Anne-Marcelle Kahn
First French female engineer
Anne-Marcelle Kahn was a trailblazing figure in the field of technology, notable for becoming the first French female engineer. Her academic achievements were marked by her graduation from l'École nationale supérieure des mines de Saint-Étienne in 1919, a milestone that paved the way for future generations of women in engineering. Born Anne-Marcelle Schrameck, she later took the surname Kahn upon her marriage to Louis Kahn, a man who would go on to achieve his own distinction as the first Jewish French Admiral.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anne-Marcelle Kahn's life was also marked by remarkable personal courage and resilience. During the Second World War, she undertook a perilous journey, crossing the Pyrenees alone with her two young children in pursuit of safety. This act of determination and strength underscores the depth of her character, highlighting that her contributions extended far beyond her pioneering role in engineering to encompass a broader narrative of perseverance and family devotion.