With each passing year, more and more women consider careers in computing, a field in which women are traditionally underrepresented. The SIGGRAPH 2015 panel, "Women in Computer Graphics: Perspectives," drew a full house of conference attendees eager to hear about the opportunities and challenges facing women in CG — and computing in general. The discussion was lively, with panelists and attendees sharing past experiences, information, and tips for flourishing in a male-dominated environment.
The panel was sponsored by Sandro Alberti, Co-Chair of the ACM SIGGRAPH International Resources Committee, and hosted by Diana Arellano, Dolly Omisore and Aruquia Peixoto. By all accounts, it was an invigorating experience for everyone involved. Afterward, a dessert reception provided the opportunity for attendees to continue the conversation and network. As panelist Dr. Rebecca Perry pointed out during the session, "If you’re going to generalize about succeeding in any workplace, including Computer Graphics, you have to think of yourself as a business … and to form strategic alliances in the workplace with people who are going to be supportive of you."
If you missed the panel, the complete transcript is available below, courtesy of the ACM SIGGRAPH International Resources Committee.
For those interested in championing the cause of women in computing, consider becoming a part of ACM-W, which supports and advocates internationally for the full engagement of women in all aspects of the computing field.
Full English transcript of Women in Computer Graphics: Perspectives