From our friends at the SC24 Conference:
Women’s History Month celebrates women whose technological achievements have often been overlooked. From Ada Lovelace’s pioneering work as the first computer programmer to Grace Hopper’s groundbreaking work that led to the development of COBOL, women have played a crucial role in shaping technology. Their contributions and achievements underscore the indispensable impact of women in a field that is richer and more diverse because of their involvement.
The Women in Networking at SC, or WINS, program was created to celebrate and expand the opportunities for early- to mid-career women to participate in advancing technology through SCinet, the world’s fastest, most powerful temporary computer network. SCinet is constructed and deconstructed on location annually for the SC conference.
The WINS program not only gives women a place to find solidarity among their cohort, but it also helps to build a support network and lift each other professionally. As the first WINS awardee to become a SCinet Chair (for SC24), Angie Asmus’s experience with WINS is a testament to how vital this kind of empowerment can be.
In a recent interview, Asmus said she is proud to represent the program from this pioneering vantage.
For Asmus, technology has been a passion she knew she would follow from a young age. She graduated in 1999 from Iowa State University with a Management Information Systems degree, after which she bounced around a few jobs in e-commerce and banking. In 2010, she joined Colorado State University (CSU) as part of the university’s IT networking group. It was here that she first heard about the WINS program.
“At a crucial juncture in my career, my then-supervisor presented me with the opportunity to apply for the WINS program to participate in SCinet,’” said Asmus. “I was unfamiliar with the program and had no idea about its impact at the time. I recognized it as an opportunity to broaden my horizons and deepen my expertise.”
Asmus credits Marla Meehl – one of the Principal Investigators on her first WINS grant – as a primary source of encouragement to apply to the program. Asmus calls Meehl a role model, not only for herself but for all women in IT. After applying for WINS, Asmus was selected to attend her first SC and SCinet in Utah in 2016.
“My involvement with SCinet was truly eye-opening,” said Asmus. “It introduced me to HPC and high-speed networking environments and significantly broadened my professional network. The experience ignited the realization that I had found a community where I belonged and could contribute meaningfully. There are so many talented people in this field. I felt like I had found a space for continuous learning and exposure to innovation. It made me want to keep coming back. Every year, I learn more, and, every year, I meet new people. Best of all, it has enabled me to share the insights and fresh perspectives I’ve gained back at my campus, where I can continue the learning cycle.”
Rising Through SCinet
Asmus pointed out that although her first SC experience in 2016 was not too long ago, there still were fewer women involved with the conference and SCinet at the time. Her current role as the first WINS awardee to become SCinet Chair for SC24 speaks to the progress that WINS has fought for.
“I was proud to be a WINS awardee because I know they’re trying to get more women involved in SCinet,” said Asmus. “Now I have institutional support, but the opportunities I’ve gotten through WINS and SCinet have helped me grow. It introduced me to a lot of people within the industry. That has inspired me to keep moving and be a role model for others.”
“I’ve observed my own growth over the years, initially as just a team member learning the ropes,” she noted. “Moving into leadership roles, I saw my development within SCinet and my professional life at CSU grow. As I progressed in SCinet, my career at CSU mirrored that advancement. It’s been a parallel journey in both arenas.”
What WINS Means for Awardees
While computing continues to advance diversity and inclusivity, Asmus’s journey exemplifies how the opportunities provided via WINS and SC are central to fostering progress and building a “can-do” culture that supports and sustains women who want to contribute to and learn from the HPC community.
“It’s incredible to witness what WINS has done for women in our community,” said Asmus. “To see the number of women increase in SCinet has been amazing, and the importance of the opportunities it provides to the women involved with the program can’t be understated. It has been instrumental in my personal development. The impacts are obvious.”
Asmus continued, “I can name many WINS awardees who have progressed through the program that have either advanced at their institutions or discovered new opportunities that wouldn’t have likely been there before. I’m so proud and so honored. Marla Meehl has always been a figure of inspiration to me. I continue to admire her, feeling that, in my journey, I am following in her footsteps.”
Asmus remains a strong proponent of the WINS program and encourages women involved or seeking to expand their roles in computing to join. She sees SC as a community that supports and helps people to grow. From personal experience, Asmus acknowledges how many useful opportunities have resulted from her participation in WINS, SCinet, and SC.
“We just have to be supportive,” she added. “SCinet is a large commitment. I think it’s more challenging for women with families, and they may not believe they can do it. It’s all about giving people the confidence to know they can.”
SCinet Needs You
Women seeking an opportunity where mentorship, support, and growth converge are encouraged to explore the WINS program. This initiative not only embraces diversity across all dimensions but also champions the breaking down of barriers.
Applications for WINS are closed for SC24, but a new call will be released in December 2024 for SC25 applicants.
Similarly, the SCinet team is looking for individuals who are eager to contribute their expertise and grow with the team.
The collaboration and dedication of volunteers are critical to the success of SC, offering a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions, learn from the best in the field, and pave your own path to success inspired by leaders like Asmus.
