Ada Lovelace Day
Today in celebration of Ada Lovelace Day I am going to write about a series of women who currently inspire me in computer science and CS education.
Michelle Hutton is currently the president of CSTA and teaches computer science to middle school girls in silicon valley. Despite classifying herself as more of a teacher and less of a computer scientist (something I myself do), I have the best conversations about computer science content and pedagogy with her. She inspires me to find more places and times in which computer science can be shared with everyone. Recently at SIGCSE I met Jill Pala from the Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga TN. Jill is also teaching computer science to a wide variety of girls and works hard to keep her classes new and fun.
Chris Stephenson is a role model to me as a change agent in computer science education at the K12 level. The work that she does with computer science teachers and to further the cause of computer science recognition as a real subject at the K12 level is outstanding.
Kami Vaniea is a graduate student here at CMU in the department of computer science. She inspires me because as one of the next generation of computing specialists she, and all the other grad students here, chose to enter this field and pursue these degrees despite all the stereotypes. Kami is passionate about what she does and it shows when you talk to her about her research.
To ALL my girls that I taught - regardless of where you are now. The magical powers abound in you. Not only to see you through your education and the path you choose but to also inspire those around you. On the days I did not want to be alive, you brought me back. Sharing the code fish, offering a joke, playing go, and reminding me why I work so hard. You are my true inspiration.