Anna Kazanjian Longobardo was a pioneer for women in engineering in the United States.

Origin

Longobardo was born in 1928 in New York City. Her father was an Armenian immigrant from Aleppo, Syria.  Her mother was an immigrant from Constantinople, Turkey, whose family survived the Genocide and moved to the US after WWI.  Her mother's maiden name was Yazejian and her great uncle was the noted educator and leader Haig Khojassarian (sometimes referred to as Hojassarian).

Claim to Fame

First woman to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University; original charter student member of Society of Women Engineers; first woman to receive the Egleston Medal.

What she said

"We women need to develop our self-esteem."

“I try to do it with my own children and my grandchildren, is to make them feel that they’re capable – within their capability that they should try hard, because the world is their oyster. And I think that made a big difference.”

What others said

Formerly named one of New York’s “100 Women of Influence”