by Kati LeBreton
March 27, 2025
I love amenities. Got a gadget that will save me 30 seconds? Add to cart. Selling a gizmo that promises to make my life just a teeny bit easier? I’ll take twelve of them. My delivery person stays very busy delivering packages to my front porch. While I am constantly amazed and perplexed by the magic of modern technology, I am also fully aware that I would quite literally not survive without the thousands of machines whirring around my skeleton at all times. But that gets me thinking… where did all these miracles of the modern age come from? Who are the women inventors responsible for the mechanisms that keep us from turning back into cavemen?
Many groundbreaking inventions have been attributed to men, and rightfully so. In third grade, I remember learning about people like Eli Whitney (inventor of the cotton gin) and Samuel Morse (inventor of the Morse Code… who is of no relation to me, but could you imagine?!). But I don’t recall hearing any women’s names included in those lessons. After a bit of research, I’ve recently discovered that the contributions of women inventors have been just as significant, though often overlooked. From life-saving medical devices to revolutionary household items, women inventors have played a vital role in revolutionizing our lives. Here are ten groundbreaking inventions created by women—many of which you probably rely on daily.
1. The Dishwasher – Josephine Cochrane (1886)
In 1886, Josephine Cochrane, a wealthy socialite, was frustrated with how long it took to clean dishes after entertaining guests. Tired of her fine china being chipped, she created the first automatic dishwasher. While other dishwashers existed at the time, Cochrane’s design was the first to successfully use water pressure to clean dishes, making it the prototype for modern dishwashers today. Her invention was so successful that she founded her own company, which eventually became part of KitchenAid. I thank my lucky stars for Josephine every time I slam my dishwasher shut.
2. The Computer Algorithm – Ada Lovelace (1843)
Long before computers became commonplace, Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician, conceptualized the first algorithm intended for a machine. She worked with Charles Babbage, who is often called the “father of the computer.” While Babbage’s “Analytical Engine” was never completed, Lovelace’s notes on the machine included a description of how it could be programmed to calculate numbers using an algorithm. This concept laid the groundwork for computer programming as we know it today. Ada is often referred to as the first computer programmer.
3. The Modern Wireless Technology – Hedy Lamarr (1941)
Hollywood actress by day, tech genius by night, Hedy Lamarr co-invented a “frequency-hopping” system designed to prevent enemy forces from jamming torpedo guidance systems during World War II. While the technology was not immediately adopted, the principles of her invention laid the foundation for modern wireless communication technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Lamarr’s genius in both the entertainment industry and technology was recognized posthumously, and she was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Please consider this my formal request for someone to make a movie about this lady’s life.
4. The Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown (1966)
Marie Van Brittan Brown, an African-American nurse, invented the first home security system in 1966. Concerned about safety in her crime-ridden neighborhood, she developed a system that used closed-circuit television (CCTV) to monitor the outside of her home. Her invention allowed homeowners to see who was at the door and even communicate with them remotely. The system laid the groundwork for the modern home security systems we use today, including surveillance cameras and intercoms.
5. The Paper Bag – Margaret E. Knight (1868)
In 1868, Margaret E. Knight invented a machine that could automatically fold and glue paper to create flat-bottomed paper bags. Before her invention, paper bags were hand-made, and the process was slow and labor-intensive. Knight’s innovation helped streamline production and make paper bags more widely available. She was granted a patent for her invention, and her work revolutionized packaging, making it more practical and environmentally friendly compared to the alternatives available at the time.
6. Kevlar – Stephanie Kwolek (1965)
Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist working for DuPont, invented Kevlar in 1965. Kevlar is a synthetic fiber known for its high strength and durability, and it is most famous for being used in bulletproof vests. However, it also has a wide range of applications in the military, sports equipment, and even space suits. Kwolek’s discovery saved countless lives and has had a lasting impact on both civilian and military industries. Despite its importance, Kwolek remained humble about her contribution, always emphasizing the role of teamwork in scientific discovery.
7. Windshield Wipers – Mary Anderson (1903)
In 1903, Mary Anderson, a real estate developer from Alabama, patented the first windshield wiper. During a visit to New York City, Anderson noticed that streetcar drivers struggled to see through their windows during rainy weather. Her design featured a rubber blade that could be operated by a lever inside the vehicle, wiping away rain and improving visibility. While initially met with resistance, her invention became essential for all vehicles and is now a standard safety feature in cars worldwide.
8. The First Scientific Glass – Marie Curie (1898)
Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, pioneering physicist, and chemist, made numerous contributions to the world of science. Her most famous work includes the discovery of radioactivity and the discovery of polonium and radium. But Curie’s contributions also included the development of the first scientific glass for her experiments. She not only pioneered the understanding of radioactive elements but also paved the way for future research in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, saving countless lives in the medical field.
9. The First Disposable Diaper – Marion Donovan (1951)
Marion Donovan, a mother of two, was tired of the messy and inconvenient cloth diapers she had to use for her children. In 1951, she invented the first disposable diaper by using a shower curtain to create a waterproof lining. Her invention was initially rejected by major manufacturers, but Donovan persisted and eventually partnered with a manufacturer to create a mass-produced version of her diaper, leading to the modern disposable diapers we use today.
10. The Refrigerator – Florence Parpart (1914)
Florence Parpart is credited with inventing the modern electric refrigerator in 1914. While refrigeration technology existed in some form before, Parpart’s design used a more efficient motor and a simpler system for maintaining consistent temperatures. Her work revolutionized food storage, making it safer and more accessible for households everywhere. My leftovers and cold pizza thank you, Florence!
Women’s Innovations: A Legacy of Impact
What a list, right?! Think of a day without one of these ten inventions… chaos, right?
The contributions of women to technology, science, and everyday life are immeasurable. From the kitchen to the battlefield, from safety to entertainment, women’s inventions have improved the lives of countless people around the globe. Their creativity, innovation, and perseverance inspire us all, and we are only just beginning to see the full extent of their impact.
Women’s ingenuity has shaped industries, improved lives, and created countless opportunities for innovation. As the Director of Fidelity Bank POWER, I am privileged to work with modern-day female innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who continue this legacy of impact.
At Fidelity Bank POWER, we provide the tools, connections, and financial expertise to help women-owned businesses thrive. If you’re a woman in business looking for a community of support, mentorship, and growth opportunities, POWER is here for you.
Now, if any brilliant female inventors out there are working on a time machine, let me know—I’d love to bring these pioneering women to a POWER networking event! Join the POWER movement today! Open a POWER Business Checking account with Fidelity Bank.