In reply to Jimmy Smutek.

I'm flattered to be included on a list of people (women specific) that were able to inspire anyone in some way. That always makes me happy to know I made a difference. I think we've all got great stories of those people that were able to bring us into the community and nurture us into the people we are now, I know I do!

That being said, in keeping of the spirit of this project I think it would be more interesting to hear from women outside the north american region, especially with the context of gender and technology careers in different cultures.

In terms of heroes, I like to think of it in the way people say "my mom is my hero" or "my teacher is my hero," not because they fight fires or invented a cool thing or defend our country or somehow "saved the day" (though those things are all awesome and important) but because they were able to be personally inspirational to someone else to help them achieve things. In that sense I think we should all strive to be heroes to each other!