ACM-W Europe March 2025 Newsletter

In this issue:

 

Welcoming ACM-W Fès Chapter

The First ACM-W Chapter in Morocco

We are delighted to introduce the ACM-W Fès Chapter, the first ACM-W Chapter in Morocco, a newly established community dedicated to empowering women in computing. Founded by Ghita Lazrek, the chair, specializing in security applied to the Internet of Medical Things, and Fatima Zahra Ouariach , the vice chair, who is deeply involved in Educational technology. Hala Ajaroud, the treasurer, focuses on Communication Science and Consumer Behavior.

Among our members, Chaymae Majdoubi is researching cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Ghita Ibrahimi specializes in digital transformation and innovation, Wijdane Merioumi focuses on collective intelligence and innovation, Hajar Fares works in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and Safae Hmaidi is engaged in Recommender systems using graph neural network.

Experience Setting Up the Chapter:

Setting up our chapter was a dynamic and rewarding journey. From brainstorming ideas and determining the core mission to organizing events and reaching out to potential members, each step required careful planning and collective effort. The most fulfilling part of this process was building a space where everyone felt welcome and empowered to contribute. Working alongside a talented and committed team, we were able to establish a chapter that embodies our shared passion for learning and innovation. The experience has been incredibly enriching, and we are excited to see the chapter evolve as a vibrant hub for knowledge and collaboration. This achievement was made possible through the Global Professional Chapters Committee, with the guidance and support of Dr. Asegul Hulus and Chair Bettina Bair. Their mentorship played a crucial role in helping us navigate the process of launching our chapter. The experience has been incredibly enriching, and we are excited to see the chapter evolve as a vibrant hub for knowledge and collaboration.

Plans for the Future:

Looking forward, our primary goal is to continue growing and enhancing the chapter’s impact. We plan to organize more workshops, technical talks, and networking opportunities to help our members build practical skills and stay ahead of emerging trends. By collaborating with experts and organizations within our field, we aim to offer diverse perspectives and enrich our community’s learning experiences. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce mentorship programs that will guide the next generation of professionals and support them in reaching their career goals. Ultimately, our vision is to create a thriving, supportive community where members can grow both personally and professionally, while contributing to meaningful advancements in computing.

 

ACM – W Celebrations of Women in Computing

womENcourageTM 17 – 19 September – a journey into the culture and history of Brașov

Are you ready to be part of an inspiring gathering of women in computing? In 17-19 September 2025, womENcourage is coming to Brașov, Romania — a city where history, innovation, and breathtaking scenery come together to create an unforgettable experience. In this way, this September, Brașov will be your ultimate destination for both scientific exploration and cultural discovery while participating to womENcourage 2025.

Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Brașov is one of Romania’s most fascinating and picturesque cities. Whether you’re attending womENcourage for networking, learning, or simply to be inspired, this city will provide the perfect setting for meaningful discussions, new connections, and cultural discovery. Read more about the city on our blog.

Engage in womENcourage™ 2025 through the following ways:

  • Submit your Poster
  • Propose a Workshop or Tutorial
  • Join the Hackathon
  • Join the Career Fair
  • Get a Scholarship

Keep an eye on the website for details.

Celebrate Women’s History Month w/ ACM and ACM-W

For Women’s History Month 2025, ACM is partnering with ACM-W to present an interactive Q&A video series between students and computing professionals. As students navigate through college and begin preparing to enter the workforce, it is important now more than ever to hear from experts. Women from various computing backgrounds shared their personal experiences and offered guidance to students seeking career advice. Throughout March, videos featuring computing professionals answering students’ questions were posted across ACM’s social media platforms for all to view. Check out details here.

 

Blog series – Telling our stories

Each year, we have the privilege of meeting inspiring women through ACM-W events. We invite participants to share their experiences in blog posts, highlighting their journeys, challenges, and achievements.

Alessia Simone had a career journey in computing filled with challenges, triumphs, and the promise of a bright future. In this article, she is sharing her experiences, the reasons behind choosing technology, the challenges faced, her hopes for the future, and advice for aspiring women in the field.

Camilla Kielland Lund was working on her master’s degree in informatics at the University of Oslo. From a young age, she has been captivated by the possibilities of computer science. The way technology can solve complex problems both fascinated and intimidated her, but that’s the beauty of it. In this field, there’s room for both challenges and rewards.

Federica Montesano  was about to start the third year of PhD in Computer Engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. She has studied Computer Engineering in both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while her current research topics are High Performance Computing and Scientific Computing, particularly in the fields of Parallel Discrete Event Simulation. 

Announcements

ACM Awards and Advanced Grades of Membership Deadlines

Each year ACM recognizes outstanding achievements of its members through awards that cover a spectrum of professional and technological areas and different stages of professional development. 

To learn more about awards, we recommend the article by the ACM President Cherri M. Pancake, who dispels some common myths about ACM Awards and Honors in the Communications of the ACM, August 2019. One of the myths is that the ACM Awards never honour people working outside North America. Prof. Pancake writes that even though nothing would make ACM committees happier than to recognise the achievements of people from around the globe, there are very few nominations. Source: Dispelling Common Myths About ACM Awards and Honors.

Call for ACM Senior Member Nominations

The Senior Member advanced grade of membership recognizes ACM members with at least 10 years of professional experience and 5 years of continuous ACM Professional membership. Nominations are accepted on a quarterly basis. The next deadline for nominations is September 3, 2023.

Students
Early Career
Mid Career
Late Career
Area-Specific, typically Mid to Late Career

For SIG-specific Awards, please visit here.

For ACM Advanced Grades of Membership, please visit here.

 

Thank you for joining us in recognizing the accomplishments of ACM Women in Europe and ensuring they are nominated for ACM Awards they deserve.

 

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