UC students attend conference for women in tech

Five University of Cincinnati engineering students recently joined 20,000 students, technologists and engineers at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Houston, Texas. UC’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science sponsored the students’ trip.

AnitaB.org, along with the Association for Computing Machinery, produced the celebration, which supports women in the technical field, as well as the organizations and institutions that train the next generation of women. The three-day event included speakers, sessions and networking opportunities for young women in technology. 

“Being surrounded by this many women in my field was unbelievably inspiring,” said UC student Sydney O’Connor (computer engineering ’21). “The speakers not only empowered me to follow my dreams but also gave career and technical advice.”

Sessions covered the latest technology trends – like artificial intelligence, data science and the Internet of Things – and also addressed topics like positive thinking, advanced degrees and career advice.

Additionally, students had the opportunity to meet and speak with company representatives at the career fair. Notable companies present included Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, IBM, Google and Nike. Many students landed interviews and even job offers from these interactions.

“The opportunity to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration my senior year has truly changed my life,” said Mansi Patel (computer science ’19), president of UC’s chapter of Association of Computing Machinery-Committee on Women. “Attending this conference has given me the platform to speak out and encourage more females to continue their journey in the technical field.” 

Featured image at top: A mural at the conference shows women in the technology field. Photo/Mansi Patel