Innovators Shaping the Future
During Women’s History month, we celebrate women who have shaped technology and innovation—not just in coding and engineering, but in the fields of film, television, and marketing, where their impact is just as transformative. As a women-owned business, RedEye values the contributions of trailblazing women whose creativity and technological advancements continue to shape the industries we work in daily.
Here some of the examples of few women who have left an indelible mark on the world:
Ada Lovelace: The First Computer Programmer
Often referred to as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace was a visionary mathematician who saw the potential of machines beyond just calculations. In the mid-1800s, she worked with Charles Babbage on his proposed mechanical computer, the “Analytical Engine.” Lovelace recognized that the machine could do more than just arithmetic—she proposed that it could be programmed to perform any task with the right instructions. Her work laid the foundation for modern computing, and her method of coding was vastly different from today’s programming. In the 1800s, she developed an algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, a mechanical machine that was never built in her lifetime. Coding then required manually designing sequences of mathematical operations without the benefit of modern interfaces, relying on punch card-like methods that dictated each step in painstaking detail. There were no digital processors, no stored programs—everything was theoretical.
Today, coding has evolved into an automated and faster process. Programmers use languages like Python and Java, allowing them to write complex functions in just a few lines of code. What once required intricate, mechanical logic is now streamlined with software, making Lovelace’s early vision of flexible, programmable machines a fundamental reality in today’s computing world.
Radia Perlman: The Woman Who Changed How the Internet Works
Radia Perlman is often called the “Mother of the Internet” for her creation of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is fundamental to the functioning of network routing. Perlman’s innovations have shaped the structure of the Internet, making it scalable, reliable, and efficient. She has also written numerous influential textbooks, authored research papers, and served as a mentor to countless engineers. At MIT, Perlman was one of only 50 women in a class of 1,000 and this environment often made her feel like an “other gender person” in a crowd dominated by men. Following her years at MIT, Perlman went on to become a leader in the field of computer science, developing the algorithm behind the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), an innovation that made today’s Internet possible. Today she is a fellow at Intel. Many engineers found it difficult to believe that such a complex problem could have such an elegant solution. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and developed the ****Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)—a fundamental technology that prevents loops in network bridges, ensuring the stable operation of Ethernet. Additionally, she navigated the challenge of publishing her work and Perlman’s groundbreaking work has been integral to the way the Internet operates today.
Sheryl Sandberg: Empowering Women in Tech
As the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg has been a prominent figure in the tech industry and an advocate for women’s leadership. Before joining Facebook in 2008, she served as Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google, where she played a key role in expanding the company’s advertising and monetization strategies. Prior to that, Sandberg worked in government as Chief of Staff to U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, where she focused on economic policies aimed at reducing poverty. Her background in both the public and private sectors positioned her as a strategic leader in tech. Sandberg’s role at Facebook played a key part in the company’s growth, but she is perhaps best known for her book Lean In, which encourages women to embrace leadership roles and overcome the obstacles that hold them back in the workplace. Her advocacy for gender equality in tech has sparked global conversations and inspired many women to pursue careers in leadership and technology.
Reshma Saujani: Founder of Girls Who Code
Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by teaching girls how to code. Saujani’s mission is to empower young women with the skills they need to succeed in the tech industry, and her organization has reached over 300,000 girls globally. She is a passionate advocate for changing the culture around girls and technology, encouraging them to embrace failure as part of the learning process. Saujani has been a powerful force in helping young women understand that tech is not just for boys—it’s for everyone.
Ginni Rometty: Transforming IBM and Promoting Diversity
Ginni Rometty served as the CEO of IBM, one of the world’s largest technology companies, from 2012 to 2020. Under her leadership, IBM transformed its business model, focusing on cloud computing and AI. Rometty’s rise to the top of a Fortune 500 company broke barriers for women in business and tech. She has advocated for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, pushing for equal opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities. Her leadership at IBM continues to inspire women to aim for the top in tech, no matter the obstacles.
Kimberly Bryant: Founder of Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code to provide young African-American girls with the tools and knowledge to pursue careers in tech. Her organization’s goal is to close the racial and gender gaps in technology by teaching girls how to code and empowering them to become future leaders. Since its founding in 2011, Black Girls Code has impacted thousands of girls, offering coding workshops and tech camps across the U.S. Bryant’s work is particularly significant as she addresses both gender and racial disparities in the tech world, giving underrepresented girls the opportunity to succeed in a field that has historically excluded them.
