Our Mission and Values
The goal of the ACM Celebration of Cascadia Women in Computing is to inspire and empower women in computer science and technology by fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and enriching environment. The event aims to promote diversity, facilitate professional growth, and encourage academic and research excellence by providing opportunities for attendees to share knowledge, showcase their work, and build meaningful connections. Through panels, workshops, networking sessions, and a career fair, the celebration seeks to bridge the gap between aspiring professionals, educators, researchers, and industry leaders, fostering a supportive community dedicated to advancing women in technology. By addressing emerging trends, ethical challenges, and opportunities in the tech industry, the event aspires to create a platform that not only celebrates the achievements of women in computing but also inspires transformative change for the future.
Participating Universities
- Northeastern University (Seattle and Vancouver campuses)
- University of Washington (Tacoma, Bothell, and Seattle campuses)
- University of British Columbia
- North Island College
- University of Victoria
Organizing Team
Bethany Edmunds
With a background in software development and educational innovation, Bethany is a Teaching Professor and the Assistant Dean of Computer Programs at Northeastern University’s Vancouver and Seattle campuses. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rutgers University where she researched Reinforcement Learning. Dr. Edmunds is passionate about using technology to allow for more diverse work environments and making the tech community more inclusive.
Northeastern University
TEACHING PROFESSOR, ASSISTANT DEAN OF COMPUTING PROGRAMS – VANCOUVER, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMPUTING PROGRAMS – SEATTLE VANCOUVER
Shanu Sushmita
Shanu Sushmita is an assistant teaching professor in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, based in Seattle.
As a researcher, Sushmita focuses on machine learning techniques and the application side of information retrieval. In 2012, her doctoral work was recognized as among the most interesting of the year by the ACM SIGIR newsletter. As her career has progressed, Sushmita has grown interested in finding ways to use these technologies to make a better world. Now at Khoury College, Sushmita is further exploring AI ethics and responsible AI through her leadership of the Generative AI Research Lab.
Northeastern University
Assistant Professor
Tamara Bonaci
Tamara Bonaci is an associate teaching professor at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. She teaches security and privacy courses at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus and the University of Washington. Bonaci’s research focuses on the security and privacy of emerging and forthcoming biomedical technologies.
Northeastern University
Associate Teaching Professor
Divya Chaudhary
Divya Chaudhary is an assistant teaching professor at the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. Her research interests include cloud computing, load scheduling, and machine learning applications. Across more than seven years working in academia, Chaudhary has taught undergraduate courses at governmental departments and Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology in Delhi, India. For more than two years, she taught computing and programming basic to high school students. During her graduate program, she earned a gold medal for exemplary performance.
Northeastern University
Assistant Teaching Professor