Rendering history: the women of ACM-W, edited by Gloria Childress Townsend, celebrates the 30-year history of ACM-W, the Association for Computing Machinery’s Committee on Women in Computing. This book offers an inspiring narrative of trailblazing women who have significantly shaped the landscape of computing through their dedication and advocacy. Divided into three distinct sections, the book skillfully weaves together the history of ACM-W, the personal stories of its members, and an annotated bibliography of influential research.

The first section details ACM-W’s evolution, from its founding in 1993 to its current role as a global advocate for women in computing. In the second section, the spotlight turns to the personal accounts of prominent women within ACM-W. Stories like Sue Black’s escape from hardship and Kathy Kleiman’s role in preserving the wireless spectrum highlight the challenges and triumphs of women who have profoundly impacted the field. Bhavani Thuraisingham’s journey from Sri Lanka to becoming a leading researcher in cybersecurity and machine learning exemplifies the global reach and diversity of experiences within ACM-W.

The final section, an annotated bibliography, provides a valuable resource for readers interested in the research that shaped ACM-W’s projects and initiatives. It offers a thorough examination of the academic contributions that continue to drive the organization’s mission.

While the book is a remarkable tribute to the women of ACM-W, readers seeking more detailed technical content may find it lacking in that area. However, it stands as an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender diversity in technology.

Similar books for interested readers: Invisible women: data bias in a world designed for men [1] explores the data gap and gender biases across various fields, including technology; Broad band: the untold story of the women who made the Internet [2] chronicles the often overlooked contributions of women to the development of the Internet; and Women in tech: take your career to the next level with practical advice and inspiring stories [3], a practical guide for women in tech, featuring personal stories and career advice.