January 8, 2025
In fields where women and non-binary individuals are underrepresented, annual gatherings like the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) are more important than ever.
In 2024, 20 SCI students had the opportunity to take part in SCI’s annual trip to GHC, which took place in Philadelphia, PA Oct. 8 – 11, to explore their futures in the computing and information sciences fields.
GHC is the largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists in the world, attracting thousands of students, experts, mentors, and leaders, aiming to transform the technology field to make it more diverse and inclusive to all.
“This is one of the most powerful and enriching experiences for our female and non-binary students each year who get to attend,” said Mackenzie Ball, SCI Director of Outreach & Alumni Engagement, who chaperones the students each year to the conference. “It is extraordinary to see the transformation that takes place within the students that we send to this conference. They come back more confident in themselves, with better networking skills, with new friends and role models, and more connected to each other.”
Throughout the weekend, students attended career fairs, networking events, and one-on-one meetings with industry leaders and patrons such as Amazon, Apple, CVS Health, Google, Uber, and Disney.
“Getting first-hand advice on navigating the current job market and being able to ask questions directly to recruiters and engineers is something that I am able to continue to use and apply after the event,” said Daisy Chen (SCI ’25). “It has definitely helped me take more opportunities and further my professional growth.”
Students had plenty to choose from, with more than 400 sessions offered, ranging from panels, presentations, and workshops to keynote speeches that shared information, advice, and guidance on tech-related topics. Students learned from some of the top leaders and can apply this knowledge to their academics and careers after graduation.
“I attended many inspiring talks and panels that covered a wide range of topics, from advancements in AI to the importance of diversity in tech,” said information science student Jiani Cheng. “These sessions have deepened my understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping the future of technology, while also inspiring me to push the boundaries of my own skills and knowledge.”
While GHC offers plenty of opportunities for career growth and skill-building, students cited the sense of community and connection with other women and non-binary technologists as a powerful feeling that will resonate with them long after the event.
“From the relentless feminine energy that is empowered by identity as a female technical entrepreneur to the amazing events I got to attend, I felt the energy through and through,” said Samika Sanghvi (SCI ’25). “This experience shaped a new appreciation in me for the resilience of women in technology and the need for us to speak up and create our own individual waves in the technical world. I’ve always been surrounded by strong, intelligent and independent women, but never to this level.”
Gatherings like GHC have impactful, long-lasting effects on its attendees, a key reason why SCI students attend each year. The event not only demonstrates the importance of community among gender minorities in technology, but it also leaves each attendee feeling empowered and ready to make change.
Learn more about the Grace Hopper Celebration.
--Alyssa Morales
