UMass Amherst: Francine Berman Receives 2024 NCWIT Pioneer in Tech Award

Francine Berman, Stuart Rice Honorary Chair and research professor in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS), was recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) as the recipient of the 2024 Pioneer in Tech Award during their annual summit, held May 20–22 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Pioneer in Tech Award recognizes women whose contributions have helped shape technological innovation and highlights the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the industry. Pioneer in Tech Award recipients also serve as role models, highlighting the importance of including diverse perspectives in the industry, inspiring future generations of women to pursue computing, and encouraging them to make their own mark on history.

Berman, a distinguished data scientist, educator and computing leader, has made profound impacts on the technological landscape through her groundbreaking research, influential mentorship, and unwavering commitment to ethical and inclusive technology. Her journey in technology has been characterized by a dedication to addressing societal challenges and promoting the public interest in a tech-driven world.

As the director of Public Interest Technology and co-founder of the Public Interest Technology Initiative at UMass Amherst (PIT@UMass), she has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse surrounding the responsible and ethical use of technology in a world where tech has become critical infrastructure.