Thank You Rachelle!
In this month’s feature, we spotlight Dr. Rachelle Kristof Hippler, who has dedicated her time and efforts through an impressive range of leadership roles at ACM-W. Rachelle has left an enduring impact, providing a bridge for students and professionals alike to find community and purpose in computing. Her story is one of service, community building, and personal growth. You can read more on Rachelle’s journey in computer science in Rendering History, the women of ACM-W.
Currently a Professor and Coordinator of the Software Engineering Major at Baldwin Wallace University, Dr. Hippler wears many hats: she is the Director of the UX Research Lab, Faculty Leader of Computing in Guatemala Software & Study Abroad, and a valued member of ACM-W. Over the years, she has served as the ACM-W Global Chapter Chair, Professional Chapter Chair of OCWiC, and as a dedicated Faculty Advisor for the ACM-W Student Chapter at her university. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise to ACM SIGCSE, taking on various roles at its Technical Symposium and CompEd conference.
1. Reflecting on your decade of service at ACM-W, what accomplishment or project are you most proud of?
I am honored to be listed among the great trailblazers in ACM’s Rendering History: The Women of ACM-W (Gloria Townsend Ed.) The skill of writing code is enough for some people, but for others, like myself, I needed to find more meaning in my work. Once I found my “why” in HCI, I knew that computing could be a helping field and was off to make a difference. I hope the stories in this book will inspire the next generation of leaders.
After analyzing data from years of Celebrations, I found that women tend to feel competent but often do not feel like computing is where their contributions are valued. ACM-W celebrations and chapters help break this trend by focusing on the whole person—skills and worthiness. I am proud to be part of ACM-W whose initiatives help universities and industry support different ways of thinking and create professional, welcoming environments for our talented technical women.
2. ACM-W has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young women. Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed the direct impact of ACM-W’s efforts on a young woman’s career or life?
I see the direct impact of ACM-W every time I attend a Celebration and see 200+ women in tech all in the same place. It is personally overwhelming and quite moving. Even my quietest students open up and become hopeful and excited about their profession. My committed students see a place where they can make a difference. Students identify the Celebration as their community. The impact is notable weeks later when students who attended the Celebration proudly display the stickers on their computers, confidently raise their hands in class, and volunteer to present their work with pride.
My greatest joy comes from my close mentoring relationship with students facilitated through ACM-W events such as Celebrations. I have had students who attended the first OCWiC twenty years ago, who went into industry, who returned to OCWiC as sponsors and speakers, and who now hold leadership roles for the OCWiC celebration and chapter. They felt the power of the celebration so many years ago, and now that they are professionals, they feel the need to provide that inspiration for the next generation. It is the best feeling to realize that these students I’ve mentored along the way have now become mentors themselves.
3. Looking ahead, what do you hope to see ACM-W accomplish in the coming years, and how do you think the organization can continue to advance women in computing?
I would like to see ACM-W focus on becoming relevant to all college students in computing. ACM-W needs to be more visible in leadership movements, so students say, “I want to be part of that.” Student chapters, professional chapters, and celebrations are powerful mechanisms but need support. As university budgets continue to be cut, ACM-W can supplement these high-impact practices through fundraising at the national level. Additionally, ACM-W can advocate for university recognition of faculty leadership in chapters and celebrations to support these high-impact practices. ACM-W can also
help bridge students’ transition from college to industry by working with recruiters to identify and value a diverse tech workforce.
Thank you, Dr. Rachelle Kristof Hippler, for your incredible dedication and years of service! We look forward to seeing how you continue to shape the future of computing and inspire the next generation of women in technology.