A Note of Gratitude from the Outgoing Chair of ACM-W India

As I transition from Chair to Past Chair of ACM-W India, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to our members, volunteers, supporters, and the broader community for making this journey so meaningful.

Leading ACM-W India has been one of the most enriching and inspiring chapters of my professional life. What began as a deep admiration for the community’s commitment to empowering women in technology evolved into a mission that I had the honor to lead — one driven by collaboration, purpose, and shared vision.

Throughout my tenure, my goal was to create vibrant platforms where women in tech could be heard, inspired, and uplifted, enabling them to build networks that support both professional and personal growth. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch that vision take shape.

**Photo 1 (Top panel, left to right):** Rutvi at ACM HQ in New York with Dorota Filipczuk (ACM-WE Chair), Rukiye Altin (ACM-W Chair), and Arati Dixit
**Photo 2:** Group photo from ACM-W India Grad Cohort at IIT Hyderabad, July 2024
**Photo 3:** ACM-W June Meeting, Madrid, Spain – 2024
**Photo 4 (Second row):** Group photo from ACM-W India Grad Cohort at IIT Kanpur, 2025
**Photo 5:** Rutvi Shah addressing an ACM-W India event
**Photo 6 (Third row):** Rutvi Shah with Ruth Lenon (ACM-W Chair) and Yannis Ioannidis (ACM President) at the ACM India Annual Event 2023
**Photo 7:** ACM-W India Committee members with Vicki Hanson (CEO ACM)
**Photo 8:** ACM-W India Committee Group Photo

Over the last two years, we worked tirelessly to create inclusive platforms where women in tech could thrive. During this time, ACM-W India organized 25+ impactful events, reaching and inspiring over 7,500 women and girls in tech. We were able to mobilize over ₹14 lakhs in sponsorships—including support from ACM-W Global—and distributed more than ₹10 lakhs as travel grants to help students and early-career researchers attend our events and programs.

Initiatives such as the Grad Cohort for Women in Research, Women Celebrations, Chapter Summits, Hackathons, Programming Contests, and Chapter Awards have significantly expanded our reach and deepened community engagement. Each initiative is a testament to the strength of our shared vision and collective efforts.

Yet, what I value most are not just the numbers, but the stories — the tangible dreams we’ve helped shape, the confidence we’ve nurtured, and the spaces we’ve created where women feel seen, heard, and supported. That, to me, is our greatest achievement.

This progress was made possible by the unwavering support of the ACM-W Global team, the ACM India Council, our exceptional team members, student leaders, and our academic and industry partners. Thank you for your trust, energy, and commitment.

**Photo 1 (Top left):** Indian Women in Research – Grad Cohort Group Photo at IIT Kanpur, July 2025
**Photo 2 (Bottom left):** ACM-W India hosting the ACM-W Asia Pacific Committee during ACM-W India Celebrations
**Photo 3 (Top right):** ACM-W India Celebrations (AICWiC 2024)
**Photo 4 (Middle and bottom right):** ACM-W India Committee members at various ACM-W events

To the new Chair and incoming leadership, my warmest congratulations. I am excited to see you take ACM-W India to new heights with fresh energy and a bold vision.

Though my role has shifted, my dedication to ACM-W India remains steadfast. As Past Chair, I will continue to contribute in every capacity I can — offering support, guidance, and experience to further our shared mission of building a more inclusive and empowering tech ecosystem for women in India.

Grateful for this incredible journey. Here’s to new beginnings and continued progress.

With gratitude,

Dr. Rutvi Shah

Past Chair, ACM-W India