Women in Tech Spotlight: Grace Hopper
“The most damaging phrase in the language is: It’s always been done that way.” — Grace Hopper
You might have heard her name among the list of early tech pioneers, or perhaps you’ve come across events and conferences named in her honor, like the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, or maybe, you haven’t heard of her at all.
Grace Hopper was an active and influential figure during World War II, when more opportunities in the workforce opened for women. She made her mark as a computer pioneer and naval officer, best known for her contributions to computer programming and software development. Her achievements in a male-dominated field and within male-dominated organizations, such as the U.S. Navy, were exceptional.
What’s truly fascinating is that she is behind many of the tech concepts that we rely on today. Take, for instance, the compiler that enables your device to understand and translate high-level programming language into machine code, making our devices function seamlessly — she was the trailblazer behind this crucial innovation.
Early Life & Education
Born in 1906 in New York City, Hopper’s academic journey was nothing short of exceptional.
She graduated from Vassar College in 1928, with degrees in mathematics and physics, earning the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa distinction. She furthered her studies at Yale University in 1930, where she achieved a Master’s degree in mathematics. Hopper began teaching at Vassar College in 1931 while simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D. at Yale University.
Her hard work and determination paid off, making her a trailblazer as the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale University in 1934.
Navy Service & Entry to Tech
After the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II, Hopper wanted to help her country.
Initially rejected due to her age and small size, she eventually obtained a waiver to join the U.S. Naval Reserve (Women’s Reserve). In December 1943, she left her associate professor position at Vassar College to complete intensive training at Smith College in Massachusetts.
After her commission as a lieutenant junior grade, Hopper’s background in mathematics led her to work at Harvard University on the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, known as the MARK I, which is the first U.S. electromechanical computer. She played a key role in top-secret wartime calculations, including rocket trajectories, anti-aircraft gun range tables, and minesweeper calibration. Hopper authored the MARK I’s 561-page user manual.
Achieving this milestone, Hopper knew she wanted to pursue the possibility of a career with computers and tech.
After the war ended, she turned down a full professorship at Vassar to continue her work with computers.
In 1949, after World War II, Hopper joined the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation as a senior mathematician. She worked on the UNIVAC I computer, which laid the groundwork for the creation of COBOL, a language that allowed computers to understand words and numbers.
In 1952 she pioneered the development of the first compiler for computer languages, called A-0, which translated mathematical code into machine-readable code — an important step toward creating modern programming languages.
Hopper predicted that one day, computers would be small enough to fit on a desk and people who were not professional programmers would be able to use them in everyday life.
After retirement, Hopper returned to the classroom, where she taught and inspired students until her death on January 1st, 1992. Although Hopper had many career accomplishments, she later told her biographer, her greatest joy came from teaching.
Achievements & Legacy
- 1940s: Revolutionized computing by developing the first computer compiler and programming language, a pioneering achievement in software development.
- 1973: Named a distinguished fellow of the British Computer Society, becoming the first and only woman to hold this title at the time, recognizing her international impact in the computing field.
- 1987: Awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the highest non-combat decoration, emphasizing her significant contributions to both the military and technology sectors.
- 1990s: Awarded the National Medal of Technology, becoming the first and only woman to receive this prestigious honor, recognizing her outstanding contributions to technology.
- 2016: Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the United States’ highest civilian honors, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to the nation and the world.
- Ongoing Legacy: Honored with ‘Grace’s Place,’ a computer museum at the University of Missouri, dedicated to educating visitors about the evolution of technology through the display of early computers and components.
- Ongoing Legacy: Her commitment to gender diversity in computing is reflected in the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference, encouraging and supporting women entering the field.
What can we learn from Grace Hopper?
Persistence and determination, illustrated by her successful pursuit of a career in the Navy, despite facing initial rejection due to her age. She persisted and eventually received a waiver to serve.
Innovative thinking, exemplified by her creation of the first compiler, serves as a reminder of the importance of creative problem-solving. Many told her that She played a pivotal role in the development of the compiler, a key innovation in computing that translates high-level programming languages into machine code, making software development more efficient.
“To me programming is more than an important practical art. It is also a gigantic undertaking in the foundations of knowledge.” — Grace Hopper.
Commitment to gender inclusivity in technology, symbolized by her advocacy for women in computing, underscores the need for diversity in the workplace. Hopper actively encouraged women to pursue careers in technology and played a crucial role in opening doors for female computer scientists.
Mentorship and leadership in the field, guiding the next generation of computer scientists, emphasize the impact of supporting and inspiring others. Hopper served as a mentor to many young programmers and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in computer science.
“If you ask me what accomplishment I’m most proud of, the answer would be all the young people I’ve trained over the years; that’s more important than writing the first compiler.” — Grace Hopper
Author: Laila El attar
