Today is Ada Lovelace Day, an international event that celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (otherwise known as the STEM fields).
Ada Lovelace was a British mathematician and writer who lived from 1815-1852. Lovelace was renowned not only for her analytical mind and incredible talent as a mathematician, but for her self-described “poetical science” approach to her work. When she worked to translate an article by Italian military engineer Luigi Menabrea, she wrote a series of notes. These notes contained an algorithm designed to be carried out by machine – which many consider to be, by definition, the very first computer program.
Even now, Lovelace continues to be an inspiration for women and men alike for her innovative mind and resilient spirit. Ada Lovelace Day was created as a way to recognize not only the achievements of women in the STEM fields, but to say “thanks” to the women in STEM who have inspired us.
So today, take a moment to not only recognize the greatness of the Marie Curies, the Ada Lovelaces, the Limor Frieds (of Adafruit Industries fame), and the Dr. Mae Jemisons of the world -- but to say a word of gratitude to the women in your life who inspire you to continue to explore, to build, and to innovate.