International Resources Committee / Diversity & Inclusion

Teams Crossing Borders: Diversity in Perspectives

Speaker:
Lynn S Villafuerte, BioKansas, United States of America
Ruth Lennon, Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT), ACM-W Europe, Ireland

Abstract: Software Development has evolved to include greater contribution from a variety of stakeholders. Stakeholders are often not only from a different job role but different gender, nationality, race, belief leading to very different perspectives in product development. In graphics more so than any other field the value of different perspectives is highly sought. The experiences of stakeholders enrich the design and development of systems to produce creative and stimulating visuals. However, interdisciplinary efforts and diversity of perspectives have their own challenges. Working with teams which span not only countries but continents forces an awareness of cultural diversity which extends beyond traditional borders and into borders of mind-sets. A number of companies are working to engage teams with gender, nationality and neuro diversity but it is not without difficulties. In this presentation some of the key successes and failures of diversity in development teams are discussed. The contributors to the presentation will share information, experiences, and lessons learnt, on practical issues that are relevant to professional teams. The topics of the presentation will touch on the importance of interdisciplinary professional networks and embracing diversity in all aspects of professional development.

Speaker(s) Bio:
Chair of the ACM-W Europe is a lecturer with Letterkenny Institute of Technology for 20 years. Ruth is a member of a number of standardisation working groups. Ruth is the Chair of the ACM-W Europe and Academic Advisor to the ACM-LYIT and ACM-W-LYIT Student Chapters.