Ranking of Outstanding Female Engineers Globally in 2025
Top 10 Phenomenal Female Engineers Shaping the World in 2025
Here's a look at some of the most kickass women making waves in the engineering world as of 2025. These ladies are leaving a lasting impact on the tech industry and inspiring the next generation of female engineers.
1. Kimberly Bryant - Queen of Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant, an electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and diversity champion in STEM, founded Black Girls Code in 2011. This non-profit organization empowers Black girls by equipping them with the tools, education, and mentorship needed to thrive in the tech world. Her work has dramatically increased the representation of women and minorities in technology, solidifying her status as an influential figure in modern engineering and education.
2. Limor "Ladyada" Fried - Open-Source Pioneer
In addition to being an electrical engineer and entrepreneur, Limor Fried is the founder of Adafruit Industries, which specializes in the production of open-source hardware and DIY electronics kits. Known affectionately as "Ladyada," she is a hero in the maker movement, inspiring individuals of all ages to experiment with electronics and engineering. Her significant contributions to the open-source community and the tech industry have cemented her reputation as one of the world's most prominent engineers.
3. Linda Cureton - Cybersecurity Crusader
Linda Cureton is a renowned electrical engineer and veteran cybersecurity expert who served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Her extensive career in government technology has been instrumental in the advancement of cybersecurity, IT modernization, and space technology infrastructure. Cureton has become a trailblazer, demonstrating outstanding leadership in the STEM disciplines and supporting diversity in the tech industry.
4. Marissa Mayer - Enterprise Engineer extraordinaire
Previously serving as CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer is a software engineer and business leader known for her pivotal role at Google, where she contributed to the development of groundbreaking products such as Google Maps, Gmail, and Google News. Her innovative spirit and contribution to the fields of search algorithms, user interface design, and artificial intelligence have earned her widespread recognition. As an entrepreneur and investor, she continues to impact the technology sector positively.
5. Padmasree Warrior - Tech Titan and CEO of NIO USA
Recognized as a leading engineer and business executive, Padmasree Warrior has made significant contributions to various fields, including semiconductors, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and electric vehicles (EVs). Her innovative leadership and expertise in technology have been valued at some of the world's most prominent companies, like Cisco, Motorola, and NIO, where she served as CEO of NIO USA and played a crucial role in the future development of EV technology.
6. Priya Balasubramanian - Apple's Visionary Vice President
Priya Balasubramanian is one of the most distinguished mechanical engineers and technology executives in the world, currently employed as Vice President of Core Technologies Operations and iPhone Operations at Apple Inc. Her contributions to Apple's supply chain, manufacturing, and product development have been instrumental to the success of the iPhone, Mac, and other fundamental technologies. Balasubramanian's engineering prowess, supply chain management expertise, and global operations leadership have established her as one of the world's most influential engineers.
7. Ruchi Sanghvi - Software Superstar
Ruchi Sanghvi is a well-known software engineer, entrepreneur, and tech executive, known for being the first female developer at Facebook and for later founding Cove (acquired by Dropbox). Her work in software engineering, particularly in the areas of product development, user interaction, and large-scale infrastructure systems, has made her one of the most prominent women in Silicon Valley's tech industry. Sanghvi has been pivotal in the creation of modern software engineering and is now an influential figure in the software landscape.
8. Patrizia Carpentieri - Blast and Counterterrorism Maven
Patrizia Carpentieri is a civil engineer specializing in blast engineering and counterterrorism measures, with over a decade of experience in the field. She has played a critical role in safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring resilience worldwide. Carpentieri holds several degrees in civil engineering and is a chartered engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Her diverse international work experience has given her a strong foundation for handling complex engineering projects.
9. Sherin Thomas - Powerhouse in Data Processing
Sherin Thomas is a respected software engineering leader, with more than 15 years of experience working for esteemed tech companies like Slack, Google, Twitter, Netflix, and Lyft. Known for her expertise in processing data with low latency and high throughput, she holds several patents in this field. Thomas is currently a Senior Staff Software Engineer at Slack and is also an artist and climate change activist.
10. Madona S. Wambua - Technological Trailblazer
Madona S. Wambua is a renowned technology expert, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience in software engineering. Her contributions to Android development and advocacy for women in STEM fields have been crucial. Wambua's dedication to technology, education, and empowering under-represented groups in STEM inspires future generations and serves as a testament to her passion for the field.
Though specific top 10 lists may not be available for 2025, it's clear that there are numerous talented and influential women making their mark within the engineering and tech industries. Keep an eye on these game-changers!
Additional Considerations:
- Notable Mentions: Xheneta Krasniqi, a top young engineer in Germany renowned for innovative tech, AI, and cloud solutions; Alanna, Jeseekia, and Kayla, hosts of the STEM.Queens.Opinions & advice podcast; and Moriah Bisewski and Camilla Flores, hosts of the UH Engineering STEMinist Podcast.
- Key Cont Contributions: Innovation, leadership, and community engagement with a focus on promoting diversity and empowering women in STEM fields.
- Prospects for the Future: The growing influence and impact of female engineers and leaders in the engineering landscape bodes well for a more prominent role for women in the industry.
- The impact of these exceptional women in engineering extends beyond their technical achievements, influencing health-and-wellness by fostering inclusivity in the tech industry through organizations like Black Girls Code (Kimberly Bryant).
- driven by their passion for science and education, female engineers like Linda Cureton are blurring the lines between lifestyle and technology, revolutionizing fields like cybersecurity and IT modernization.
- In the realm of self-development and innovation, women in engineering like Marissa Mayer and Padmasree Warrior are leveraging technology to streamline processes, improving productivity and efficiency in various industries, such as search algorithms, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.
