Georgetown Women in Data Science (GWiDS) host Women in Data Leadership Symposium
Last Friday, the Georgetown Women in Data student group (GWiDS), supported by the DSAN program, held their first Women in Data Leadership Symposium at Georgetown’s Capitol Campus. The event included a Keynote from DSAN Director Dr. Purna Gamage, followed by a panel of women leaders in industry and academia, an alumna panel, and concluding with “networking and nibbles.”
Events like the Women in Data Leadership Symposium matter because they remind women in data science that they are not navigating this field alone. Being in a room filled with ambitious, supportive women creates inspiration, connection and momentum. Moments of representation, mentorship and community are incredibly powerful in shaping future leaders.-Ishika Gobin, GWiDS Student Chair
-Ishika Gobin, GWiDS President
This event brought in women from across industries and from different stages in their careers and studies. The diversity of the panelists and attendees generated numerous opportunity for mentorship and support. The advice, validation, and stories shared made this an event full of warmth and camaraderie.
Events like the Women in Data leadership symposium are important because they create space for women to see what leadership in data actually looks like. A lot of the challenges aren’t just technical—they’re about confidence and navigating career decisions. Hearing how others have navigated their careers, including struggles and challenges, makes the path feel more relatable and helps build confidence. It also builds a sense of community and support, which is really important as you grow in this field.
-Dr. Purna Gamage, DSAN Program Director
Many thanks to our panelists:
- Dr. Purna Gamage
- Dr. Irina Vayndiner
- Dr. Kelly Grady
- Dr. Gissele Gajate Garrido
- Anam Khan- DSAN ’23
- Atisha Rajpurohit- DSAN ’23
- Isfar Baset- DSAN ’25
