Empowering Tech Diversity: Reflections from the Grace Hopper Celebration
Voice of Karrington Riley, BU Computing & Data Sciences sophomore, and BU Spark! Ambassador.
This past September, I was granted the privilege of attending the Grace Hopper Celebration in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida. The Grace Hopper Celebration, affectionately known as GHC, stands as the world's grandest assembly of women and non-binary individuals in the field of technology. Named in honor of Admiral Grace Hopper, a visionary computer scientist, this convention acts as a beacon, shining a light on the contributions of women and non-binary individuals in the world of computing and technology. Orchestrated by the esteemed AnitaB.org organization, GHC offers a diverse range of programming, including keynote speakers, technical sessions, workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. It is an arena where women and non-binary individuals in technology unite, sharing insights, addressing challenges, and championing gender diversity in the tech industry. GHC is also a platform that addresses the issues surrounding the representation and advancement of women and non-binary individuals in technology careers, serving as both an inspiration and a support network for those pursuing careers in computing and related fields.
My journey to GHC commenced through my role as the BU Spark! Marketing/Outreach Lead for the Hackathon Team at Spark! As Hackathon Ambassadors, we successfully executed two mini-hackathons, the "Welcome Back Mini Hack" and "Prehacks," and we eagerly anticipate our upcoming annual Civic Tech Hackathon, scheduled to be in collaboration with our affiliate program, Tech For Change, in February 2024.
My selection for GHC was not just an opportunity but a mission - I was chosen to spread the word about Spark's! affiliate program, Tech For Change. With the generous sponsorship of New America, two remarkable colleagues from Tech For Change, Raniya Delil and Latanya Beyniouah, and I embarked on this enlightening journey. We were additionally accompanied by the enthusiastic Isabel Torres, Spark's! Community and Outreach Manager. Our primary objective in attending this conference was to expand the Tech For Change network to include undergraduates and graduates from other institutions, potentially encouraging them to initiate their own chapters at their respective schools. We also sought to create awareness about Tech For Change and gauge interest in our upcoming hackathon.
As a sophomore at Boston University, specializing in Data Science with a minor in Philosophy, I had never imagined myself representing Spark! and tabling at such a prestigious conference. The journey has been transformative, yielding valuable takeaways that promise to guide my academic and professional path.
Takeaway 1: Networking and Building Connections
The power of networking and establishing connections in the tech industry is immeasurable. GHC presented an opportunity to meet inspiring individuals from various companies, forging meaningful connections that will undoubtedly aid my academic and professional journey. I even had the privilege of attending my first company dinner, a memorable experience that allowed me to converse with recruiters in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Takeaway 2: The Importance of Gender Diversity
GHC this year had an intriguing dynamic with regard to conference attendees. Several cis-gender men registered for GHC as non-binary individuals, attempting to participate. This is not a critique of AnitaB.org but rather an observation of how the dynamic did not entirely align with the theme of empowering women and non-binary individuals. It was disheartening to witness cis-gender men inadvertently standing in the way of opportunities not explicitly intended for them. Nevertheless, the swift response from AnitaB.org and the collective support of GHC participants in preserving these opportunities for women and non-binary individuals underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding gender diversity in the tech industry.
Takeaway 3: Tabling at a Conference
I am grateful for the opportunity to table at GHC, which granted me invaluable insights into the role of recruiters. Although my position was more akin to an ambassador, many GHC participants perceived anyone behind the table as a recruiter. It was quite comical to me that several individuals assumed I had the authority to offer them internships or full-time positions. Yet, it was also a lesson learned. It became clear to me that it is crucial to engage in conversation with the person at the table when unfamiliar with the company or organization. My time on the other side of the table illuminated how such assumptions can come across as impolite, particularly when individuals walk away upon hearing that internships are not being offered. In the end, this experience taught me the fundamental importance of treating everyone as a human beings, and those interactions were genuinely refreshing. Looking ahead, I am now equipped to approach recruiters or anyone tabling at a conference with respect and courtesy.
In closing, as I continue my academic journey, I am determined to fully employ these invaluable insights and skills. I intend to leverage the connections forged at GHC to expand my network within the tech industry, with the ultimate goal of advancing my academic and career aspirations. I am committed to continue to advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity within the technology sector, like I do with my role as a Hackathon Ambassador. My experience at GHC has reinforced my resolve to make a positive impact in the tech realm and beyond, and I eagerly anticipate applying these newfound insights in my academic and professional pursuits. The Grace Hopper Celebration has not merely been an event in my life; it has become a catalyst, propelling me towards a brighter and more diverse future in the world of technology.
Learn more about BU Spark! and Tech For Change.
About the Author: Karrington Riley is a sophomore at Boston University Computing & Data Sciences majoring in Data Science with a minor in Philosophy. Karrington is a BU Spark! Ambassador and member of the Spark! Marketing Team.