In honour of International Women in Engineering Day, here are five female engineers you should know, but probably don’t.
Ada Lovelace
Before laptops, apps, or even electricity, Ada Lovelace was already dreaming up the future. In the 1800s, she worked with inventor Charles Babbage on a machine called the Analytical Engine, think of it as the great-great-grandparent of modern computers. Her detailed notes included what’s now considered the first computer algorithm. Ada didn’t just see numbers; she saw potential, imagining machines that could do more than just math. Total legend.
Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was more than a glamorous movie star; she was also a brilliant inventor. During World War II, she co-created a frequency-hopping communication system to prevent enemy interference with torpedoes. The tech behind her idea became the foundation for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. So next time you check your phone, thank Hedy!
Edith Clarke
In the 1920s, when female engineers were practically unheard of, Edith Clarke became a true pioneer. She developed the Clarke calculator, a device that made it easier to solve tough electrical problems. As the first female electrical engineer at General Electric, Edith proved that brains, not stereotypes, belong in engineering.
Stephanie Kwolek
Working in a lab at DuPont, Stephanie Kwolek made an accidental yet world-changing discovery: Kevlar. This super-strong, lightweight fibre is five times stronger than steel and is used in everything from bulletproof vests to space equipment. Her invention has saved countless lives and continues to protect people today.
Emily Warren Roebling
When her husband, the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, became seriously ill, Emily Roebling took over. With no formal training, she managed construction, solved complex engineering problems, and oversaw the completion of one of the most iconic bridges in the world. Talk about determination!
These women made a big impact through their work in engineering and their stories show that anyone can be an engineer. If a career in engineering is something you’re interested in, why not explore the various engineering roles here.