Hedy Lamarr: Inventor and Actress
While Hedy Lamarr is better known as a famous Hollywood actress, her contributions to technology were revolutionary—reshaping the way the world would one day communicate. During World War II, Lamarr co-invented a technology known as “frequency hopping,” a method designed to prevent enemy interception of torpedo guidance systems by rapidly switching radio frequencies in a predetermined pattern. Though its military applications were initially overlooked, the core principles of her invention laid the groundwork for something far greater. Decades later, this breakthrough would become the foundation for the wireless connections that power everyday life—leading to the development of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology as we know it today. Despite her fame, Lamarr’s contributions to technology were largely unrecognized during her lifetime. She is remembered not only as a talented actress but also as a pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for modern wireless communication technologies.
Kathryn Bigelow: Breaking Barriers in Directing
Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Renowned for her bold and gripping storytelling in films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Bigelow’s work has established her as a leading voice in cinema. Her ability to tackle intense subject matter with emotional depth has made her an enduring figure in the industry. Bigelow’s success shattered long-standing gender barriers in Hollywood, proving that women directors could excel in traditionally male-dominated genres like war and action films.
Chloé Zhao: A New Voice in Cinema
Continuing to break barriers, Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Known for her deeply human storytelling in films like Nomadland, Zhao’s naturalistic approach and visually compelling narratives have solidified her as a standout voice in modern cinema. Her work offers a refreshing perspective, highlighting overlooked communities and capturing raw human experiences. In Nomadland, Zhao examines themes of resilience, loss, and the American working class, bringing a nuanced portrayal of life on the margins. Her influence is felt in her diverse storytelling, which has redefined expectations for what mainstream cinema can achieve. Zhao’s success has paved the way for more inclusive representation in the film industry.
Jane Campion: A Consistent Force in Filmmaking
Jane Campion, an accomplished director, became the third woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director with her 2021 film The Power of the Dog. Her career has been marked by her unique ability to explore complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics, often with an intimate, psychological focus. Campion’s early work, such as The Piano, earned her significant acclaim, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. She continues to push boundaries, exploring complex gender dynamics and human relationships in her films. Her exploration of masculinity, power, and the human psyche in The Power of the Dog demonstrates her mastery at tackling intricate, often uncomfortable themes. Campion’s work has earned her international acclaim and further spotlighted the contributions of female directors in a historically male-dominated field.
Greta Gerwig: Redefining Contemporary Storytelling
Greta Gerwig has made waves with her fresh and emotionally resonant storytelling. Her films like Lady Bird and Barbie have earned both critical and commercial success, challenging traditional narratives in cinema and offering viewers deeply authentic portrayals of womanhood and self-discovery. Gerwig’s ability to blend humor, heart, and social commentary has cemented her as a transformative voice in the film industry. In Lady Bird, Gerwig captured the tumultuous experience of adolescence with such warmth and nuance that it became an instant classic. With Barbie, Gerwig pushed the boundaries of commercial filmmaking, using humor to delve into social issues while creating a film that resonated with diverse audiences worldwide. Gerwig continues to redefine what it means to be a storyteller in modern cinema.
Dorothy Arzner: A Pioneer in Early Hollywood
Long before the recent successes of female directors, Dorothy Arzner was one of the first women to break through Hollywood’s male-dominated directing ranks during the 1930s. A key figure in early American cinema, Arzner directed over 20 films and made a name for herself with her technical innovations and compelling narratives. She was known for her sharp cinematic vision, often challenging social norms through her portrayal of strong, independent women. Arzner was one of the few directors in Hollywood who managed to maintain her career throughout the studio system’s height, directing films like Christopher Strong and Dance, Girl, Dance. She is often credited with being the first woman to direct a sound film, The Wild Party (1929). Arzner’s legacy continues to influence female filmmakers who have followed in her footsteps, as she proved that women could excel behind the camera.
Ida Lupino: Actress Turned Trailblazing Director
Ida Lupino made history as one of the first women to successfully transition from acting to directing in the 1950s. Known for her pioneering work in the male-dominated film industry, Lupino broke barriers by directing films that addressed socially relevant and often controversial topics. Her works explored sensitive issues such as sexual assault, unwanted pregnancy, and the challenges faced by women, making her one of the earliest filmmakers to tackle these themes with a sense of urgency and realism. Lupino’s most notable films include Outrage (1950), which dealt with rape and its emotional aftermath, and The Bigamist (1953), which examined bigamy and marital deception.
