Women in Technology: Growing Links and Networks
Posted by Anna Belle on 11 Jul 2007 at 03:04 am | Tagged as: Women in Technology
You might have noticed that my most recent del.icio.us links were all about women and computing. Many years ago I chose not to major in computer science because I thought it wasn’t a field for women. Sadly, I think that’s still largely true. Certainly statistics bear me out. However, the real force behind this set of links is the formation of a new group.
A dear friend and fellow webmaster recently had the idea of creating a group for women web professionals. We will be launching soon. For now, we’re getting organized.
We plan to name ourselves after Augusta Ada, Countess of Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron. Ada Lovelace is generally considered to be the founder of “Scientific Computing.” She was a lifelong friend of Charles Babbage. Her notes on his “Analytical Engine” (plans for a computer in 1834) include astonishing predictions of current realities – things like computer-generated music.
What could possibly be more inspiring? How could I not improve my skills as church web diva with support like this? What insights will we have? Me – I’m thinking about the disconnect between mastery of CSS and mastery of PHP. My theory is that there are parallel digital divides. Who knows what my fellow Lovelacians are thinking. Time will tell.
Whatever the case may be, please wish us luck in our adventure.
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Aw, I love Ada Lovelace. I put her in every math book I edit. :)
Sounds exciting — good luck. The DC Web Women group might have suggestions or inspiration for you:
http://www.dcwebwomen.org/
Mark — Thanks so much for the heads up about the DC Web Women! I hadn’t heard of them before. They sound amazing. I was blown away by their program to encourage young women — Girls Rock on the Web (GROW). Now I want to come to DC and visit with them.
A number of my colleagues over the years have enjoyed being members of the group.
If you come to DC, stop by and say hi.
You can also visit the local UU, http://www.uucava.org, where I recently attended a children’s pirate-themed birthday party. Oh, the irony of children wrestling each other for pinata booty in front of a bulletin board promoting cooperative play!