The Right Thing To Do: WOCCC Senior Fellows Webinar

On March 18, three scholars working at the intersection of education, critical race theory, and STEM fields convened for the Women of Color in Computing Collaborative (WOCCC) Senior Fellows Webinar, where they shared insights from their current research broadly investigating the experiences of women of color in computing. Dr. Kimberly Scott, CGEST’s founder and Executive Director, moderated the discussion and fielded questions from attendees.

The Women of Color in Computing Research Collaborative is a unique initiative developed between ASU’s Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology and the Kapor Center. It seeks to develop, test, and scale interventions to diversify the tech ecosystem, and to promote the participation of women of color in academic CS programs, the tech workforce, and tech entrepreneurship. One of WOCCC’s primary strategies for promoting diversity and inclusivity in tech is through its Senior Fellowship program, which supports the research of senior scholars committed to understanding and dismantling the barriers to women's participation in STEM fields.

Dr. Luis Leyva was the first of three scholars to present his research during the webinar. Dr. Leyva is an assistant professor of mathematics education in the Peabody College of Education & Human Development at Vanderbilt University. His current research as a WOCCC Senior Fellow examines, using intersectionality theory as a methodological framework, the experiences of marginalized groups—including women, people of color, and LGBT individuals—in mathematics education contexts and as STEM majors. Dr. Leyva’s research dismantles intra-disciplinary methodological constraints to consider how intersectionality theory can create opportunities, generate empathy, and “enhance a sense of collectivity” among women of color in academic STEM programs.

Dr. Jakita O. Thomas followed Dr. Leyva’s presentation to showcase her own research, which examines the narratives of Black women in computing contexts. Dr. Thomas is the Philpot Westpoint Stevens associate professor of computer science and software engineering at Auburn University. Her current project draws upon Patricia Hills Collins’ concept of the “outsider within”, and is based on interviews with 11 Black women at various stages in their computing careers. Two of the primary themes that emerge from Dr. Thomas’ research is Black women’s’ perseverance toward their professional goals and the importance of mentors who can champion Black women’s success. Despite the underrepresentation of women of color in computing, Dr. Thomas suggests that computing can still “lead the way” in addressing challenges faced by African American women.

Dr. Maria Ong concluded the webinar with her presentation. Dr. Ong is a Senior Research Scientist and Evaluator at TERC, a STEM education research organization in Cambridge, MA. As a WOCCC Senior Fellow, Dr. Ong’s current project investigates strategies for persistence of Native American women in computing and technology in higher education. Dr. Ong highlights that one of the most effective strategies for recruiting Native American girls to participate in STEM programs is to lead by example, which allows students to see what is possible. Among the factors motivating this project on Indigeneity and academic persistence is Dr. Ong’s belief that “it is the right thing to do”--justice and equity are inherently virtuous pursuits that benefit us all.

The WOCCC Senior Fellows Webinar drew attendees from across institutions, allowing CGEST and the Kapor Center to continue building a network of like-minded scholars committed to the pursuit of justice and equity, and who believe in the power of research to deliver real-world social impact. Scholars, civic leaders, and industry practitioners who are interested in further opportunities for collaboration and discourse are encouraged to subscribe to the Women of Color in Computing Collaborative’s mailing list.

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