Every month we will illuminate a new explorer, starting with the magnificent Grace Hopper. Explorers are curious and courageous pioneers who have both enhanced humanity and evolved gender equality.
Born December 9th 1906 Grace grew up with a strong father who encouraged her ambition and drive. He believed his daughter should have the same opportunities as men. In 1943, after tackling many obstacles, she joined the US Navy following the attacks on Pearl Harbor and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. The USS Hopper is named after her.
Keeping busy, she was also on the team of three engineers which created the IBM sponsored Mark 1 computer. Grace is responsible for the word 'bug' in a computer fault. The original 'bug' was a moth, which caused a hardware fault in the Mark I. Hopper was the first person to 'debug' a computer!
She invented the language APT, verified COBOL and inspired a legion of young minds to pursue change and embrace innovation. She was often heard saying "The worst phrase in the English language is - we have always done it this way."
The quote is a message for all crusaders.
Courage is often the differentiator between a pioneer and a pedestrian.
Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, aka the Queen of Information, left our world on January 1st 1992 at the age of 85.