Women in Technology

By Caylor Feeley

History exists in the current world around us, not just in textbooks. How we live our everyday lives was crafted by historical figures. If you have flown in an airplane, Orville and Wilbur Wright have influenced your life. If you have a cell phone, Antonio Meucci and Alexander Graham Bell have impacted you. You’ve probably heard of the inventors above, but what about the people who laid the crucial groundwork for computers?

Ada Lovelace pioneered computing through her mathematical expertise. In 1843, Ada created an algorithm that was the first of its kind. It was created to be used on a machine and designed a process called looping. This formula created the foundation for modern-day computers and Ada Lovelace earned the title of “first computer programmer.”

The Common Business-Oriented Language or COBOL, created in 1959, was the first English computer language and is still utilized now. It changed computer programming through decreasing costs and miscommunication with its readability and specificity. The person who lead the team that invented this crucial computer design was Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper.

Ada Lovelace and Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper were groundbreaking women who are often lost in history. This Women’s History month, Convergent Technologies Group would like to extend honor and praise to women, past and present, in technology.

From Ada Lovelace to Meg Whitman, women have a rich and hard-earned place in technology. Even with extensive contributions, women are still fighting for recognition and equality in the field. The numbers representing women in tech are discouraging. According to TechCrunch, only 18 percent of undergraduate computer science degree holders are women and make up only 26 percent of technology positions. Even with the adverse statistics there are actions that can be taken to change the landscape of the industry.

With support, the future for women in IT is promising. Convergent Technologies Group’s employees are comprised of half women and our organization encourages the professional development and work/life balance of all employees. Events such as RVATech/Women create a system of support, influence and inspiration that propel women to the next level of fulfillment. With representation and recognition of women in STEM, such as the film Hidden Figures, and the leadership of Meg Whitman and Sheryl Sandberg, success in IT will seem more possible to girls. Women are crucial to the advancement of the industry and with the backing of businesses and organizations, women can have a seat at the technology table.  

Caylor Feeley is a junior marketing specialist at Convergent Technologies Group.