In an industry often characterised by rapid evolution and groundbreaking discoveries, women leaders are bringing transformative change to the tech world. In this article we’ve selected seven women in tech making waves, paving the way for innovation, and inspiring the next generation.
Fei-Fei Li – Visionary in AI and Machine Learning
A pioneer in artificial intelligence, Fei-Fei Li has driven advancements in computer vision and AI ethics. Known for her leadership in establishing the ImageNet project, she also promotes human-centered AI through her work at Stanford and her involvement with the AI4ALL nonprofit. Her research emphasises responsible AI, integrating human rights and ethical considerations into tech advancements
Reshma Saujani – Champion of Girls in Tech
Moms First founder, Reshma Saujani is a loud advocate for policies supporting mothers’ economic recovery and empowerment. In May 2024, Moms First (formerly known as the Marshall Plan for Moms), launched an AI tool to help parents in New York determine paid leave entitlements, reflecting Saujani’s commitment to leveraging technology for women’s economic empowerment. Founder of Girls Who Code, Saujani is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by encouraging young girls to pursue careers in coding. She is also an advocate for women’s economic empowerment and the author of Brave, Not Perfect, which emphasises resilience and risk-taking for women.
Kimberly Bryant – Advocate for Black Girls in Tech
Through Black Girls Code, Kimberly Bryant has empowered Black girls in underserved communities by offering them access to coding workshops and tech career mentorship. Although Black Girls Code has faced organisational changes, Kimberly Bryant remains a prominent figure in tech advocacy for Black girls. She has continued to inspire new projects aimed at amplifying opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.
Ginni Rometty – Former CEO of IBM and Tech Strategist
The former CEO of IBM, Ginni Rometty was a trailblazer in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. She is known for her role in transforming IBM’s business model, and she has been a strong advocate for diversity in hiring, launching programs to create career pathways for people without traditional degrees.
Anne Wojcicki – Co-founder of 23andMe
Anne Wojcicki has been a game-changer in biotech and personal genetics, making genetic testing more accessible to the public. Her work has opened new possibilities in health data privacy and personal medical insights, setting a precedent for women in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Whitney Wolfe Herd – Founder of Bumble
As the founder of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Herd has not only transformed the dating app landscape but has also prioritised women’s empowerment in her platform by allowing women to make the first move. Her app is widely regarded as a milestone in social tech, providing safer online interactions and expanding into social networking and business networking as well.
Radia Perlman – The “Mother of the Internet”
Radia Perlman’s contributions go beyond the development of the spanning-tree protocol; she has also authored influential textbooks on networking and holds more than 100 patents! Her work laid the foundation for modern internet routing and scalability, hence the nickname. Throughout her career, Perlman has been a vocal advocate for making tech accessible, simplifying complex technical concepts, and dispelling myths that certain roles are inherently more difficult or exclusive. She continues to inspire new generations by speaking at conferences and supporting initiatives that aim to increase diversity in computer science.
