Telle Whitney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Telle Whitney
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Whitney in 2017
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| Born | June 5, 1956 |
| Alma mater | BS in Computer Science from the University of Utah, Ph.D. in Computer Science from Caltech |
| Occupation | Past CEO and President of the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology 2002-2017 |
Telle Whitney is a very important computer scientist. She used to be the leader (CEO and President) of the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. This organization helps women in technology. Telle also helped start a big event called the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in 1994 with Anita Borg. She joined the Anita Borg Institute in 2002.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Utah and California
Telle Whitney was born on June 5, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah. When she was 7, her family moved to Southern California. Later, at age 15, she moved back to Utah. Her father was a lawyer, and her mother became a history teacher.
Studying Computer Science
Telle Whitney loved learning about computers. She earned her first degree in computer science from the University of Utah in 1978. Then, she went on to get her Ph.D. (a very advanced degree) in computer science from Caltech in 1985.
Starting Her Career in Tech
After finishing her studies, Telle moved to Silicon Valley. This area in California is famous for its technology companies. She worked on creating computer chips and the software that makes them work. She held important leadership jobs at companies like Actel and Malleable Technologies. She also worked at several new technology companies called startups.
Creating the Grace Hopper Celebration
A Big Idea for Women in Tech
In 1994, Telle Whitney and another amazing computer scientist named Anita Borg had a brilliant idea. They wanted to create a special conference just for women in computer science. They met for dinner with a blank piece of paper and started planning. They had no idea how to begin, but they had a clear vision.
The First Celebration Event
The very first Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing was held in Washington, D.C., in June 1994. About 500 technical women attended. Telle Whitney said that walking into the conference and seeing so many women in her field was "life-changing." It was an inspiring moment for her. Today, this event is the largest gathering of women in computing around the world.
Leading the Anita Borg Institute
Becoming President and CEO
In 2002, Telle Whitney became the President and CEO of the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. At first, she thought it would be a short-term job. The organization was looking for someone to take over after Anita Borg. However, Telle ended up staying in the role permanently.
Growing the Institute's Impact
Under Telle Whitney's leadership, the Anita Borg Institute grew a lot. They started more programs to help women in technology. Since 2003, many more Grace Hopper Celebrations have taken place. In 2010, the first Grace Hopper Celebration was even held in India! The Institute also created new awards to recognize companies that support technical women. Telle Whitney retired from her role at AnitaB.org on September 30, 2017.
Other Important Work
Helping Women in Information Technology
In 2004, Telle Whitney helped start another important organization. It's called the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). She worked with Lucy Sanders and Robert Schnabel on this project. This center also aims to increase the number of women in technology.
Serving on Key Committees
Telle Whitney has been involved in many other important groups. She served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). She also co-chairs the ACM Distinguished member committee. She has been an advisor for several science and technology groups, including the National Science Foundation. She also serves on advisory boards for Caltech and other organizations.
Awards and Recognition
Telle Whitney has received many awards for her amazing work:
- In 2008, she received the Women’s Venture Fund Highest Leaf Award.
- In 2009, she was honored with the ACM Distinguished Service Award.
- Also in 2009, she received the Marie Pistilli Women in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Achievement Award.
- In 2009, she was named one of San Jose Business Journal’s Top 100 Women of Influence.
- In 2011, Fast Company magazine named her one of the Most Influential Women in Technology.
- In October 2017, she received a special lifetime achievement award at the Annual Grace Hopper Celebration.
- In 2019, she received IEEE Honorary Membership.
- In 2022, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. This was for her work in designing silicon chips and for helping more women join computer careers.
- In 2024, Telle Whitney was inducted into the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and VEX Robotics STEM Hall of Fame. This was for her pioneering work in computer science and her contributions to the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology.
