An Inside Look at ACM-W Professional Chapters
Your Gateway to Local Leadership and Global Connections
This blog post is based on Episode 16 of ACM Women’s “Celebrating Technology Leaders” series, where Dr Bushra Anjum discussed the importance of professional chapters and the expanding global community for women in technology with the ACM-W Professional Chapters Committee.
The Professional Chapters Committee is chaired by Bettina Bair (formerly ACM-W Global Communications Co-Chair) and brings together a global team:
- Laura Dillon (Emeritus Professor, Michigan State University, USA)
- Wendy Chen (Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales, Australia)
- Asegul Hulus (Assistant Professor, FHEA, UK)
This committee is dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive technology sector by expanding opportunities through ACM-W Professional Chapters.
What Are ACM-W Professional Chapters?
“ACM-W professional chapters are a way to organise local communities to support the recruitment and retention of all women in computing.” (Bettina)
ACM-W’s global community comprises professional chapters across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, with 29 chapters as of the episode’s air date. Local ACM-W chapters provide a foundation for wider programs by ensuring consistent leadership for regular events, mentoring new leaders, and fostering collaboration across institutions. These chapters have thoughtfully adapted the ACM-W mission to reflect their local needs and contexts by organizing regional celebrations for both students and professionals, supporting student chapters with career development initiatives, building strong professional networks and offering mentorship programs to foster growth and connection
How Do ACM-W Chapters Differ from ACM Chapters?
“ACM chapters tend to be mostly project-oriented… purely technology-oriented. ACM-W chapters tend to be broader.” (Bettina)
Here are a few examples of what ACM-W chapters may focus on:
- Hosting social events and tech talks
- Engaging in community outreach, such as recycling PCs for underprivileged communities and teaching in high schools
- Creating safe spaces for networking and sharing experiences
- Organizing service-oriented activities
- Developing mentorship programs to support the academic and professional growth of individuals
You can read more detailed examples from numerous chapters in our new series: “A Virtual Tour Around the Globe: Exploring ACM-W Chapters“, written by Ace, including those in Cyprus and Nairobi, as highlighted below.
During the webinar, Laura provided another example from the Michigan State University (MSU) ACM-W chapter, which began as a reading group, quite unlike other ACM-W chapters. The members wanted to create a space where they could network with one another and share their experiences. Their story is a reminder that there is no single formula for success—chapters can take many forms, and the possibilities are truly endless.
For those interested in getting involved, ACM-W provides clear pathways and comprehensive resources to support both joining existing chapters and starting new ones.
Where Can I Find ACM-W Chapters?
You can find a chapter by checking the ACM-W Chapter Map to see if there is one near you. You will see that ACM-W chapters flourish in all our regions internationally, and recently, the Asia-Pacific region rebooted its activities in a distinct landscape of challenges and opportunities.
“Before COVID-19, the Asia-Pacific region was active, with strong representation from countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Japan and China. However, during the pandemic, the activity slowed down.” (Wendy)
Now, the region is experiencing renewal with active members and new initiatives, such as the Singapore Student Chapter. A planned collaboration between the Dunedin ACM-W Professional Chapter in New Zealand and the Canberra Professional Chapter in Australia is also underway. Looking ahead, upcoming regional celebrations aim to strengthen connections and amplify the region’s presence within the global ACM-W community.
How to Start a Professional Chapter?
If you cannot find a chapter nearby, starting a chapter is easy. You will need to complete the ACM-W Chapter Application, which requires:
- Three officers who are ACM members (Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer)
- Up to 10 members in total (7 can be non-ACM members)
- Members can be women, men, non-binary individuals, and come from either industry or academia
- A mailing address, chapter name, and a contact email
Once a chapter is established, a range of resources is available to ensure success and sustainability.
Success Strategies and Chapter Resources
Based on advice from experienced chapter leaders, here are some key strategies for creating successful and engaging events.
- “Your meetings have to offer them value” (Laura): Popular and engaging topics include AI developments, emerging technologies, CV and interview preparation, and professional development workshops.
- “Find a popular speaker in your local area” (Bettina): Speakers such as a well-known university professor or a respected business leader will draw interest and increase attendance.
- “Explore cross-institutional collaboration” (Ace): To expand impact and engagement, consider inviting universities, reaching out to speakers from various institutions, and building broader networks.
Other resources include:
- 101 Ideas for ACM-W Chapters Guide: Including initiatives like high school students shadowing university students
- Free Web Hosting: Complete website support with volunteer help if needed
- ACM-W Buddy Program: Chapters working together on celebrations
- Global Recognition: Ace spotlights inspiring ACM-W Chapters from around the world. You can check the featured chapters in Ace’s Virtual Tour Around the Globe: Exploring ACM-W Chapters.
Ready to Get Started? Join the Movement!
With local roots and global reach, ACM-W Professional Chapters empower individuals at every career stage to lead, connect, and thrive. Let’s hear from our professional chapters committee members:
“When you join an ACM-W Professional Chapter, you can look forward to career growth, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and being part of a supportive global network.” (Wendy)
“ACM-W will always be there for you, whether or not you receive the affirmation you’re looking for at work. We’re here to support and celebrate you.” (Bettina)
“Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or just beginning to explore your interest in computing, we invite you to join us. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the exciting world of technology.” (Ace)
So, find out more about ACM-W chapters on our Professional Chapters Homepage.
Follow our ACM-W pages on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for an inside look at our ACM-W Chapters around the globe.
This blog post is based on the “Celebrating Technology Leaders” Episode 16, hosted by ACM-Women. All past episodes are available here.