Awesome Inspiration for Girls in Engineering
At the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, we know STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is for everyone. We invite you to join us in celebrating Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day this month by sharing these awesome stories and resources that promote gender inclusivity in the field of engineering with your young innovator.
Meet Inspiring Women in Our Hall of Fame
Women have made a monumental impact on STEM fields, and we are proud to introduce you to a few of our Hall of Famer role models who prove it. We hope you’ll share this list of amazing innovators with girls in your life, and remind them that they can be difference-makers too! To explore even more visionary women in STEM, check out our website.
Marian Croak
Patented engineer Marian Croak developed technologies that furthered the capabilities of audio and video conferencing – something we regularly use for work, school and personal communications today! Focusing on network engineering allowed her to expand how we talk on the internet through what’s called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies. Croak joined Google in 2014, where she is now vice president of engineering and leads the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology. She also works toward her goal of encouraging women and young girls in engineering.
Chieko Asakawa
Born in Osaka, Japan, Chieko Asakawa earned her doctorate in engineering from the University of Tokyo. She joined IBM in 1985 and has since received many awards, including the Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers. This patented engineer made impressive contributions to accessibility technology. Blind from a young age, Asakawa invented the Home Page Reader – a voice browser that provided effective internet access for blind and visually impaired computer users. This technology changed how visually disabled individuals independently communicate, interact and explore the internet. Inclusion is vital to the progression of STEM fields, and it all starts with equal accessibility!
Beatrice Hicks
In 1939, Beatrice Hicks earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology). She was one of the first women to pursue an engineering degree. She used her knowledge to break new ground in the field of sensors that not only advanced technologies of the time but also played a critical role in making space travel possible! Hicks’ patent has been cited by numerous other patents, even in the present day, showing just how impactful women in STEM have been and continue to be.
Find Empowering Books on Girls in Engineering
Along with these inspirational role models who have paved the way for women in STEM, there are awesome stories of fictional girls putting their skills to the test in kid-friendly ways. Below are a few of our favorite books all about girls practicing engineering – and building some pretty cool things!
“Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons” by Arlyne Simon
Written by Arlyne Simon, a biomedical engineer, patented inventor and 2013 Graduate Finalist in the Collegiate Inventors Competition®, “Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons” tells the story of a girl’s innovative journey when she decides to invent the world’s first unbreakable crayons. Along the way, she must think creatively and be persistent to overcome obstacles. This story shows readers how fun STEM can be and motivates them to work hard to bring their big ideas to life.
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
Andrea Beaty tells the story of Rosie Revere – a young girl who has always dreamed of becoming a great engineer. At night, Rosie constructs incredible inventions, but she’s too afraid of failure to share her big ideas. However, her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) shows her that making mistakes is part of the inventing process, and the only true way to fail is to give up! This book encourages children to take risks, explore their curiosity and have confidence in their ideas.
For extra fun, expand on this story with “Rosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers,” also by Beaty. This book is filled with kid-friendly projects sure to get young innovators asking questions, thinking creatively and aspiring to become engineering experts like Rosie!
Register for Camp Invention!
For more exciting opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM learning, we encourage you to sign your child up for Camp Invention®, giving them the chance to invent, problem solve, collaborate and grow their confidence! Find out more and register on our website.
Already signed up for camp? Join our Refer a Friend Program and encourage others to join in the camp fun and save – because summer STEM adventures are even better with friends!