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Students from colleges across the country, including DePaul, participated WE code The conference is a celebration of women in technology hosted by Harvard University in Boston.
Among the diverse attendees was Brianna Yanqui, a sophomore computer science major at the University of Florida, who was among those who found the experience transformative.
“I’ve never been to a conference before and wanted WECode to be my first experience,” Yanqui said.
Yanqui was excited about the “Just Machine Learning” talk hosted by Tina Eliassi-Rad, a computer scientist and professor at Northeastern University.
Eliassi-Rad details complex systems and how studying these systems and their processes can give us insights into the potential risks and dangers of using machine learning.
“Participating in ‘Just Machine Learning’ really sparked my interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning, so I now hope to gain some research experience in these fields!” said Yan Kui.
Paloma Santos, A junior at DePaul University majoring in computer science and minoring in user experience design, he said the conference provided valuable challenges.
“WECode will contribute to my personal growth by pushing me out of my comfort zone and pushing me to interact with and meet new people,” Santos said.
Santos said the conference is also an opportunity to network with other female and non-binary attendees in a field typically dominated by men.
“It was very challenging to persist in a field that made me feel isolated and question my self-worth every day,” Santos said. “I think it would have been life-changing if I had known that I was not alone in this journey. “
Cynthia Luna, a sophomore information technology major at DePaul, said she is eager to attend WECode and hear some of the speakers. WECode has been a student-led conference since 2014.
Luna said she was excited to hear presentations from Elizabeth Mynatt, dean of the Khoury School of Computer Science, and Kristin Austin, vice president of inclusion, diversity, creativity and access at Rewriting the Code, an organization dedicated to empowering women in tech. organize.
“Harvard WECode inspired me to set higher goals and contributed to my personal growth,” Luna said. “It also helped me grow professionally because I connected with some amazing, smart women and learned new things on the course.”
Luna’s legacy highlights the significant impact of organizations like Harvard’s WECode, demonstrating their role as drivers of personal growth and professional development, echoing the transformative power of determination and strength.
“It’s inspiring to see such accomplished women in tech sharing their expertise,” Santos added.
Santos’ reflections underscore the importance of diversity in technology and demonstrate how diverse backgrounds and career paths enhance the overall learning environment at Harvard WECode.
“I believe that attending Harvard WECode 2024 had a significant impact on the trajectory of my life as a Latinx international student in the United States. “Santos said.
Luna has been interested in technology since she was a child and has been teaching STEM knowledge in small workshops for many years. She hopes to see continued inclusivity in tech and says diversity and inclusion are her main passions for the industry.
“I think it’s important to have a diverse technical community,” Luna said. “I’m really pleased to see Harvard WECode hosting a space and conference that promotes inclusion in technology.”
Harvard WECode also provides opportunities for further advancement.
“I learned about the Harvard WECode Fellowship, which is a three-month program where fellows help promote the conference,” Luna said. “Rewrite code Scholarships are also available. “
Going forward, Luna is eager to deepen her involvement with tech-related organizations and secure her first tech-related internship.
“After taking the Harvard WECode course, I hope to get more involved in technology-related organizations and hope to get my first technology-related internship opportunity soon,” Luna said.
As a first-time attendee of Harvard WECode, Luna found it extremely valuable to connect with other attendees through platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram.
“My advice to anyone attending Harvard WECode for the first time is to relax, have fun, and know that this is a safe and inclusive space,” Luna said. “Please don’t let anything intimidate you, you belong to the technology industry.“
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