Message from ACM-W Chair (Summer 2026)
By Rukiye Altin, ACM-W Global Chair
Dear ACM-W community,
As we head into summer, I want to take a moment to pause and truly celebrate the energy, care, and dedication you all bring to our global ACM-W community every single day.
In May, we had the joy of gathering in Edinburgh for two meaningful meetings: our ACM-W Global Executive Committee meeting and our ACM-W Global Communications Team meeting. The conversations were open, honest, and genuinely exciting, with sessions full of fresh ideas for how we can better showcase our regions, chapters, celebrations, and support the incredible volunteers who make it all happen.
ACM-W Global Executive Committee Meeting
One of the most prominent themes was the importance of preparing for the future. We talked through several updates to our structure, including new and evolving roles that will help us support emerging regions, grow our chapters, and build more sustainable ways to fund our work. As part of these changes, we split the Regional Activities Chair role into two new roles: Global Expansion Chair and Community Programs Chair. I am happy to share that Arati Dixit will serve as Global Expansion Chair, and Çiğdem Sengul will take on the role of Community Programs Chair. I am excited to see how these two new roles will help us strengthen our community, support our regions more effectively, and increase ACM-W’s visibility around the world.
Formally closing the (hybrid) ACM-W Global Executive Committee meeting, from left to right: Bimlesh Wadhwa (ACM-W Asia Pacific Chair), Dorota Filipczuk (ACM-W Europe Chair), Rukiye Altin (ACM-W Global Chair), Geetanjali Kale (ACM-W India Chair), Jodi Tims (ACM-W Past Chair), Arati Dixit (ACM-W Global Expansion Chair), Lindsay Jamieson (ACM-W North America Chair), Chunlei “Towne” Tang (ACM-W Treasurer), Çiğdem Sengul (ACM-W Community Programs Chair and ACM-W Communications Co-chair), Marjana Prifti Skenduli (ACM-W Scholarships Committee Chair), and Timothy Pinkston (ACM DEI Council Chair and Liaison to ACM-W).
ACM-W Global Communications Team
The Communications Team meeting was truly energizing. Our Global Co-chairs of Communication for ACM-W, Çiğdem Sengul and Adriana Wilde, took meaningful time to acknowledge just how much dedicated work goes on behind the scenes to keep our community connected, from websites and newsletters to social media, blog series, podcasts, regional updates, and the storytelling that brings it all to life. We also recognized that our regions are each at different stages of their communication journey, from establishing newsletters and websites to developing full content series and campaigns. Rather than a challenge, this feels like an opportunity, as it gives us a thoughtful roadmap for sharing resources, supporting one another, and growing together in a way that’s sustainable and inclusive.
Closing the ACM-W Global Communications day over dinner, from left to right: Geetanjali Kale (ACM-W India Chair), Bimlesh Wadhwa (ACM-W Asia Pacific Chair), Adriana Wilde (ACM-W Communications Co-chair), Bethany Ahluwalia (ACM-W Communications website manager), Kitija Opheim (ACM-W Europe Communications Chair), Çiğdem Sengul (ACM-W Community Programs Chair and ACM-W Communications Co-chair), Rukiye Altin (ACM-W Global Chair), Fawzia “Fuzzy” Kara-Isitt (ACM-W Communications Content Editor), Zeenat Madhani (ACM-W Europe Communications Social Media Officer), and Marjana Prifti Skenduli (ACM-W Scholarships Committee Chair).
As we gear up for the next ACM-W year, we are also being thoughtful about transitions. Some roles are shifting, new committees are taking shape, and fresh faces will be joining us soon. I want to say, from the bottom of my heart: thank you to Chunlei Tang, who has served as our Treasurer and helped ensure that we use our budget to strengthen our community and make computer science more welcoming to everyone; and to Lindsay Jamieson, who has been a wonderful leader as ACM-W North America Chair. You have built the foundation on which everything else stands. Thank you so much for everything you have done.
Calling for more volunteers
This month, we will be opening three new volunteer calls. At the Executive Committee level, we will welcome a new member for the Treasurer role and a new member for the Communication Chair role. We will also open a call for a Communication Vice Chair to help us maintain the strong foundation we have already built in communications. In addition, a new Fundraising Committee role will be opened under the Treasurer. This committee will collaborate on initiatives to support more people through scholarship programs and to strengthen celebrations across the regions. I warmly encourage members of our community to consider applying, to share the calls widely, and to invite others who may be interested. ACM-W grows because people step forward: to organize, communicate, mentor, fundraise, write, coordinate, and imagine new possibilities. Whether you have many years of experience or are looking for your first opportunity to contribute, there is a place for you in this work
Congratulations to Jodi!
And now for the best part, I am so thrilled to share some wonderful news. Our Past Chair, Jodi Tims, has been awarded the 2025 ACM Outstanding Contribution to ACM Award! Jodi is being recognized for her incredible work in increasing the worldwide participation of women in ACM and strengthening ACM’s commitment to computing education. It is a recognition that is so beautifully deserved. Congratulations, Jodi. We are endlessly grateful for everything you have given to ACM-W and the wider computing community.
Thank you!
Wishing each of you a summer full of rest, joy, and a little inspiration along the way. Thank you for being part of this community, and for helping us build something truly special together.
Warmly,
Rukiye
ACM-W Global Chair