Despite early pioneers like mathematician Ada Lovelace and computer scientist Grace Hopper, women make up less than one-third of information technology (IT) professionals today. In fact, according to a study by Accenture and Girls Who Code, “the percentage of tech workers who were women in 1984 (35%) was actually higher than it is today (32%).”
At Champlain College, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that keep women from entering or advancing in the industry, and we’re proud to offer a variety of forward-thinking programs and opportunities for female-identifying students to help shape the future of the field, from applied mathematics to cybersecurity.
While their contributions have often been overlooked throughout history, women have played a central role in the development of technology.
In the mid-19th century, Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, worked with Charles Babbage on his proposal for a general-purpose mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine. Lovelace’s work laid the foundation for computer programming and is considered the first algorithm designed to be processed by a machine. A century later, as computers began to emerge as powerful tools, computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral Grace Hopper made groundbreaking contributions to computer programming languages through her work on COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), which revolutionized software development.
The technology industry has grown rapidly since then, and while we’ve seen progress toward gender equality in the 21st century, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and STEM education. At stake here is a gap in perspectives, product diversity, and innovation that will continue to grow as the field expands and the industry becomes more ingrained into our everyday lives. So what lies ahead? The emergence of women-led initiatives and advocacy groups has moved the needle, but what can we do to keep pushing toward a more equitable and inclusive tech future for all?
Diversity isn’t just about equal representation. It’s about leveraging a wide range of tools, perspectives, and experiences to drive innovation and solve complex problems. A diverse workforce fosters creativity, increases productivity, and improves decision-making. At Champlain College, we know that women play a critical role in shaping the future of technology, and our IT programs are designed to empower them to succeed in the industry.
Despite historic challenges, we at Champlain are stepping up and contributing to a seismic shift toward gender equality in technology. We¡¯re helping usher in a new, transformative era. What lies ahead is a future where women continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and shape the technology industry. And we invite you to build this future with us. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive space where every voice is not only heard, but valued. We’re ready for work, ready for life, and ready to make a difference.
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