Queens of Code

Eileen Buckholtz is creator and director of the Queens of Code Project, which comprises stories from the NSA’s computing women from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. She is a master computer scientist, multipublished author, web designer, and internet consultant. During her distinguished career with the National Security Agency (1970–2001), she held a variety of technical leadership and management positions in emerging technology, knowledge management, internet applications, IT workforce development, project management, policy, and planning. She is the author of over 40 books for adults, young adults, and children and is an award-winning web designer.

ENDORSEMENTS“An utterly absorbing tribute to the remarkable women of the National Security Agency, fittingly told by one of their own and a fellow trailblazer. A must-read for future generations.”—Claire Hubbard-Hall, author of Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence“Rich in detail, Queens of Code offers a fascinating window on the National Security Agency , restoring its hidden women to their well-deserved place in computing and intelligence history.”—Amy Butler Greenfield, author of The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life “Queens of Code is an essential book, in multiple historical disciplines. And it’s such a pleasure to hear these extraordinary stories in the voices of these trailblazing women. What an accomplishment!”—Vince Houghton, intelligence historian; coauthor of Covert City: The Cold Ware and the Making of Miami“This examination of the vital work of female computer pioneers at NSA is a must-read for those interested in cryptologic history.”—Betsy Rohaly Smoot, author of Parker Hitt: The Father of American Military Cryptology“Hidden in secrecy, marginalized by history—until now. This book uncovers the women whose brilliance broke unbreakable codes and shaped the digital age. Their story isn’t just history—it’s a must-read for anyone who values courage, genius, and truth.”—Wendy Noble, national security, intelligence, and cybersecurity leader“Shrouded by decades of secrecy, the work of these NSA pioneers rivals the accomplishments of better-known men. Hearing these firsthand stories is fascinating and invaluable, like talking to the mentor you wish you had.”—Janet Abbate, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society, Virginia Tech; author of Recoding Gender: Women’s Changing Participation in Computing