Abstract: Closing the gender gap in computing is proving to be a slow and difficult process. At times, it may seem that the mission of organizations like ACM-W is an impossible one to fulfill. In this talk, I will discuss multiple aspects of the underrepresentation of women in computing from the perspective of the ACM-W chair. Current available data will be presented. The challenges and successes of efforts to attract and retain women will be explored. Ideas will be offered for future approaches we might employ to ensure the mission is indeed possible!

Bio: Dr. Jodi Tims is a Professor of Computer Science at Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH where she serves as Chair of the Department of Computer Science. She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh (1998) with Programming Languages as her area of research. Dr. Tims is very active in service to the women in computing community. At present, she is Chair of ACM-W, past chair of the Ohio Council of Women in Computing (OCWiC). She also is a member of the Northeast Ohio Regional IT Engagement Board (RITE) and the OHTech Board of Directors. She is also active in the computing education community as a member of ACM’s Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education and a member of several SIGCSE symposia committees, including serving as SIGCSE 2016 co-chair. In her spare time, she enjoys many outdoor activities including biking, tennis, running and golf.