International Women’s Day

Today, on International Women’s Day, I’m celebrating trailblazing women who have reshaped industries—often without the recognition they deserve.

While visiting the Cleveland science museum, I came across a display honoring Wendy Carlos, a pioneer in electronic music. Her 1968 album Switched-On Bach proved synthesizers could be used for classical compositions, revolutionizing music and leading to iconic film scores like A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Tron.

Innovation often comes from unexpected pairings—melding two seemingly unrelated concepts to create something entirely new. Wendy Carlos did exactly that by blending classical music with electronic synthesizers, two worlds that, at the time, had little in common. Classical compositions were steeped in tradition, while synthesizers were seen as experimental tools. Yet, through Switched-On Bach, she proved that precision and structure could coexist with cutting-edge technology, revolutionizing the music industry. Her work reminds us that breakthroughs often happen when we challenge assumptions and connect ideas in ways no one else has before.

Who are the women that have inspired you to push boundaries? Share their names in the comments—I’d love to hear their stories!