not invent a specific device, her work in particle physics and telecommunications research led to the development of technologies like caller ID, call waiting, fiber-optic cables, and solar cells. Her research also influenced the creation of touch-tone phone technology and the process of making devices smaller and more efficient, such as portable fax machines – essentially shrinking the size of communication devices to make them more accessible by users.  

Jackson has received a number of awards including the National Medal of Science, the Vannevar Bush Award, and an induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Today, she continues to advocate for STEM education and diversity in science and technology fields.  

Final Thoughts 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize the contributions these women (and countless others) have accomplished to make the world what it is today. From Ada Lovelace’s work in computer programming to Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention to make homes more secure, these innovators shaped the way we live, work, and communicate. Let’s continue to support women in technology today and every day, ensuring their contributions are recognized and their legacies live on.