AnitaB.org

AnitaB.org is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in technology and fostering intersectional inclusion across the computing fields. Founded by pioneering computer scientists Anita Borg and Telle Whitney, the organization builds upon a legacy of advocacy and community-building initiated by the Systers community and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. Through its flagship programs, research initiatives, and partnerships with entities like the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the Association for Computing Machinery, it works to connect, inspire, and guide women in technology and the organizations that employ them.

History and founding

The organization's roots trace back to 1987, when computer scientist Anita Borg founded Systers, one of the first electronic communities for women in engineering. A decade later, in 1997, Borg and her colleague Telle Whitney formally established the Institute for Women and Technology, with early support from leaders in the field like Alan Kay and organizations including the Palo Alto Research Center. Following Borg's passing in 2003, the institute was renamed the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology in her honor. In 2017, the organization rebranded to its current name, AnitaB.org, to reflect its evolution into a global entity with a digital-first approach, continuing its work from its headquarters in Bellevue, Washington.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to create a more inclusive future for technology by accelerating the pace of change for intersectional gender equity in the technical workforce. Key programs include the Top Companies for Women Technologists benchmark, which evaluates participating firms like Intel, Microsoft, and Google. The organization also runs the Open Source Day hackathon, the Pass It On Awards for community builders, and various local community initiatives known as Communities that operate worldwide. These efforts are often conducted in collaboration with academic institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and corporate partners like Bank of America.

Grace Hopper Celebration

The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world's largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists, founded in 1994 by Anita Borg and Telle Whitney. The annual event, named in honor of computer science pioneer Grace Hopper, features keynotes from leaders like Melinda French Gates and Ursula Burns, hundreds of technical sessions, and a massive career fair with recruiters from Apple, Meta, and the National Security Agency. The celebration serves as a pivotal platform for networking, mentorship, and showcasing research, significantly influencing hiring practices and diversity discussions within major technology firms and government agencies.

Research and advocacy

The organization produces influential data-driven research and thought leadership on the state of women in technology. Its annual research reports, such as the "Tech Workforce" analysis, provide critical benchmarks for the industry and inform policy discussions. Advocacy efforts focus on promoting equitable practices in hiring, retention, and advancement, often providing testimony and data to bodies like the United States Congress and collaborating with groups such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This research underpins its public advocacy for systemic change within the technology sector and broader STEM fields.

Organizational structure and leadership

AnitaB.org is governed by a Board of directors composed of technology executives, academics, and thought leaders from organizations like IBM, Accenture, and Stanford University. The operational leadership is headed by a President and CEO, a role held since 2021 by Brenda Darden Wilkerson, previously of the Chicago Public Schools and known for founding the Computer Science for All initiative. The organization operates with a global staff and is supported by an extensive network of volunteers, advisors, and partner organizations including the Kapor Center and the American Association of University Women, which help guide its strategic direction and program implementation.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington (state) Category:Women's organizations in the United States Category:Computer science organizations