How often do we recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? If Ada Lovelace’s name doesn’t immediately come to mind, this week’s Friday Five is here to change that and challenge us all to increase the visibility of female role models in tech.
Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine—the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage. She also articulated the first conceptual framework for what we now call software. Although she passed away at the young age of 36 in 1852, Ada’s legacy lives on, with the U.S. Department of Defense naming the high-level programming language “Ada” in her honor.
Why Female Role Models in STEM Matter
Despite Ada’s groundbreaking contributions, many of us would struggle to name even ten women leaders in technology. This reflects a larger challenge: women remain underrepresented in technology-related fields. Research shows that visible role models can play a transformative role in inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers.
To bridge this gap, March 24 has been designated Ada Lovelace Day, an international day of blogging to celebrate women excelling in technology. On this day, thousands of bloggers post tributes to women in tech who inspire them, using the tags #AdaLovelaceDay or #ALD09. This global initiative underscores the importance of showcasing the stories and achievements of women in tech, both for students and society at large.
Connecting Students with Role Models
One powerful way to inspire girls in tech is through direct interactions with female role models. Activities like Power Lunches with Women in Tech—a highlight of TechSavvyGirls events—offer students a chance to meet, learn from, and be inspired by women who have forged paths in technology. These lunches leave students with tangible resources like photos, videos, and stories to create webpages about their role models, but more importantly, they leave with advice and encouragement that resonates long after the event.
Educators and schools can also collaborate with organizations like the Society of Women Engineers, AAUW, or the National Girls Collaborative Project, which offer directories, resources, and even mini-grants to support efforts that connect girls with STEM role models. The Anita Borg Foundation’s Tech Bridge Program provides a practical guide for engaging role models to inspire students, packed with strategies to foster meaningful connections.
Bringing Ada Lovelace Day into Your Classroom
Ada Lovelace Day is an opportunity to introduce the achievements of women in STEM to all students—not just girls. Representation matters, and showcasing diverse innovators helps cultivate a richer, more inclusive future in technology. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Create Visual Displays: Share photos and stories of women in tech on school bulletin boards to spark curiosity and conversation.
- Incorporate Stories into Lessons: Assign readings or writing projects based on female tech pioneers, fostering both critical thinking and inspiration.
- Blogging and Tagging: Encourage students to write their own blog posts about women in STEM for Ada Lovelace Day. Teach them how to use tags like #AdaLovelaceDay09 to contribute to the global conversation.
- Explore Collaborative Tools: Use Technorati or other tagging platforms to show how collective knowledge is built, connecting students to a world of innovation.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The stories and images of women in tech are crucial not only for inspiring young girls but for fostering a more diverse and innovative STEM landscape. When students see themselves reflected in the stories of pioneers like Ada Lovelace, they begin to envision their own potential to make a difference.
This Ada Lovelace Day, let’s take action. Whether it’s organizing a classroom activity, sharing stories on social media, or hosting a guest speaker, every effort helps pave the way for a new generation of innovators. Together, we can celebrate the infinite possibilities that emerge when creativity meets opportunity.
What ideas will you bring to life for Ada Lovelace Day? Share your plans in the comments and join us in honoring the women shaping the future of technology!