If you’re an ACM member, you know that election season is upon us. It’s time to get out the vote!
Personally, I will be voting for Telle Whitney for President and Wendy Hall for Vice President. I’ve gotten to know both through the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women and Computing event. I can’t help but think that this is exactly the time for a duo such as this; with CS enrollment down overall, but particularly among women, this team will serve not only as role models but also as motivators and drivers for change.
How do I know this? At GHC04, Wendy and I briefly discussed the [snobbish] academic response to Web development as a field of computer science, and she encouraged me to look for ways to change that perception. This GHC, I’ve submitted a proposal to present a sample Intro to CS class that would use Web development as a means for attracting and retaining more students. I hope I have the opportunity to present!
Also during GHC04, I boldly proclaimed to Telle that I wanted to be the webmaster for GHC06. Well, not only has that happened, but Telle and the team at ABI have invited me to get involved in other ways. I couldn’t be more proud to have the opportunity to contribute.
These two women have done exactly what more computer scientists — both female and male — need to be doing. They have stepped up to leadership roles; they understand that they are role models for others; they encourage others to participate and help find solutions to issues; and they give individuals opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. That’s exactly how we’re doing to regrow the pipeline of students in CS, and that’s why these women are keys to making that happen.
