Author Archives: Joseph Scott

Learning to lead at GHC 2014

As women studying computer science, we know that women in computing need encouragement in all stages of their careers. Because of this, we committed ourselves to bringing you womENcourage 2015, giving us the opportunity to encourage women in computing across Europe. As co-chairs of the European celebration of women in computing, we have experienced this year the impact that such a celebration can have on a woman’s career. For this reason, we are working hard to bring to you a chance to learn to lead the wave of women encouraging women.

Imagine our surprise and excitement when we found that we would be attending our first Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Phoenix, AZ: we really could not imagine how it would influence us. The experience of being at the same place with over 7000 technical women is almost indescribable. The rooms were filled with inspiration. We met so many new friends, added to our networks and heard talks and discussions on technical topics and the latest career topics. Everything was organized so that we were able to meet people everywhere: from the long coffee queues to the shuttle to the hotel, the networking never stopped! What we discovered in this experience is that, if you are a woman in technology, getting together with other women in computing creates a profound atmosphere that is encouraging, inspiring and downright uplifting.

In addition to networking, we did attend sessions. Many highlights include: “Graduate school survival skills”, “Building your professional persona”, “It doesn’t have to be pink! Designing for women”, “Visibility Everywhere: Building Web/Social Media Presence for Women in Computing” and “Tackling Everyday Challenges in a Global Workplace”.

This experience inspired us to create a womENcourage 2015 Celebration of Women in Computing that will excite and inspire YOU! We want you to participate and make the most out of the experience! Go to womencourage.acm.org and submit a paper, poster, workshop or panel discussion. Sign up to volunteer, give your feedback and share your ideas for womENcourage 2015.

Looking forward to seeing you in Uppsala,

Andreina Francisco and Virginia Grande