As we begin the process of choosing the 2009 Anita Borg Technical Leadership Award recipient, I am awe struck by the incredible award winners: Fran Allen, Wendy Hall, Mary Jane Irwin, and Elaine Weyuker. Each is a passionate leader in her area of research, and extremely dedicated to the success of other women technologists. I met Elaine Weyuker for the first time at GHC 2008 when she received the award. Her acceptance speech both inspired and entertained the audience. Her love of technology, research and life were so evident. She told a story about when she and Anita Borg, both bikini clad, confronted a mob of boys at a community swimming pool during their graduate student days. They showed spunk, cleverness, and refused to be intimidated. Anita was my friend and mentor – I thank Elaine for sharing that story.
It was her research talk that made her a superwoman in my book. Elaine is a leader in the software engineering research community, specifically in the areas of software testing, reliability assessment, metrics and measurement, and empirical studies. Her insistence on the inclusion of both analytical assessment and empirical assessment of proposed techniques has made her a true leader in the field. To be honest, software engineering is not my thing. But the intensity, caliber, dedication, collaborations and the results of her work were so phenomenal that I couldn’t help but be riveted and in awe of her research and contributions. Elaine is a role model for all computer scientists.
As the nomination deadline for the Anita Borg Technical Leadership Awards approaches, April 30, 2009, I ask you to consider nominating other great women technologists.
Kathy Richardson
Anita Borg Technical Leadership Award committee Chair and ABI Advisory Board member