educational opportunities, and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of study and profession. The race gap in computer science, Margolis finds, is one example of the way students of color are denied a wide range of occupational and educational futures. Margolis traces the interplay of school structures (such factors as course offerings and student-to-counselor ratios) and belief systems —including teachers’ assumptions about their students and students’ assumptions about themselves. Stuck in the Shallow End is a story of how inequality is reproduced in America— and how students and teachers, given the necessary tools, can change the system. (From Amazon)

Giving Notice: Why the Best and
Brightest are Leaving the Workplace
and How You Can Help them Stay

Freada Kapor Klein, Wiley, 2007

This is an eye-opening examination of the causes and dynamics of bias in the workplace, offering a psychological, political, and societal analysis of the actual cost of bias to the bottom line.

The authors make the hurdles that women and minorities face in the workplace as personal to the reader as they are to those who face them.

Giving Notice is filled with sensible approaches for solving the current imbalance and challenges us to rethink unconscious ideas about stereotypes and commonly accepted business practices. (From Amazon)

Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of
Avoiding Negotiation—and Positive
Strategies for Change

Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever Bantam (2007)

Combining fascinating research with
revealing commentary from hundreds
of women, this ground-breaking book
explores the personal and societal
reasons women seldom ask for what
they need, want, and deserve at home
and at work—and shows how they can
develop this crucial skill. Women Don’t
Ask offers real-life examples of the
differences between the negotiating
habits of men and women, and guides
women in retooling their attitudes
and approaches. (From Amazon)

ORGANIZATIONS IN
SUPPOR T OF DIVERSI T Y

LinuxChix is an international community group for women working with Linux and others who want to support women in CS. It was founded in 1999, with the aim to help and encourage new users and provide a comfortable environment for women to discuss Linux and other open source software. The community’s motto is “Be polite, be helpful.” http://www.linuxchix.org/

 

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) boasts more than 30,000 members around the globe. Its mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” Membership is open to students and professionals within the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, or math. Member benefits include leadership training, professional development activities, mentoring, career placement services, and more. https://www.nsbe.org/

 

Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W) works to increase the number of women participating in computer science and engineering (CSE) research and education at all levels. The group produces a Distinguished Lecture Series aimed to encourage college students to pursue careers in research. CRA-W also hosts conferences and workshops, and sponsors numerous activities for undergraduates, graduates, women working in academia, and women researchers. http://cra-w.org/

 

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ACRONYMS

ACM-W ACM Committee on Women in Computing: This committee aims to improve the status, representation, and role of women in CS related fields. Runs and maintains mentoring programs, regional celebrations, scholarships, awards, policies of concern, etc., for the benefit of women in computing.

ABI WT Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology: Started by Anita Borg in 1997, its mission is to “increase the impact of women on all aspects of technology” and to “increase the positive impact of technology on the world’s women.” Famous for organizing the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, the world’s largest series of conferences aimed at women in CS.

NOGLS TP National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals: Pronounced, “nah’-goal-step,” this professional society is dedicated to educating and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

SACNAS Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science: Founded in 1973, the group is dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American students and professionals to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science.

TAP The Ada Project: Started in 1994 at Yale University and currently maintained by Women@SCS, Carnegie Mellon, TAP shares online resources organized under subjects like conferences, projects, funding, organizations, employment, notable women in computer science, etc. The stated goal is to provide a centralized resource location, which women can “tap” into.

WITI Women in Technology International: Started in 1989, it is an international organization of professional women in all sectors of tech. It aims to empower women in the corporate world, bring global focus to diversity in CS, and encourage young girls to take up tech careers.