Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Females in computing list: VCF East 2022
Margaret Hamilton On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
*Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a software company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice. Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian. Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans? Bill Former.v.p. vcfed On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
Hi Bill (and Everyone), I don't know, I'd fly around the world for the chance to see Grace Hopper speak... <tongue firmly in cheek>. Kidding aside, you have some very good points. I encourage you to take them to individual (or all the) Steering Committee members. I promise I will do so, as well. Really, anyone that has any concerns should never hesitate to email/phone/carrier pigeon/telegram one or all of the Steering Committee members. They really do want your feedback. They do listen. And I say this as a former member, founding member, and one of the architects of the Steering Committee. Best wishes, -Adam On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:02 AM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
*Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a software company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice.
Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian.
Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans?
Bill Former.v.p. vcfed
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
What Adam said. Chris Fala, Steering Committee Member ;-) On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:38 AM Adam Michlin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Hi Bill (and Everyone),
I don't know, I'd fly around the world for the chance to see Grace Hopper speak... <tongue firmly in cheek>.
Kidding aside, you have some very good points. I encourage you to take them to individual (or all the) Steering Committee members. I promise I will do so, as well.
Really, anyone that has any concerns should never hesitate to email/phone/carrier pigeon/telegram one or all of the Steering Committee members. They really do want your feedback. They do listen.
And I say this as a former member, founding member, and one of the architects of the Steering Committee.
Best wishes,
-Adam
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:02 AM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
*Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a
software
company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice.
Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian.
Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans?
Bill Former.v.p. vcfed
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
I apologize for my smart-a remarks. I just wanted to suggest that whoever decides these things considers that who does the actual speaking does not have to be a woman per se, even if the topic is "women in computing". I believe given the circumstances this is just a practical reality. BIll On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 9:55 AM Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
What Adam said.
Chris Fala, Steering Committee Member ;-)
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:38 AM Adam Michlin via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Hi Bill (and Everyone),
I don't know, I'd fly around the world for the chance to see Grace Hopper speak... <tongue firmly in cheek>.
Kidding aside, you have some very good points. I encourage you to take them to individual (or all the) Steering Committee members. I promise I will do so, as well.
Really, anyone that has any concerns should never hesitate to email/phone/carrier pigeon/telegram one or all of the Steering Committee members. They really do want your feedback. They do listen.
And I say this as a former member, founding member, and one of the architects of the Steering Committee.
Best wishes,
-Adam
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:02 AM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
*Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a
software
company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice.
Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian.
Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans?
Bill Former.v.p. vcfed
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:02 AM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
*Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a software company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice.
I don't feel like I'm "trying to fill the slot". I'm looking for great speakers with an emphasis on those that are female.
Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian.
Thank you for your comments and insights. If you look at my list Mar Hicks fits that description. She is one of the first that I will be contacting.
Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans?
Yes. I think that this discussion is a great way to solicit speakers that I didn't think of. There is no need to keep it secret. Brainstorming on this list has brought some great suggestions. I would rather get a suggestion now than months down the line when it is too late.
Bill Former.v.p. vcfed
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
Good point, Bill, and it brings to mind Kathy Kleiman who has done a great deal of research on the group of women who became the first programmers of the ENIAC. She conducted interviews with them while they were still living and she has produced a short-form documentary film about them. While I wouldn't want to speak for her, I'm pretty sure she'd be happy to give a talk and a screening of the film. BLS On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 01:02:28 PM UTC, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote: *Living* pioneers of computing.who would draw a reasonable crowd as a keynote speaker? Not so easy. Picking a high level manager at a software company who happens to be a woman is not going to be on the same level as past keynote speakers and it kind of looks like you're more trying to fill the slot with someone who checks the box "woman" before you realized the obvious problem.of your category choice. Consider finding an expert on the history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian. Having this discussuon like this on an open forum? Wouldnt you want to keep this kind of debate within management until you finalized your plans? Bill Former.v.p. vcfed On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
Let's try this again and see if I can keep it from showing up as an attachment On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 02:02:28 PM GMT+1, Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Consider finding an expert on t.he history of women in computing, regardless of their demographic characteristics, who can give a good informative talk on the subject of "women in computing". A good speaker who knows the subject. This way you can *cover them all* with >respect<. Find an author of a good book on the subject. Find a historian.
Good point, Bill, and it brings to mind Kathy Kleiman who has done a lot of research on the women who were first to be assigned as programmers on the ENIAC. She interviewed them while they were still alive and produced a short-form documentary film on them. While I wouldn't want to speak for Kathy, I'm sure she'd be happy to do a talk and a screening of the film. BLS
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:34 AM Mark Whittington via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Margaret Hamilton
Already on the list that I posted.
On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 5:24 AM skogkatt007--- via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Grace Hopper, Gina Smith.
participants (6)
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Adam Michlin -
Bill Degnan -
Brian L. Stuart -
Chris Fala -
Jeffrey Brace -
Mark Whittington