Women of Color Who Shaped Computing: Honoring Pioneers for Women’s History Month
This Women’s History Month, CMD-IT recognizes women of color in computing whose groundbreaking work has helped shape the technologies, networks, and digital experiences we rely on every day. From high performance computing to space exploration and modern digital media, these innovators from CMD-IT’s target communities demonstrate the power of diverse perspectives in advancing computing.
Jeanine Cook: High Performance Computing Innovator
Jeanine Cook is well recognized for her work on the performance modeling and analysis of high-performance computing systems for executing parallel scientific applications, such as materials design and understanding the fundamental nature of nuclear matter. While an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, she lost the use of her lower legs in a car accident. In 2007 Cook was the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award. She was a faculty member at New Mexico State University until and then moved to Sandia National Laboratories, where she has since retired.
Ellen Ochoa: Trailblazing Astronaut
Engineer, inventor, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa made history as the first Latina to travel to space. Before and during her distinguished career with NASA, she contributed significantly to optical systems for information processing and holds three patents in the field. Ochoa’s achievements highlight the powerful connections between computing, engineering, and exploration, demonstrating how technical innovation can expand both scientific discovery and human possibility.
Lisa Gelobter: Digital Multimedia Pioneer
Lisa Gelobter helped shape the modern web experience through her work developing web animation technologies and early streaming infrastructure during her time as Director of Program Management at Macromedia. Her contributions to the development of Shockwave influenced how digital media is delivered and experienced online today. In February 2026 she was named the Chief Technology Office for the City of New York and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation.
Tara Astigarraga: Master Inventor
Tara Astigarraga is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Upon completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona, she started working at IBM. In 2008, she received her first patent focused on predicting when flash memory devices would fail, addressing real-world data storage issues. She has been named an IBM Master Inventor for work with 75 patents including network, storage, and blockchain. Astigarraga is now a Distinguished Engineer with IBM Systems Assurance.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Innovators
The stories of these women of color pioneers remind us that innovation in computing has always been driven by people with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. As the CMD-IT continues to uplift opportunities in computing, we celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way, and the students, researchers, and professionals who will carry their legacy forward.
This Women’s History Month, we recognize the women of color who transformed computing and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to innovate, lead, and thrive.