Grace Brewster Murray Hopper (1906-1992)—“the first lady of software”—dedicated her life to advancing computer programming and languages for the benefit of all people. Her work lowered barriers to entry into computer science, making it easier for more people to get into the field no matter the obstacles they faced.  

The annual Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) continues to build upon Hopper’s foundational efforts, to keep her legacy alive and empower our future technologists.  

Who is Grace Hopper? 

Born in 1906 in New York City, Grace Murray Hopper was a high achiever from an early age. In 1928 she graduated from Vassar College with degrees in mathematics and physics, and in true Grace Hopper fashion, was one of the first women in the country to receive a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from Yale. She spent time researching, studying, and teaching at Vassar College before deciding to join the war effort.  

What Did Grace Hopper Do? 

Hopper joined the Navy in 1943 and was one of the first three coders working on MARK-1, the world’s first large-scale, electromechanical computer. She used this work to help write the first computer programming textbook, “A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator” (1946), a project so large Hopper often referred to it as the computer “bible”. 

After World War II she decided to continue her work with computers, and, while working on the UNIVAC I & II—the first commercial electronic computer—Grace had an idea that changed computer science forever. 

Until the mid-1950s, computer programming was written as a series of numerical and mathematical symbols. Then, in 1952, Grace Hopper invented a compiler capable of translating symbolic mathematical code into machine language. Although she was told her idea wouldn’t work, Hopper persisted and developed FLOW-MATIC, the first programming language to use regular English words. This research led Grace to create the computer language COBOL (common business-oriented language), which is still widely used today. 

Through it all, she served as a Navy reservist, rising through the ranks from Captain to Commodore. In 1986, with the rank of Rear Admiral, Grace Hopper retired from service. 

Developing Future Generations of Top Women in Tech 

Computing pioneer Grace Hopper is regarded as one of the most influential women in history. She made computer science more accessible to everyone, leading people to enter the field and accomplish amazing achievements. The compounding effects of Hopper’s work are clear today as we look at women leading the way for a more diverse tech industry. 

We’re proud to continue the work, building upon Hopper’s legacy of empowering future generations of influential women in tech. Through leading community groups, inspiring fellow peers in industry events, and sharing DEI-centered thought leadership in the technology field, the legacy of Grace Hopper goes far beyond the walls of our annual Celebration.  

For women in tech with goals of succeeding in and leading a more diverse technical workforce – you’ve discovered a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and interests at AnitaB.org and Grace Hopper Celebration. 

Building an Inclusive Tech Community with Grace Hopper Celebration 

We invite trailblazing technologists and leaders to participate in GHC every year and inspire conversation around the state of technology, DEI, intersectional gender equity, pay parity, and so much more. Previous speakers include Dr. Anita Hill, Serena Williams, Joy Buolamwini, Reshma Saujani, and Megan Rapinoe, who have all helped pave the way forward for equity, social justice, science, and humanity. 

The goal of Grace Hopper Celebration is to empower future generations of women in tech through connection, inspiration and advancement. You can participate in GHC in several different ways, like going as a GHC Scholar, becoming a speaker, or joining in as an attendee. 

Grace Hopper Celebration is More than a Tech Conference 

“The support and enthusiasm at GHC this year have fueled my motivation for impacting the tech world. I am grateful for the connections and lessons. Reflecting on insights gained, I am more committed than ever to contributing to software engineering for a meaningful impact.” – Rasy C., GHC 24 Attendee 

Every year, we at AnitaB.org are honored and humbled to welcome the largest gathering of women in tech to Grace Hopper Celebration. From attendees to speakers, the feeling of determination, achievement, and inclusion is palpable throughout the multi-day event. If you are a woman in tech (or ally), join us to architect the way forward for your future in tech. 

“The mathematical equation for Power is Energy divided by Time (P = E/T); GHC creates a space for us to bring together the energy (E) from thousands of remarkable women, and packing it into a dense time (T) and place, giving us collectively more power (P) than we could ever have alone. 

That is the true legacy of Grace Hopper, beyond her brilliance and her grit. She is not just an icon, but a reminder of our potential and our power as women; a power that is exponentially more powerful when we pool our networks and resources, and when we are committed allies and advocates for one another.” 

Dolly Singh, SD Times 

Learn more about Grace Hopper Celebration—we can’t wait for you to join us!