Fez ACM-W Chapter Spotlight
Professional Chapters’ Corner: Empowering Women Through Research and Innovation
Written by Asegul Hulus
Welcome back! We’re heading to Fez, Morocco, today to showcase the Fez ACM-W Chapter, a vibrant professional group focused on addressing the gender imbalance in computing via mentorship, outstanding research, and community involvement.
Distinguished leadership
This chapter’s leaders bring together varied research skills, all dedicated to empowering women in tech. Chair Ghita Lazrek is an expert in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for stronger cybersecurity in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) field at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. Fatima Zahra Ouariach, the Vice-Chair, specialises in e-learning, communication management and educational technology (EdTech) at Abdelmalek Essaadi University. Treasurer Hala Ajaroud from Cadi Ayyad University brings expertise in management and educational marketing, with a particular passion for women’s leadership in science and education.
An evolving mission
While it originally focused on supporting female computer science students, the Fez chapter’s mission has expanded to motivate young Moroccan women to pursue careers as innovators, researchers, and technology leaders. Currently, their goal goes beyond academia; they aim to close the gender gap by encouraging diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and working with other ACM-W chapters worldwide to exchange knowledge and opportunities. The leadership team offers inspiring messages to the global ACM-W community. In their own words:
“Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Together, we can break barriers and build a stronger tech community.” — Chair, Ghita Lazrek
“Diversity in technology drives excellence. By supporting women in computing, we create stronger teams and a brighter future for innovation.” — Vice-Chair Fatima Zahra Ouariach
“Science needs women. Because diversity drives discovery.” — Treasurer Hala Ajaroud
In a nutshell, this chapter distinguishes itself by empowering students through mentorship, pairing them with successful researchers and professionals, and prioritising research and innovation, with members actively involved in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and IoT workshops, competitions, and conferences.
Making real impact
The Fez ACM-W Webinar, a key event in the chapter, centred on doctoral research. The first webinar attracted 150 participants who learned about PhD options, heard from seasoned researchers who also actively volunteer in the ACM-W global community, and found helpful mentorship.
This chapter is also collaborating with other ACM chapters, broadening possibilities and fostering worldwide relationships, for example, with the Meerut ACM Professional Chapter.
The Fez chapter offers mentorship, including individual guidance, group sessions, and peer support, which help members overcome obstacles and build confidence. Many have earned recognition through research publications and awards. The chapter’s role models include senior mentors and alumni, offering guidance to younger students, student leaders exhibiting initiative in event planning, and guest women in tech speakers recounting their career paths. Role models demonstrate to women that they can prosper in the tech industry, while also inspiring excellence, promoting innovation, and building confidence.
The chapter has already begun to see an impact from these mentoring programs. For example, a machine-learning (ML) peer-mentoring program led to a joint project, which in turn prompted the formation of additional learning groups.
Innovation and Values
The Fez chapter, anchored in its values, takes an innovative approach to develop new engagement strategies, such as teaming up with universities and tech companies, connecting more through social media and newsletters, and creating feedback systems to adjust events based on members’ preferences. For example, webinars have been highly commended by members for being useful and easy to access. Still, participants also asked for more interactive workshops, opportunities to connect, and discussions on new technologies.
Through collaborations, joint events, and motivating members to participate in research and contests, the Fez chapter shapes the wider tech community. Through virtual platforms and inclusive planning, it ensures accessibility. It promotes sustainability by mentoring future leaders and using environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, they uphold fairness through equal opportunities and objective criteria, maintain transparency through clear communication, and prioritise community well-being through a supportive environment.
The chapter’s plans for 2026 include webinars and workshops focused on AI and ML, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, along with expanded mentorship programs connecting students with professionals, hackathons, coding challenges, and community outreach initiatives involving schools and universities.
A Call for Collaboration
The Fez chapter is eager to partner with other ACM-W chapters, organising joint events and webinars, mentorship programs, peer-learning sessions, collaborative projects, and STEM awareness campaigns. Members can participate through event attendance, mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, research collaborations, and competitions.
To wrap things up, this chapter illustrates how professional chapters can effect enduring change and motivate future generations of women in technology through strong leadership, innovative strategies, and a focus on empowering others. Here’s a visual infographic that illustrates the amazing Fez ACM-W Chapter’s story, along with their contact information and mine.
Connect with the Fez ACM-W Chapter:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fez.acmw.chapter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fez-acm-w-chapter/
Email: acmwmorocco.chapter@gmail.com
Connect with Asegul “Ace” Hulus
Email: acmw-chapters@acm.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-w-acms-women-in-computing
Looking forward to seeing you all on the next tour! Your friendly guide is signing off.