Anna Connelly

Anna Connelly, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1868, was a pioneering inventor whose contributions to safety and engineering have left an indelible mark on modern architecture. As one of the first women in the United States to submit a patent application independently, Connelly's innovative spirit and determination broke barriers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her most notable achievement was the invention of the predecessor to the modern outdoor fire escape, a design that has saved countless lives and remains a crucial safety feature in buildings worldwide. Connelly's legacy is a testament to her ingenuity and her role as a trailblazer for women in STEM.