Written by: Nadiyah Bell, Highway Design Specialist
This article was originally featured in the September 2025 issue of TPD’s internal newsletter. It was printed in a regular column managed by TPD’s Committee for Assessing Resources & Education for Success (CARES).
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was an English mathematician known as the first computer programmer after creating a program for her manager’s digital computer prototype. She not only created the first series of instruction but also understood that the math programs were just the start of a computer’s potential. She saw that beyond calculations, computers could create music as well. Ever since childhood, Ada Lovelace was curious and imaginative. When she was 12 years old, she studied the anatomy of birds so that she could create wings to fly. When she was 17 years old, she took interest in science and mathematics. Lovelace believed that math, science, and technology were beyond calculations and numbers and connected math, science, and the art of imagination together. During her lifetime, she was not given as much credit as she deserved, but she is now known as a pioneer who brought together math and imagination.
WHAT IS ADA LOVELACE DAY?
Ada Lovelace Day is recognized each year on the second Tuesday of October; this year it’s on October 14th. It was created by Suw Charman-Anderson, an editorial assistant for a science publishing company. She then went into social software consulting and worked at several companies. During her career, Charman-Anderson noticed the lack of representation for women in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields of work. There were many discussions online about their invisibility in the STEAM world, especially at tech conferences. In 2009, Charman-Anderson started what is now known as Ada Lovelace Day, in hopes to increase the publicity of women in STEAM and to highlight role models like Ada Lovelace to support young girls and women who are interested in STEAM. She recruited other bloggers to honor influential women in the STEAM fields of work. Just a year later, more than 2,000 people responded with blogs, podcasts, and videos supporting her project. Ada Lovelace Day is now important to women and other underrepresented minorities in STEAM.
THANK YOU FROM TPD CARES
Here at TPD we recognize the hard work of all our employees. However, in honor of Ada Lovelace Day, TPD’s Committee for Assessing Resources & Education for Success (“TPD CARES”) wants to shout out the women at TPD who work diligently to get work done whether that be in the office, working out in the field, from home, and everywhere in between. Their contributions, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire our growth and continued success. We appreciate the work they put in for TPD to keep Moving Forward Together.
Below are a few insights from current TPD employees regarding how they became interested in a STEAM career and who inspired them.
WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS IN STEAM, AND WHY?
“I have to say some of my biggest role models are the women I’ve met from participating in WTS Philadelphia. Getting out there and getting involved really opens the door to meeting very motivating women. I would really encourage younger staff to get involved in these organizations. You will learn so much!” – Danielle Kauffman, Creative Design Manager
AS A WOMAN WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN STEAM?
“In high school, I found a love for biology and forensic science. I attended two classes with one of my favorite teachers which led me to Environmental Science. She became my mentor all throughout college and inspired me to pursue this career.” – Sarah Leidenheimer, CEP-IT, WPIT, Environmental Services Manager
CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT WHEN YOU FELT ESPECIALLY PROUD OF YOUR WORK IN STEAM?
“Showing my children what I do and how they can make a difference in the lives of people just the same.” – Summer Smith, Safety Manager
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG GIRLS INTERESTED IN STEAM?
“My best advice for young girls interested in STEAM is the attitude that you can be the best of the best in anything no matter the field. The hard work you put into STEAM will be rewarded in the end.” – Olivia Weaver, EIT, Highway Design Specialist
