June 12, 2024 Lynn Conway, a trailblazing engineer and influential figure in chip design, passed away at the age of 86. Known for her pivotal role at IBM and Xerox PARC, Conway co-authored the seminal book “Introduction to VLSI Systems” in the 1970s, revolutionizing semiconductor design with the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) approach, integral to modern systems-on-a-chip technology.

Conway began her career at IBM Research in 1964 but was fired in 1968 after announcing her plans to transition. In 2020, IBM issued a formal apology and honored her contributions. Conway continued her impactful work at Xerox PARC, DARPA, and later as a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan until her retirement in 1998.

Her death prompted a wave of appreciation from technologists and the transgender community, highlighting her dual legacy in technology and as a pioneering transgender figure. IBM’s chief HR officer, Nickle LaMoreaux, praised Conway for her grace and advocacy.

Conway’s work significantly advanced chip design technology and inspired many within the transgender community and beyond. Her life and career reflect a legacy of technological innovation and progress toward greater inclusivity and human rights.