WiCS Student Reflections
Attending the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) this year was an eye-opening experience that I will carry with me for a long time. Through the conference’s rich variety of workshops and sessions, I was able to expand my knowledge and begin seriously considering my career path, including the possibility of pursuing a PhD in the United States. Yet, beyond the knowledge and career inspiration, the most impactful part of GHC was meeting so many remarkable individuals who share a passion for STEM. Each person I met brought unique perspectives and stories of resilience, and it was truly inspiring to see such a strong sense of purpose in every conversation.
- Sissy He, 3B Software Engineering Student
At GHC, women weren’t a minority in computing—we were the majority. And only then did I realize how rare and empowering it is to feel that way. To be honest, GHC was a healing experience for me. The women there were friendly, supportive, and genuinely cared for one another in a way I had longed for. It was like we all spoke the same love language, faced the same challenges, and finally found others who truly understood. Read More
- Linda Wang, 3A Computer Science Student with Artificial Intelligence Specialization and a minor in Combinatorics and Optimization
Attending the Grace Hopper Celebration was a truly magical experience, one that reinforced the feeling of community and solidarity among women in technology. Hearing America Ferrera speak was a powerful reminder of the gratitude we owe to the women who came before us—those who have navigated challenging, uncomfortable spaces so that we might have greater opportunities today. Her words inspired me to take up this mantle and do my part in paving a better path for the next generation. Read More
- Melanie Foltak, 3B Software Engineering Student
One evening during this year's trip, it was just me on the hotel shuttle bus with the driver—a kind woman from Maryland. As we drove past through the vibrant city of Philly, she told me a story about how she always waved and exchanged greetings with other bus drivers. "We don’t know each other, but we do," she laughed, talking about the camaraderie that grew out of shared purpose. Her words resonated. Just like the drivers who found familiarity in an unfamiliar city, every attendee at the conference shared an unspoken connection. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we were all here with the same goal: to learn and inspire. It was a place where casual conversations turned into mentorships; a shared journey where even in a sea of new faces, there was always a sense of belonging. Even in a vast convention center surrounded by thousands of attendees, there was a tangible sense of unity. We didn’t know each other, but we did—and that was the true magic of GHC.
- Alina Cai, Computer Science Student
Here's why you need to go to the Grace Hopper Conference (GHC):
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Meet people you never thought you needed to meet:
I always overlooked the whole "you get to meet like-minded people" until it happened to me. Ever since I got to the airport and started talking to fellow GHC attendees, I realized how few women in technology I actually knew and it was exciting having so many things in common. Also at GHC, I attended braindates (small group meetings) to meet both Korean women in tech as well as Christian women in tech, both groups that I am a part of. It had never occurred to me that I had never met a woman in tech who was Christian or Korean like I was before, and this was a very special experience knowing I wasn't alone in my subconscious struggles. Read More
- Catherine Kim, Software Engineering Student
One of my favourite parts of GHC was the part I least expected to enjoy: the lines. On each of the 3 days, I was able to meet, bond, and make meaningful connections with other women in the (long) lines. These women ranged from students like me, working professionals, and even speakers at GHC! We exchanged food recommendations, contact information, bonded over our experiences as women in technology, and I received immeasurable and authentic academic/career advice. Leaving Philadelphia, those girls were the ones I remember the most and left a lasting impact on me. Read More
- Sherry Lin, 2A Computer Science Student
Attending GHC 24 was truly an eye opening experience, from speaking to recruiters and engineers from innovative companies and testing out new products like Snap’s Spectacles, to attending powerful keynote speaker sessions. While waiting in line at the career fair, I met students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, each with unique experiences but a shared passion for technology. This sense of community was incredibly empowering. It made me realize just how important it is to share our stories, to support one another, and to lift each other up in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating.
- Tina, WiCS Student