From creating computer programming to making strides in space exploration, women have had a significant impact on the technology industry and continue to be at the forefront of innovation, despite gender bias and underrepresentation in the field. The stories and experiences of women in tech inspire others to launch careers and diversify the industry, paving the way for more technological advancements and gender equality.
Whether you’re looking to make a career change to tech, planning your next steps in your job journey, or just interested in learning more about the industry, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you get started. Here are some tech books by women highlighting the inspirational stories of women in tech, ways to overcome gender barriers and bias, and how to enter the industry:
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
By Jenny Blake
Feeling stuck in your career or looking for direction but finding yourself anxious and rudderless? “Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One” by Jenny Blake, co-creator of Google’s Career Guru coaching program, focuses on how you can analyze and leverage your existing skills to inform your next career move. The ability to pivot, according to the book, is not limited by age, bank account balance, or career position. Rather, anyone can pivot their career and make their goals a reality using small, smart steps. This book also explores what it means to “fail,” pushing that each “failure” is an opportunity to learn and that planning, preparation, strategy, and the proper mindset can make all the difference in obtaining success.
About the Author: Besides her accomplishment as a co-founder of Career Guru at Google, Jenny Blake is an author, blogger, and podcaster who manages a media and licensing company. She also runs her own consulting business in New York City and is the author of another book, Life After College.
Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley
By Emily Chang
In “Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley” author Emily Chang, anchor and the executive producer of the tv show Bloomberg Technology, explores the roots of Silicon Valley, the impact of sexism in tech companies, and how women are speaking out against gender bias and discrimination. Drawing on her insider connections, Chang offers an in-depth look into the boardroom politics of male-dominated venture capital firms and posits that mission statements alone are not enough to create change. Through the book, Chang shows how and why inclusivity and ideals must be integrated into the culture and development of a company.
About the Author: Before joining Bloomberg Technology, a global tv show that reports on technology and entrepreneurship, Chang was an International correspondent for CNN. Chang has received five regional Emmy awards for her reporting. She is also a graduate of Harvard University.
She’s In CTRL: How women can take back tech – to communicate, investigate, problem-solve, broker deals and protect themselves in a digital world
By Anne-Marie Imafidon
In her book, Anne-Marie Imafidon, a computer scientist, offers insights on why women are underrepresented in tech, why a lack of gender diversity and inclusivity matters, and ways to combat these issues to improve the industry. A unique aspect of the book is Imafidon's discussion of lived experiences and the dangers of technology being controlled by a small segment of society instead of representing the needs of diverse users. Imafidon also gives examples, exercises, and practical guidance for how women can take control of their futures based on her own experiences and the stories of pioneers and innovators. For those struggling with thoughts of imposter syndrome or feeling intimidated about launching a tech career, Imafidon’s book is centered around confidence building, addressing bias, and empowerment.
About the Author: Beyond being a computer scientist, Anne-Marie Imafidon is also one of the co-founders of Outbox Incubator, which is widely considered the first tech incubator for teen girls in the world. Imafidon also founded the social enterprise Stemettes, which promotes science, technology, engineering, and math careers for women (STEM), and is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
Nevertheless, She Persisted: True Stories of Women Leaders in Tech
By Pratima Rao Gluckman
The technology field has historically been dominated by men. A 2021 survey by Wiley Edge found that 68% of tech companies are not diverse. According to 2021 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, women are underrepresented in the world of computer programming with men making up around 78% of coders in America.
There are many barriers women face in the field, from the cultural belief that Computer Science is a “boys' subject" to implicit assumptions and discrimination. In spite of these biases, some high-performing women succeed as leaders in tech. A leader in tech herself, author Pratima Rao Gluckman sought to share stories of such women's leadership journeys in hopes of inspiring other women to seek tech careers. In addition to sharing her personal journey in the book, Gluckman offers advice on how men can support the next generation of female leaders and discusses the changes that must be made to the way business is done so that women can flourish in leadership roles.
About the Author: Pratima Rao Gluckman is a Senior Manager at LinkedIn, public speaker, and author. She is a champion of women’s issues and advocates for critical conversations involving equality and equity in the workplace.
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
By Margot Lee Shetterly
Margot Lee Shetterly’s “Hidden Figures” describes the true story of how four Black women at NASA drove American accomplishments in space while suffering from discrimination, segregation, and inequality. Spanning three decades of history, the story follows “human computers” Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, who supported NASA during World War II and made groundbreaking achievements in the Space Race with Russia. This book illuminates those who have gone unrecognized for their tremendous efforts in technology and offers a historical-based look at the dynamics of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion in tech. Many examples in this book demonstrate perseverance in the face of adversity, making it an ideal read for those seeking motivation and needing inspiration and the courage to pursue their goals.
About the Author: Along with being a nonfiction writer, researcher, and entrepreneur, Margot Lee Shetterly is the founder of The Human Computer Project, a virtual museum that highlights the work and accomplishments of the women mathematicians who helped shape aeronautics and space programs in the United States. Her book Hidden Figures was adapted to film in 2016.
Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators
By Susanne Tedrick
In “Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators,” author Susanne Tedrick, a technical specialist for a leading Fortune 50 technology company, aims to assist women of color in breaking through the barriers that hinder them from entering and staying in the tech industry. As part of the book, Tedrick outlines key steps women of color can take to transition to tech and build a support system, including building a professional network, finding a mentor, staying motivated, and more. Tedrick also shares stories and advice on developing the soft skills, tools, and mindset needed to get ahead in tech.
About the Author: In addition to writing “Women of Color in Tech,” and working as a technical specialist, Susanne Tedrick hosts and produces the Wiley Diversity in Tech Webinar Series. Tedrick is also co-author of “Innovating for Diversity," a book that promotes diverse and equitable hiring practices to drive change in businesses.
How To Launch a Tech Career
The Grace Hopper Program offered by Fullstack Academy helps women and non-binary individuals pursue careers in web development by providing the skills employers are seeking, personalized support, and a culture of transparency. Following the same curriculum as the top-rated Fullstack Academy Web Development Bootcamp, students in the online Grace Hopper Program bootcamps are differentiated (not defined) by a gender-allied learning experience. The experience, along with the community that fosters it, plays a vital role in overcoming imposter syndrome, closing opportunity gaps, and increasing representation in tech to power a better future. Learn more about how the Grace Hopper Program can help you pursue your professional goals in the diversifying tech industry.
Accessible Tech Education for Women and Non-Binary Students.
Explore the Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy, an immersive software engineering course for women and non-binary students
