Born: 1935 (Uruguay)
Biography:
Ida Holz Bard, born on January 30, 1935, is a Uruguayan engineer, computer scientist, professor, and researcher. She is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of computing and the Internet. Coming from a Jewish family of Polish origin, Holz’s early life experiences played a significant role in shaping her remarkable career.
At the age of 18, Holz traveled to Israel, where she served in the army and lived on a kibbutz. These formative years not only instilled in her a strong sense of discipline but also exposed her to the power of collective work and community living. Returning to Uruguay, she aspired to study architecture but couldn’t due to her daytime job. Instead, she started teaching mathematics at the Instituto de Profesores Artigas. It was there that her professor of mathematical logic suggested she attend a computer science course offered by the University of the Republic. This would prove to be a pivotal moment in her life.
In the early 1970s, Holz became part of the first generation of Uruguayan computer science students trained by the Engineering Faculty of the University of the Republic. She delved deep into the field, mastering the theoretical foundations as well as the practical aspects of computing. In 1964, she married the renowned artist Anhelo Hernández and together, they joined the Torres García Workshop. However, due to political unrest in Uruguay, the couple was forced into exile in Mexico in 1976.
During her time in Mexico, Holz worked in the General Directorate of Economic and Social Policy. She later joined the National Institute of Statistics, gaining valuable experience in applied research and data analysis. With her exceptional skills in computing and her passion for the field, Holz caught the attention of the Mexican government, who offered her a directorship. However, she had already made the decision to return to Uruguay.
In 1986, Holz competed for and successfully secured the directorship of the Central Information Service of the University of the Republic (SECIU). It was from this position that she led the development of the Internet in Uruguay starting from the early 1990s. Holz played a prominent role in advancing and shaping information and communications technology in her country. In 2005, she took on a role in the directorate of the Agency for Development of Electronic Government and Society of Information and Knowledge. She also played a significant role in promoting the Ceibal project.
Notably, Ida Holz earned recognition for her opposition to a conference held in Rio de Janeiro in 1991, during which the United States and Europe asserted their authority over the nascent global network at the Latin American level. Her commitment to fighting for the autonomy and self-determination of the region in the realm of the Internet made her a respected figure.
Under Holz’s capable direction, SECIU installed Uruguay’s first Internet node in 1994, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey. Her contributions and leadership have been widely acknowledged, earning her numerous awards and prestigious honors.
Awards:
– 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin America and Caribbean Network Information Centre (LACNIC) for her significant contributions to the development of the Internet.
– In 2013, she became the first Latin American personality, male or female, to be inducted into the Internet Society’s Hall of Fame. This esteemed honor recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development and strengthening of the Internet.
– The Board of Initial and Primary Education awarded her the 2014 Girdle of Honor at public school No. 4 José Artigas, where Holz completed her engineering studies.
Ida Holz Bard’s groundbreaking work in computing and her unwavering dedication to advancing technology in Uruguay have left an indelible mark on the field. Her relentless pursuit of progress and recognition of the importance of autonomy in the digital realm have made her a true trailblazer in the history of technology and women’s empowerment.