Jeri Ellsworth
Jeri Ellsworth is famous in Maker circles as a self taught engineer. She first started out learning how to build and drive race cars, before starting a computer company, moved on to microchip design, designed a handheld video game clone, became a pinball machine collector and expert repairlady, and now helps lead the brand-new hardware division at the legendary game company Valve. Along the way she's left a trail of astonishing gadgets and gizmos, including a TSA-style scanner scavenged from some spare antennae and a Nintendo purse Besides being an incredibly determined individual, she's also brilliant and creative, hacking together all sorts of crazy gadgets that make her world renowned, many of which she details on YouTube, Make, or other sites. She's noted for her phrase "Did you bring a hack!?", which you'll hear when you run into her at all sorts of gatherings, where she'll usually be darting around looking at things with great interest and asking lots of questions. I was lucky enough to chat with her for a few minutes at Maker Faire when she was showing off her C-64 Bass Guitar, and she's every bit as amazing as one would be led to believe. My personal inspiration from this fine lady first came from her [youtube video regarding failure](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhQ7d3BK3KQ). It's tough to see a project crash and burn after so many invested hours, and her encouragement gets me through every project I have. So, hats off to you Jeri. Read a bit more here, if you're inclined. http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2010/03/24/electronics-hacker-jeri-ellsworth-24-hours-of-lady-ada-lovelace-day-ald10/