In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, Choreograph recognizes the women who helped pave the way in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These pioneers broke barriers and defied expectations, leaving an undeniable mark on the world. While we honor their achievements, we also recognize the ongoing need for inclusion and diverse perspectives in these fields.
Ada Lovelace has been called the first computer programmer. With support from friends and colleagues in the early- to mid-1800s, and due to her brilliant scientific mind, Lovelace earned her “seat at the table.” Today universities, grants, and fellowships bear her name. In 2015, British passports featured her image in tribute, along the image of Charles Babbage, a fellow mathematician, whose work Ada Lovelace famously annotated.
Ynes Mexia, a Mexican-American botanist, carved her path in science later in life, embarking on expeditions at the age of 55. Undeterred by challenging terrain and harsh environments, she collected over 150,000 plant specimens throughout Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, discovering many new species. Her dedication and extensive collections advanced botanical knowledge and fueled her passion for conservation, leading her to become an early advocate for protecting redwood forests
Dr. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, defied racial and gender barriers during her 33-year career at NASA. Her meticulous calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of early space missions, including John Glenn’s historic orbit around Earth. Despite working amidst segregation, her contributions played a pivotal role in propelling the U.S. forward in the Space Race.
A breakthrough moment in STEM came in 2019, when the first photograph of a black hole was revealed to the world. About 40 women, including Katie Bouman, a young engineer, were among the 200 researchers involved. A photographer iconically captured Bouman viewing the image of the black hole. The photo went viral, bringing excitement and adulation for women in STEM, and inspiring a new generation of would-be scientists.
IWD also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. At Choreograph, we are committed to driving gender equality and celebrating women’s achievements through education and activism. We are endlessly inspired by the women who are working to push our industry forward, and are confident that they will continue to empower the next generation of women in adtech.
