11/07/2023
"The most dangerous phrase in the language is, “We’ve always done it this way.” -- Grace Hopper
A trailblazer in the world of computing, Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper is the person who taught computers to "talk". Her desire to make computers more accessible led Hopper to invent the compiler in 1952, which allowed for the use of English instructions as opposed to numerical code that had to be interpreted by a computer. She also co-invented the Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), the first universal computer language used in business and government.
Considered by many “the first lady of software,” Grace Hopper was a visionary who consistently demonstrated her interest in pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. As journalist Morley Safer, who interviewed Hopper for 60 Minutes in 1983, observed: "She is more than just a superb mathematical talent; it was Grace Hopper who helped teach the machines a language, stopped them from speaking in undecipherable numbers, enabled them to speak in English or French or German or whatever language you choose." Dr. Hopper was also a mathematics professor during a time when such careers were highly unusual for women and was actively involved with the U.S. Navy for over 40 years.
To inspire kids with Grace Hopper's incredible story, we highly recommend the picture book, "Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code” for ages 5 to 9 at https://www.amightygirl.com/hopper-queen-of-code
She is also featured in a fun activity book about pioneering women in technology, which includes a variety of hands-on STEM projects: "Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Programmers" for ages 8 to 11 at https://www.amightygirl.com/gutsy-girls-programmers
For adult readers, we recommend the two excellent biographies on this technology trailblazer, we recommend "Grace Hopper: Admiral of the Cyber Sea" (https://www.amightygirl.com/grace-hopper-cyber-sea) and "Grace Hopper and the Invention of the Information Age" (https://www.amightygirl.com/grace-hopper-information-age)
For a fun way to celebrate this pioneering computer scientist, she is among several women of science featured on the "Greatest Women in Science Socks" for teens and adults at https://www.amightygirl.com/greatest-women-in-science-socks
For toys and kits designed to encourage your Mighty Girl of all ages in programming, visit our blog post: "Code Like A Mighty Girl: 50 Toys & Books To Inspire Mighty Girl Coders" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=16049