RIP Dame Stephanie Shirley, who changed women's role in the tech industry
11 days ago
- #Autism Advocacy
- #Tech Pioneer
- #Women in Tech
- Dame Stephanie Shirley, a pioneering figure in the tech industry, has died at the age of 91.
- She founded Freelance Programmers, a company that almost exclusively hired women, revolutionizing flexible work for women in tech.
- Born Vera Buchthal in 1933, she fled Nazi Germany as a child via the Kindertransport to the UK.
- She adopted the name 'Steve' to navigate the male-dominated tech world and challenge gender stereotypes.
- Her company's success led to a personal fortune of about £150m, most of which she donated to charity, particularly autism-related causes.
- Dame Stephanie was a mentor and inspiration to many, including leading figures in computer science.
- She remained committed to fighting sexism and using her wealth for good throughout her life.