I pledged in early January that I would participate in Ada Lovelace Day, because I believe that women in technology make the internet-go-round. For those of you who are confused, Ada Lovelace Day is an international day of blogging to draw attention to women excelling in technology. It is clear that no matter which area of "tech" you are looking at, women play an important role. And today is the day it is made clear that without women in technology, the industry as a whole would be stale, boring and unchallenged.
Women bring a whole new perspective to what technology can offer, both from an innovation and application standpoint. By nature, women wholeheartedly care about, nurture and grow everything we come in contact with. We demand progress and visualize the best way to make the future better for everyone.
There are many women I want to acknowledge, and I refuse to stick to one. So here is a short list of the "women in technology" (which is of course a very broad category) who have touched my life, either through digital or real-life contact.
Lucretia M Pruitt (@GeekMommy) is one of the smartest and most admirable woman I have ever met. Lucretia understands, educates and protects the other women she comes in contact with. She challenges every idea and every person around her to be more responsible and respectful. She knows good from bad and is not distracted by the pretty, sparkly things. She is a mother who has a daughter that will be the most confident and respected person amoung her peers. (Lucretia's website)
Wendy Piersall (@eMom) is an incredibly inspiring woman to come in contact with. Her enthusiasm for and understanding of how digital naturally intersects with social is remarkable. Wendy can motivate, charm and out-think anyone, because she is first and foremost focused on community, but all business. She is an inspiration to all women, because she has mastered the absolute perfect combination of using sexy flair and respected actions to gain the trust and support of men and women alike. (Wendy's website)
Veronica Belmont (@veronica) makes me proud to be a young woman in this male-dominated industry. She is a real geek *bows* and a true lady through and through. Her opinions and thoughts are widely respected in an internet world of boyish geeks, and not just because she is hawt, but because she is the real deal. Veronica is ultra feminine, but has no problem playing hardball with the boys and never feels bad about kicking their ass at their own game. (Veronica's website)
Amy Hoy (@amyhoy) is the most brilliant woman in the web-development space I have EVER come across. Amy innately understands how both women and men interact with technology, in a way that blows my mind. She turns raw data into compelling social experiences, through designing sites that are so unique and addictive that everyone wants to experience them. She is both mathematical and creative and can inspire the most of feminine women and the most manly of men. (Amy's website)
These women make no compromises and never pander to the the men in tech to be accepted. They are valued because they OWN what they do, and have been an inspiration to me in more ways than I can express here. Thanks ladies, you deserve recognition.
