Thank You, Taneea Agrawaal – For Your Dedication, Voice, and Editorial Excellence
This month, we bid farewell to Taneea Agrawaal, our web editor, with a heartfelt thank you. Taneea has made wonderful contributions to our newsletter and has been the heart and soul behind our most celebrated projects, like the Above and Beyond Series. Let’s hear from her.
What motivated you to take on the newsletter editor role initially, and how has the role evolved since you started?
I’ve always been driven by a strong desire to give back to my community, especially to support and uplift women in technology. Before I began my PhD at the University of Toronto, I was deeply involved in initiatives like Rails Girls and PyLadies back in India, where I mentored, taught, and learned from an incredible network of women. That work gave me the energy and confidence I needed as I navigated through this field.
So, when I joined the University of Toronto, I actively sought ways to reconnect with that community. It was almost serendipitous — I came across a call for the newsletter/web editor position, applied immediately, and had a memorable conversation with Bettina Bair, the Communications Chair at the time. That marked the beginning of what turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of my academic service.
When I started, our goal was simple: publish two articles a month and build some momentum. Just getting the newsletter out regularly felt like a big win. Since then, the role — and the newsletter itself — have evolved tremendously. We’ve grown from trying to maintain consistency to curating an overflow and diversity of content. The community has expanded, the voices have multiplied, and I’ve had the privilege of helping shape and showcase that growth. Being part of that transformation has been the most meaningful part of this journey.
Looking back on your time as the newsletter editor for ACM-W, what are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part has been the sheer diversity of people I’ve had the privilege of connecting with and collaborating with across continents, disciplines, and career stages. Through the newsletter, I’ve interacted with researchers whose work spans everything from theoretical computer science to human-centered design — conversations I might never have had otherwise. That global and intellectual reach was incredibly enriching.
One particularly meaningful chapter was when I led the Above and Beyond series and conducted interviews with our Rising Star awardees. Those conversations left a lasting impact on me. Hearing firsthand from women who are not only pushing the boundaries of their fields but also creating space for others to thrive — those stories were both humbling and deeply inspiring. Being able to help amplify their voices was a privilege I’ll always be proud of.
What have you learned from collaborating with the ACM-W team, and how has this shaped your approach to your work?
I’ve learned so much from my time working with the ACM-W team — it’s honestly hard to overstate. Everyone in the ACM-W leadership deserves a special shoutout, and for me, collaborating with Cigdem and Adriana, the current Communications Co-Chairs, has been especially formative. It’s been a joy and a learning experience rolled into one. Cigdem taught me the value of staying organized and focused without losing momentum. She’s incredibly sharp and manages to lead with calm confidence — even when juggling a hundred moving parts. Watching her in action pushed me to raise my own standards and work more intentionally. Adriana taught me the importance of empathy in leadership. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and genuine care for the people she works with left a lasting impression on me. From her, I learned that being effective doesn’t just mean being efficient — it also means being kind.
Together, they showed me what a truly supportive environment looks like — one built by women, for women, and grounded in both strength and care. That example has shaped how I now approach all my collaborative work: with more intentionality, balance, and respect.
As you move on to new opportunities, what advice would you give to people considering volunteer roles within ACM-W?
I wouldn’t call it advice — just wholehearted encouragement. If you’re thinking about volunteering with ACM-W, do it. No hesitation. It’s one of the most engaging, energizing, and genuinely supportive communities I’ve been part of.
It gives you the chance to give back in a meaningful way while connecting with a diverse, global network of passionate, kind, and inspiring people. Whether you’re organizing, writing, mentoring, or just lending a hand, your work matters, and you’ll feel supported.
In short: double thumbs up, absolutely worth it.
Finally, what will you miss most about working with ACM-W, and what do you hope for the organization in the future?
Without question, the people. I’ll especially miss working with Cigdem, Adriana, and everyone on the Communications Committee. It’s been such a lovely, collaborative experience, and I’m genuinely grateful for the connections and friendships that came out of it.
Even though I won’t be working on the newsletter anymore, I’ll absolutely be keeping up with it — looking forward to seeing it in my inbox each month and reading the incredible stories from women around the world. It’s a powerful reminder of how vibrant and global this community is.
As for the future, I hope ACM-W continues to grow, uplift new voices, and create spaces where women in computing feel seen, supported, and celebrated. It’s doing important work, and I’ll always be cheering it on. Thank you, ACM-W!
Thank you, Taneea. We will miss you dearly!