Steve Shirley was born on September 16th, 1933

Written by: Lisa Chang

Dame Stephanie Steve Shirley: The Pioneering IT Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Dame Stephanie Steve Shirley is a renowned information technology pioneer, businesswoman, and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the field of IT and beyond. As a trailblazing entrepreneur, she founded a software company in the 1960s, which became one of the largest and most successful in the UK, employing thousands of people.

Early Life and Education

Vera Buchthal, later known as Stephanie Brook and eventually Steve Shirley, was born on September 16, 1933, in Dortmund, Germany, to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish Viennese mother. As a Kindertransport child refugee, she arrived in Britain at the age of five, along with her nine-year-old sister, and was placed in the care of foster parents in Sutton Coldfield. She was later reunited with her biological parents, but never formed a strong bond with them.

Shirley attributes her early childhood trauma as the driving force behind her ability to adapt to changes in her life and career. She attended a convent school and later moved to Oswestry, where she attended the Oswestry Girls High School. Mathematics was not taught at the school, so she received permission to take lessons at the local boys' school.

Career Highlights and Major Works

After leaving school, Shirley decided not to pursue university education, as botany was the only science available to women at the time. Instead, she sought employment in a mathematics-technical environment. At the age of 18, she became a British citizen and changed her name to Stephanie Brook.

In the 1950s, Shirley worked at the Post Office Research Station at Dollis Hill, building computers from scratch and writing code in machine language. She took evening classes for six years to obtain an honors degree in mathematics. In 1959, she moved to CDL Ltd, designers of the ICT 1301 computer.

In 1962, Shirley founded Freelance Programmers, a software company that catered to the growing demand for computer programmers. The company, which was later renamed FI Group, became one of the largest and most successful in the UK, employing thousands of people.

Philanthropic Contributions and BeliefsDame Stephanie Steve Shirley is a passionate philanthropist who has made significant contributions to various causes. She has supported organizations that focus on autism, education, and healthcare. Through her charitable trust, she has donated millions to various causes, including the Oxford University's autism research center.

Shirley believes in the importance of education and has supported various educational initiatives throughout her career. She has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has worked towards promoting women's participation in the IT industry.

Awards and Honors

Dame Stephanie Steve Shirley has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to IT, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Some of her notable awards include:

• DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000 for services to information technology
• BCS's highest award, the Lovelace Medal, in 1999
• The Mountbatten Medal in 1999 for her services to the IT industry
• An honorary doctorate from the University of Buckingham in 2001

Legacy and Impact

Dame Stephanie Steve Shirley's legacy extends far beyond her entrepreneurial success. As a pioneering IT entrepreneur, she has inspired generations of women to pursue careers in technology. Her philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on various causes, and her commitment to education has helped to foster a more inclusive and diverse IT industry.

Shirley's story serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and hard work. As a true trailblazer, she has shown that with the right attitude and support, anyone can achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on the world.