CICS Students Build Community at 2024 Grace Hopper and Tapia Conferences
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Nearly 30 students received support from the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences to attend premier conferences aiming to broaden participation in computing.
This fall, 28 Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) students received financial support from the college to attend two major technology conferences – the CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference (Tapia) and the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). These annual events, recognized globally for their focus on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, provide a platform for students to engage with industry leaders and attend thought-provoking sessions while expanding their personal and professional networks.
The Tapia conference, held September 18–20 in San Diego, California, is internationally recognized for highlighting diversity within computing and celebrates the contributions of underrepresented groups in the tech industry. GHC, held October 8–11 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and touted as the world’s largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists, attracts thousands of participants worldwide to discuss the latest advancements in the field, share research, and explore career opportunities.
Under the leadership of Erika Dawson Head, executive director of diversity and inclusive community development – with support from dedicated CICS faculty and staff, including Senior Lecturer II Michelle Trim and Assistant Director of Employer Relations Vera Palmer – the college provides funding to send students to these conferences each year as part of a larger commitment to fostering diversity within computing, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in tech, can benefit from these gatherings.
“I had the amazing opportunity to attend GHC this year with an incredible group of students from CICS,” says Palmer. “Seeing the enthusiasm, curiosity, and ambition of the next generation of women in tech made this experience truly unforgettable.”
Students who attended this year’s conferences describe their experiences as a blend of professional growth and personal inspiration, offering insights into both technical advancements and the ethics guiding today’s tech landscape, as well as opportunities to connect with experts who share a commitment to diversity and access to computing. Students described a wealth of opportunities, including meaningful one-on-one interactions with industry representatives. For some, including a student supported by Trim’s Boosting Access to Data Science Scholarship NSF S-STEM grant, these conversations led to interviews and internship offers.
Mena Ibeku
Sophomore, informatics major
Tapia provided me with an invaluable opportunity to connect with a diverse community of students, early-career professionals, and seasoned experts. I appreciated the genuine networking opportunities, which led to meaningful contacts and lasting friendships. However, the workshops were a standout feature, covering a wide range of topics from cutting-edge technical advancements to essential soft skills. The workshop on leadership in tech was particularly inspiring. It showcased the journeys of professionals who have overcome adversity and went on to successfully lead diverse teams. Another session on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence deepened my understanding of the responsibilities tech professionals hold in shaping the industry’s future.
Shiven Patel
Sophomore, computer science major
My experience at Tapia was incredibly inspiring—I had the opportunity to network with experts in robotics who offered valuable feedback on my research. I firmly believe in the power of organic networking, where professional stories are shared authentically rather than feeling transactional. Conferences like Tapia are the perfect breeding grounds for such meaningful interactions.
Nana Akua Agyemang Sereboo
Second-year doctoral student
Attending GHC 2024 was a transformative experience that reinforced the urgent need for continued efforts toward equity in the tech field and my responsibilities to uplift other women and non-binary individuals. The valuable connections I made with researchers, career leaders, and industry representatives have left a lasting mark on my journey as a woman in tech. This experience has strengthened my commitment to continued advocacy for equity in the field.
Thanh Nhan (Abby) Tran
Senior, computer science major
The support from the Vietnamese community at GHC was particularly valuable for me, as I was able to learn about companies willing to hire and sponsor international students. But some of the best parts of GHC are the serendipitous moments when I found myself in the right place at the right time. While waiting in line with friends, we were invited to attend an Uber event, where we later bumped into the Rewriting the Code group and joined them for a group photo. GHC also gave me the chance to reconnect with friends from my LinkedIn internship this summer.