Her talents extended beyond film; she also made significant contributions to television, directing over a hundred episodes of popular series such as The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Bewitched. Lupino’s legacy as a filmmaker is defined by her courage to confront taboo subjects at a time when most films adhered to conventional social norms. She is often remembered as a trailblazer who carved out a space for female directors in an era when such opportunities were rare.
Issa Rae: Amplifying Authentic Voices
Issa Rae has become a transformative figure in modern television, particularly with her groundbreaking series Insecure. As both the creator and star of the show, Rae introduced audiences to the complexities of Black life in America, using humor and raw authenticity to highlight the struggles of modern Black women navigating their careers, relationships, and self-identity. Insecure became a cultural touchstone, pushing beyond the stereotypical portrayals of Black characters on TV to present multifaceted and real-world narratives.
Beyond her work as an actress and producer, Rae’s influence extends to her advocacy for more diverse voices in Hollywood. Her career has opened doors for underrepresented creators, and her success has empowered other storytellers from marginalized communities to pursue their own projects. Rae’s willingness to speak about her experiences as a Black woman in the entertainment industry has made her a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, reshaping the television landscape for future generations.
Thelma Schoonmaker: Master of the Edit
A nine-time Oscar nominee and three-time winner, Thelma Schoonmaker is one of the most respected and influential film editors in the history of cinema. A nine-time Oscar nominee and three-time winner, Schoonmaker’s work with legendary director Martin Scorsese has resulted in some of the most iconic films in modern cinema, including Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed. Her editing style is marked by a sharp, emotional intensity and rhythmic precision, which plays a critical role in enhancing the storytelling of the films she works on. Schoonmaker’s ability to craft powerful narratives through editing has made her an integral part of Scorsese’s team, contributing to the emotional depth and kinetic energy of his films.
Throughout her career, Schoonmaker has not only shaped the look of contemporary filmmaking but also helped redefine the art of editing. Her collaboration with Scorsese has become one of the most successful director-editor partnerships in cinematic history. Schoonmaker’s editing is characterized by her ability to immerse audiences in the psychological and emotional dimensions of the characters, making her work essential to the success of the films she has touched.
Angelina Jolie: Actress, Director, and Humanitarian
While Angelina Jolie is renowned worldwide for her acting career, but her contributions as a director and humanitarian have also been monumental. Known for her iconic roles in films like Girl, Interrupted and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Jolie transitioned into directing with notable films such as In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011), which examines the impact of war on personal relationships, and Unbroken (2014), a biographical drama about Olympic athlete and WWII prisoner of war Louis Zamperini.
Jolie’s directing style is deeply humanistic, focusing on stories of survival, resilience, and the complexity of human emotions in the face of adversity. Beyond her film career, Jolie has established herself as a powerful voice in global humanitarian efforts. As a UNHCR Special Envoy, she has advocated for refugees, displaced persons, and human rights around the world. Jolie’s efforts to raise awareness about humanitarian crises, particularly in conflict zones, have made her one of the most visible and influential advocates for global justice and equality. Her commitment to both the arts and human rights continues to inspire people around the world.
Megan Smith: Former U.S. Chief Technology Officer
Megan Smith served as the Chief Technology Officer of the United States from 2014 to 2017, making her the highest-ranking woman in tech in the U.S. government at the time. Appointed by President Barack Obama, she focused on leveraging technology to enhance government efficiency, improve digital infrastructure, and drive innovation in public services.
Before her tenure as U.S. CTO, Smith was a Vice President at Google, where she played a key role in projects such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm. She also contributed to Google’s acquisitions of startups and emerging technologies.
Smith has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, working to increase representation of women and underrepresented minorities in technology. She co-founded the Malala Fund, which supports girls’ education globally, and worked on initiatives to encourage women in tech, such as TechWomen and Women Techmakers.
After leaving the White House, Smith founded shift7, a company dedicated to solving systemic societal challenges through technology and collaboration. She continues to be a leading voice in AI ethics, open data, and civic tech, pushing for innovation that benefits all citizens.
Conclusion
These women inspire us at RedEye. They remind us that innovation and creativity go hand in hand, and their contributions continue to shape the industries we are passionate about. From breaking barriers in film directing to pioneering advancements in technology, their legacies serve as a testament to the transformative power of female leadership. However, while we celebrate their achievements, it is important to recognize that there are still barriers to break. By continuing to challenge biases and create inclusive opportunities, we can pave the way for even more women to thrive in leadership roles.
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