Championing inclusion and innovation: Lucy Lin on giving back through ACS
Lucy Lin, a passionate advocate for technology and inclusion, serves on the ACS NSW Branch Executive Committee and is dedicated to strengthening Australia’s tech community through her volunteer work. In celebration of National Volunteers Day, Lucy shares why she chooses to contribute her time and expertise to ACS. Guided by her passion for technology, education, and creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, Lucy plays an active role in fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking digital future where innovation and belonging go hand-in-hand.
What made you want to volunteer with ACS?
I chose to volunteer with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) because I deeply value its reputation and mission to strengthen Australia’s tech community. I wanted to give back to an organisation that aligns with my passion for technology, education, and creating opportunities for others, especially women in tech and underrepresented groups. ACS provides a space to connect with inspiring professionals, share ideas, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive, forward-thinking digital future. It’s rewarding to be part of a community that not only celebrates innovation but also cultivates belonging and purpose across the tech industry.
Volunteering is all about connection, how has being part of ACS helped you build community in tech?
Being part of the ACS has helped me connect with a community of tech professionals who share a passion for innovation and growth. Through ACS events and initiatives, I’ve met people from diverse backgrounds and tech disciplines who inspire me to think differently and collaborate across disciplines. These connections have strengthened my sense of belonging and purpose in the tech industry. Volunteering with ACS isn’t just about giving back, it’s about building genuine relationships, exchanging ideas, and collectively shaping a more inclusive and future‑ready technology community in Australia.
How do you think volunteers like you help drive innovation and progress in Australia’s tech industry?
As a volunteer, I see innovation as something we create together through shared knowledge and storytelling. Through my work with the Emerging Tech Unpacked podcast, I’ve seen how education and conversation can spark new ideas and open pathways into technology. I’m playing a vital role to promote innovation, amplify diverse voices, and build inclusive learning spaces and STEM career pathways. By sharing insights across communities, we help more Australians engage with emerging technologies and that collective curiosity is what truly drives progress in our tech industry.
What’s something unexpected you’ve learned or gained through volunteering with ACS?
One of the most unexpected things I’ve gained through volunteering with ACS is seeing the ripple effect of community storytelling. When I hosted a live Emerging Tech Unpacked podcast event for Ada Lovelace Day, over 100 diverse attendees came together to celebrate women in tech speakers from Canva, IBM, and an innovative startup. The energy, connection, and overwhelmingly positive feedback showed me how powerful it can be to create spaces for shared learning and representation. It reinforced how volunteering can ignite inspiration, build confidence, and strengthen our collective voice in Australia’s tech community.
What’s the best part about knowing your time and skills are helping shape Australia’s tech future?
The best part about knowing my time and skills is helping shape Australia’s tech future is realising how powerful storytelling can be in driving progress. Communication is at the heart of innovation, and it helps us share ideas, highlight the work of Australia’s brilliant innovators, educators, and technologists, and inspire others to join the journey. Through my Emerging Tech Unpacked podcast and volunteering with the ACS, I’m able to give visibility to diverse voices and future‑focused projects that are building a more inclusive, forward‑thinking digital Australia. That sense of collective impact is incredibly rewarding.