Can women be computer programmers, scientists, inventors, and doctors? Yes! And that’s why every March we celebrate Women’s History Month. It’s an important time to learn about influential female innovators who came before us and paved the way for our dreams to come true! 

Do you use a computer? Probably every day, right? Well, Grace Hopper was a computer programmer for the Navy who wrote programs for some of the first computers. A program is what gives instructions to a computer. Early computers didn’t understand letters or words, so the computers followed instructions that were written in binary code, which only uses the digits 1 and 0. Grace created a program that allowed people to use words to tell computers what to do. And her invention allowed anyone to use computers- not just scientists and engineers- but people like you and me! Want to learn more about her? “Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code” is a great book for those ages five and up.

Lyda Newman, a hairdresser by trade, was one of the organizers of an African American branch of the Woman Suffrage Party. With this group, she fought for women’s right to vote by canvassing neighborhoods and organizing meetings to raise awareness for gender equality. She was also the first person to create a hairbrush that used synthetic bristles instead of animal hair. In 1898, she received a patent for her hairbrush, which included recessed air chambers to improve ventilation and a removable compartment for collecting—and emptying—debris. Think about her the next time you use your hairbrush! 

Ynés Mexía was a trailblazer for Latina women. She began her career in science later in life by leading botanical expeditions across North and South America when people told her a woman couldn't travel alone. She also studied at the University of California, Berkeley when she was told that women's work was at home with the children. There are about 50 plant species named after her, from the more than 500 she discovered. “Ynes Mexia: Botanist and Adventurer” is an interesting read for those eleven and older to learn about her expeditions.

Marie Van Brittan Brown was born in Queens, New York in 1922 and invented the first home security system. She worked odd hours as a nurse and looked for ways to increase her level of personal security. Her original invention was comprised of peepholes, a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone. The final feature was an alarm button that could be pressed to contact the police immediately. See how Marie Van Brittan Brown’s designs are used today on YouTube.

Women and minorities are projected to become leaders in STEM professions over the next 30 years and you, or a child you know, may very well be one of them. What inspires or excites you about STEM? May we all use this month to learn, find inspiration, and celebrate these and so many more other amazing women! 

 Sources: blackpast.org, youtube.com, pbs.org, womenshistorymonth.org