Saying goodbye to a mentor

March 5, 2003 8:45 PM

Dr. Anita Borgis the Founder of the Institute for Women and Technology (www.iwt.org). Her work to change the world for women has received international recognition. Throughout her career, Dr. Borg has worked to encourage women to pursue careers in computing. Also, she's a heck of a nice lady. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in April 2000, and recently her condition has worsened. {more inside}
posted by dejah420 (9 comments total)

If you've ever met Anita, or been influenced by her work, and would like to pass along any thoughts, you can send cards or letters to the address below, and someone will read them to her.

Anita Borg
The Institute for Women and Technology
1501 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304

On a personal note, she's been a part of my reality since the late 80's when her guidance convinced me that systems weren't purely a boys game, that code was beautiful, and that you could go as far as your dreams could see.
posted by dejah420 at 8:46 PM on March 5, 2003

Wow Thanks dejah420 a true pioneer for us gals in the business (or in my case trying to break into the business). My thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones.
posted by SweetIceT at 9:20 PM on March 5, 2003

dude, her last name is borg!
posted by mcsweetie at 9:23 PM on March 5, 2003

Some of the universities here, particularly Griffith University have recognised the need to encourage women into the IT field and offer scholarships for females to study. It is a shame that more females were not given the opportunity to cash in on the dot-com boom, but it is better late than never, I guess.

Anyone who has championed a drastically under-represented group in this way deserves respect and she will leave the world a poorer place.
posted by dg at 11:09 PM on March 5, 2003

Just a side note ... That's not all Griffith Univeristy has done to encourage women to pursue studies in careers that generate lots of money.
posted by Imocrep at 2:53 AM on March 6, 2003

mcsweetie, you just called dejah420 a dude. she WILL assimilate you.
posted by quonsar at 4:31 AM on March 6, 2003

Nice post, dejah - thanks. And your personal note is quite a tribute to the woman and her work.

It's good to see that she has been a role model and an inspiration to other women, and helped pave the way into a traditionally male field. Unfortunately, I have sometimes seen women in corporate America who get invited into the "club" and who close the door behind them. Women mentoring and inspiring other women is very important, and in my opinion, an obligation for successful women. Things are much improved from when I started my career, but there are still many industries and corporate suites that aren't particularly women-friendly.

The world needs more people who will help inspire the young - both male and female - to believe that they can "go as far as your dreams could see."
posted by madamjujujive at 8:00 AM on March 6, 2003

dude :( I'm totally sorry!
posted by mcsweetie at 8:03 AM on March 6, 2003

Dude, it's cool. ;)
posted by dejah420 at 8:11 PM on March 6, 2003