Unsung (Geek) Heroines

Its Ada Lovelace Day, and the purpose of this is to celebrate women in technology.

But, rather than celebrating one particular person, we'd like to flag the women who are not A list entrepreneurs with their names in lights, or the current startup darlings, or even the "glam-side" PR gals that are names by dint of position.

We'd like to celebrate the women who actually get things done, sans thanks (and recognition) in many cases.

These are the coders, testers, system administrators, pre and post sales support, helpdesk operators, team managers, office administrators - those that are critical to any technology based enterprise but are not the "public face" who you see in the press and glam parties.

So here's my thought - over the years I've worked with, and managed, many such women. In general they've been more competent than their male colleagues - they have to be due to the background, ambient (and usually unconscious) discrimination in the structure of technology companies.

But, to them I would say there is one thing that I always felt would help their cause hugely - and that is to be more forthcoming. Speak up, let your opinions be known, say your piece, stand your ground etc etc.

The good news is that the way work is becoming structured, it plays to natural female skills of collaboration and communication. Add chutzpah to the above, and the balls will truly be in your court