For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
At i.c.stars, we believe that technology is a tool for empowerment, one that should be accessible to all. Yet, despite the incredible contributions of women in tech throughout history, many still face barriers to entry, recognition, and leadership opportunities.
This International Women’s Day, we embrace the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” It’s a powerful reminder that equity in technology is not just about representation; it’s about ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity, resources, and support to thrive in STEM fields and beyond.
As we celebrate the pioneers who shaped the tech industry, we also commit to breaking down barriers for the next generation of women innovators.
Women Who Shaped the Tech Industry
1. Mary Jackson – NASA’s First Black Female Engineer
Before the world knew her as one of NASA’s “Hidden Figures,” Mary Jackson broke barriers as the agency’s first Black female engineer. She worked to improve aerodynamics for space missions and later fought for equal opportunities for women in STEM. Jackson’s career at NASA helped dismantle racial and gender barriers, proving that talent, not bias, should determine who gets a seat at the table.
2. Dr. Fei-Fei Li – The Visionary Behind AI and Machine Learning
As a Chinese-American computer scientist, Dr. Fei-Fei Li is one of the leading minds behind artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision. Her work in developing ImageNet (a dataset that trains AI to recognize objects)helped lay the foundation for modern AI applications. As an advocate for diversity in AI, Dr. Li co-founded AI4ALL, a nonprofit that empowers underrepresented groups in AI research.
3. Ellen Ochoa – The First Latina in Space and an Inventor in Tech
A trailblazing astronaut, engineer, and inventor, Ellen Ochoa became the first Latina woman to go to space in 1993. Before NASA, she was a pioneer in computer-based optical systems that improved spacecraft imaging technology. Ochoa’s leadership in space exploration opened doors for more Latinas in STEM and demonstrated that women belong in tech, in labs, and beyond the stratosphere.
4. Dr. Marsha Rhea Williams – The First Black Woman Computer Scientist
Dr. Marsha Rhea Williams became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science in the U.S. She worked on early supercomputer systems and helped develop tech policies that emphasized ethical computing and diversity. As one of the first Black women in computer science, Williams helped pave the way for future generations of Black women in STEM.
5. Kimberly Bryant – The Founder of Black Girls Code
A biotech engineer turned activist, Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code—an organization dedicated to empowering young Black girls with tech skills. Bryant saw the racial and gender gap in Silicon Valley and decided to create change from the ground up. Her work ensures that the next generation of women in tech is more diverse, more inclusive, and more prepared to lead.
For ALL Women and Girls: A Future of Inclusion in Tech
Despite the progress made, women are still underrepresented in tech leadership roles. The fight for rights, equality, and empowerment in technology continues.
How You Can Support Women in Tech Today
• Invest in the next generation – Programs like i.c.stars help create opportunities for diverse talent.
• Amplify women’s voices – Share stories of women in tech, past and present.
• Hire diverse talent – Commit to equity in recruitment and leadership.
• Mentor & uplift – The next Mary Jackson or Grace Hopper could be waiting for guidance!
This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond celebration and let’s take action. Because when we empower women in tech, we build a future that works for everyone.