Inhalt: A study investigated the experiences of a purposive sample of 12 women who have taken technological career paths and who have excelled in their respective fields. The study began with one question: "What internal and/or external factors influenced, supported, and/or encouraged these women to become competent at a very high level in nontraditional, technologically related professions?" By "nontraditional," the researcher meant these fields that are nontraditional for women: mathematics, science, and technology (MST). The study used a qualitative design that included in-depth interviews, observations, and document analyses. The study's conclusions reinforced prior research that indicated that role models, scaffolding, and collaborative or reality-based assignments facilitate girls' interest in MST. New findings revealed that fathers, male peers, and male siblings played a strong part in motivating the participants to engage in tinkering activities and provided scaffolding. Other findings indicated that girls need to be encouraged to ask questions and to take risks, even if they are only moderate ones, if they are to enter MST fields. From the data, it appeared the infusion of play activities in MST environments also needs to be encouraged. (Contains 81 references.)