Anita Borg

Born on January 17, 1949, Anita Borg was an extremely influential woman who changed the course of technological history forever. Borg created the first email network for women technologists and founded the Institute for Women and Technology. She grew up loving math and science but never intended to be a technologist until she landed her first programming job in 1969. Eventually she attended New York University and earned her PhD in computer science while continuing to pursue her career in technology.

In 1987, Borg, along with 12 other women, started a small email list for women in systems called Systers. Her goal was to introduce more women to fields in technology. Systers allowed female workers to safely discuss work issues or share assets amongst each other. The success of Systers led to Borg starting an organization for women technologists called AnitaB.org. 

For her efforts, Borg earned rewards such as the EFF Pioneer Award, which recognizes outstanding pioneer-applications of systems and engineering. Borg passed away on April 6, 2003, but her legacy continues to this day through her discoveries and the organizations which she helped found.