Maria Artini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria Artini
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| Born | 1894 Milan, Italy
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| Died | 2 August 1951 |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Alma mater | Polytechnic University of Milan |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Known for | First female graduate in electrical engineering in Italy |
| Spouse(s) | Leonardo Maggi |
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Maria Artini (born 1894, died 1951) was a pioneering Italian engineer. She made history as the first woman in Italy to earn a university degree in electrical engineering. She was also the second woman ever to graduate from the famous Milan Polytechnic university.
Maria's Early Life and Education
Maria Artini was born in Milan, Italy, in 1894. Her father, Ettore Artini, was a director at the Civic Museum of Natural History in Milan. He also taught about minerals at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Maria followed in her father's footsteps and enrolled at the Polytechnic in 1912. In 1918, she graduated with a high score in electrical engineering. This made her the very first female electrical engineer in Italy. She was also only the second woman to graduate from the Polytechnic, after Gaetana Calvi in 1913.
Her Engineering Career
Just one year after graduating, Maria Artini started working at Edison. This was a big energy company based in Milan. She quickly moved up to important management roles.
Maria helped design and build Italy's first very high-voltage power line. This huge project carried electricity across the Brugherio-Parma region. From 1936 to 1946, she managed Edison's statistics office. Later, she returned to work on even newer, more powerful electricity lines.
Helping Other Women
Maria Artini cared about helping other women in technical jobs. In 1948, she suggested creating a group for female professionals. She even organized meetings with her colleagues in Milan and Turin.
Sadly, Maria passed away before her idea could fully happen. But her dream came true! On January 26, 1957, the AIDIA was formed. This stands for the Italian Association of Women Engineers and Architects. It was founded by engineer Emma Strada (who became its first president), Anna E. Armor, Adele Racheli, and architect Vittoria Ilardi. Today, the AIDIA continues to be a successful organization, and Maria Artini is still remembered for her "brilliant idea."
Personal Life
Maria Artini married Leonardo Maggi. He was known for supporting the Institute of the Blind in Milan. This institute's museum even has a photograph of Maria Artini in its collection.
Maria Artini passed away on August 2, 1951, when she was 57 years old.
