For decades, women have faced countless barriers in the tech world, systemic challenges, cultural stereotypes, and a persistent lack of representation. Yet, despite these hurdles, women have continually pushed through, becoming pioneers, leaders, and changemakers.
Looking Back at the Roots of Computer Science
Let’s start with a story that inspires me every time I think about it: Ada Lovelace, the world’s first programmer. Imagine the early 19th century, no laptops, no coding bootcamps, no programming languages. And yet, Ada saw a future where machines could perform tasks far beyond basic calculations.
Born in 1815 to Lord Byron, a poet, and a mother determined to steer her toward mathematics and science, Ada became fascinated with Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. Where others saw a mechanical calculator, she saw infinite possibilities. She wrote what we now recognize as the first algorithm, envisioning a world of computation that wouldn’t exist for another century.
Her story reminds me of something a mentor once told me: “Innovation doesn’t wait for the right moment. You have to create it.” Ada didn’t have the resources or societal support we take for granted today, but her vision and determination prove that groundbreaking ideas can emerge from unlikely circumstances.
Modern Leaders Shaping Our Future
Now, let’s fast-forward to today. If you’ve ever Googled anything (and who hasn’t?), you owe part of that experience to Susan Wojcicki. As one of Google’s earliest employees, she was instrumental in developing its advertising model, something that powers much of the internet today. Later, as the CEO of YouTube, she turned a fledgling platform into the cultural and business giant we know.
What strikes me about Susan’s story is her ability to see potential where others saw uncertainty. YouTube wasn’t a guaranteed success when Google acquired it. But her leadership transformed it into a platform that’s now part of our daily lives. It’s a testament to how recognizing opportunity and leading with vision can change everything.
As a Black woman in tech myself, I know firsthand how isolating it can be to walk into spaces where no one looks like you. It’s not just about representation, it’s about how the absence of representation impacts your confidence, your sense of belonging, and even your belief in your own capabilities.
Kimberly Bryant felt this too. When she entered the tech world, she noticed the undeniable gap, especially for women of color. Growing up, many of us are told, directly or subtly, that certain spaces aren’t meant for us. Kimberly decided to change that narrative.
She founded Black Girls CODE, an organization that not only teaches coding but redefines who belongs in tech. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and a laser focus on empowering young girls of color, Kimberly built something far bigger than a curriculum. She built a community that says: You do belong here. You are capable of this.
I carry that message with me, too. For a long time, I felt like I didn’t belong, like I had to prove everyone in the room. But what organizations like Black Girls CODE do is so much bigger than teaching programming, they create belonging. They plant seeds of possibility and confidence that can change lives.
The Confidence Gap
Let’s talk about something we all experience but rarely admit: the confidence gap. How many times have you second-guessed yourself before speaking up in a meeting or applying for a role? I know I have.
There’s a study I often think about: Men apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the qualifications, but women often wait until they meet 100%. It’s not about capability, it’s about perception.
Overcoming the confidence gap didn’t happen overnight, it started with small, deliberate steps. I remember sitting in a brainstorming session, my heart racing at the thought of pitching an idea. I wasn’t sure if my voice belonged in the room, but I decided to prepare. I worked on one clear, well-thought-out point, practiced it repeatedly, and when the time came, I made myself speak up. That single moment felt monumental. But it was a start. Over time, moments like that became less intimidating. Confidence, I’ve realized, is like a muscle, it grows stronger the more you exercise it. You won’t always feel ready, but showing up and taking those small steps makes all the difference.
Representation and Bias
Representation matters deeply. For young girls, seeing women thrive in tech isn’t just inspiring, it’s transformative. It tells them: This is possible. This could be you.
Yet, bias still exists. It’s not always overt, but whether it’s doubts about technical skills or leadership capabilities, it lingers. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to respond with action. When someone questions your ability, don’t argue, let your work speak for itself.
Why Women in Tech Are the Future
Here’s what inspires me: Research shows that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better. Why? Because diversity brings innovation. When you have people with different perspectives solving problems, the solutions are better, more creative, and more effective.
Women bring a unique lens to tech, not just in how we solve problems, but in how we think about the people those solutions are meant to serve.
The tech industry isn’t just a space where women belong, it’s a space where we can thrive. Every step forward, every barrier broken, makes the path smoother for the next generation.
So, What’s Your Next Step?
Maybe it’s learning to code, reaching out to a mentor, or even just believing in yourself a little more. The world of tech is waiting for your voice, your ideas, and your perspective. Take the leap, you’ve got this.
