Reflections from WECode 2024: Women in STEM, Innovation, and Community
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Harvard WECode: Women Engineers Code Conference 2024, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. This annual gathering of women in STEM is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and innovation—a space where technical excellence meets bold, future-shaping ideas.
From deep discussions on AI ethics and machine learning biases to personal career journeys from women thriving in tech, WECode 2024 was equal parts inspiring and intellectually stimulating. The panels, workshops, and networking moments offered a refreshing sense of belonging, reinforcing the idea that as women in STEM, we are not alone in this journey—we are building the future together.
Here are some of the key highlights that resonated with me.
Forging a Human-Centered Future in Computer Science
The conference began with a powerful keynote by Dr. Beth Mynatt, Dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. She challenged us to rethink how we center computer science around human and societal needs—not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a force for inclusion, ethical responsibility, and transformative impact.
She highlighted populations historically marginalized in tech—older adults, rural communities, and women—and emphasized the urgent need to redesign technology with these groups in mind. Her call to action was clear: we must actively shape a future where technology serves diverse human experiences, not just those privileged by default.
It was an invigorating start, setting the tone for the depth and urgency of the discussions that followed.
Bias, Justice, and the Complexity of Machine Learning
One of the most thought-provoking sessions I attended was “Just Machine Learning” by Tina Eliassi-Rad, a leading researcher in AI fairness.
Much of the public conversation around AI bias focuses on correcting model biases within the ML pipeline—but as Tina pointed out, bias doesn't start with data collection or model training; it begins in the complex systems that generate the data itself.
Some key takeaways from her session:
Fixing bias isn’t just about the algorithm—it’s about understanding the worldviews, policies, and structures that shape the data before it even reaches the model.
There’s no such thing as “neutral” machine learning—all models reflect human values, whether intentional or not.
Ethical AI requires interdisciplinary thinking—social scientists, ethicists, and policymakers must work alongside engineers to create truly just systems.
Her talk was a much-needed reminder that AI is not just a technical challenge—it’s a deeply societal one.
AI Ethics and the Role of Policy
Building on this theme, I attended an AI Ethics Panel featuring:
Daniella DiPaola (MIT Media Lab, PhD student)
Olivia Zhu (Senior Policy Advisor at the White House)
Alisha Valente (CIO/CTO at Avanade)
The discussion focused on how we can incorporate ethical thinking into AI development at every level—from education to policymaking and industry regulation.
Some of the most pressing questions tackled included:
What role does government play in ensuring responsible AI development?
How can engineers integrate ethical considerations into their workflows, rather than treating them as an afterthought?
What frameworks exist (or should exist) to ensure AI benefits all of society, not just tech giants?
The panelists made it clear: we are in a critical moment for shaping AI policy, and if we don’t act now, the consequences could be irreversible.
Generative AI: Beyond the Hype
Another standout session was "Generative AI - Leveraging Creative Algorithms", led by:
Sreyoshi Bhaduri (Senior Research Scientist, Amazon)
Jen Looper (Head of Academic Advocacy, AWS)
With the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, AWS Bedrock, and CodeWhisperer, the session took a step back to explore:
What does generative AI actually do under the hood?
How were these technologies developed, and what limitations still exist?
What role have women played in advancing AI, and how can we continue to shape the field?
It was fascinating to hear about the unseen labor and research that has gone into shaping the generative AI landscape, particularly from women pushing the boundaries in AI ethics, research, and enterprise adoption.
Career Navigation, Leadership, and Building Resilience in Tech
The technical discussions were incredibly enriching, but WECode was equally about career growth, mentorship, and community.
Strategies for Thriving in a High-Tech Career
Elaine Zhou, Managing Director at Softwired Planet, shared some hard-earned insights on balancing ambition, adaptability, and resilience in an industry that is constantly evolving. Her approach emphasized:
Curiosity as a lifelong career advantage—the most successful engineers don’t just master one technology; they continuously learn and pivot.
Optimism as a skill—setbacks are inevitable, but learning how to navigate uncertainty and change is key to long-term success.
Balancing technical expertise with leadership development—engineering skills will get you in the door, but your ability to lead will define your impact.
Her talk served as an important reminder that technical brilliance is only part of the equation—mindset, adaptability, and strategy matter just as much.
The SWE Panel: Real Talk from Women Engineers
Another highlight was the Software Engineering (SWE) Panel, where tech leaders from Google, Accenture, and Visa shared their personal journeys in software engineering, the challenges they’ve faced, and the work they are currently doing.
Hearing from these women was not just motivational—it was deeply validating. The obstacles they faced—imposter syndrome, lack of representation, learning how to advocate for themselves—are challenges many of us navigate daily.
One of the most resonant takeaways? Success in tech isn’t just about coding ability—it’s about persistence, strategic decision-making, and finding (or creating) the right support systems.
Final Reflections: A Community of Women Shaping the Future
What made WECode 2024 so impactful wasn’t just the technical insights—it was the unwavering sense of community. Connecting with so many brilliant women in STEM, each forging their own path in tech, research, and engineering, was an incredible reminder of the power of representation and support networks.
The conference reinforced that:
Women belong in tech—not just as contributors, but as leaders and decision-makers.
AI and computing need diverse perspectives to truly innovate and solve real-world problems.
We are stronger together.
The connections we make, the knowledge we share, and the paths we pave today will create a more inclusive, innovative future in STEM.
A huge thank you to the Harvard WECode team for organizing such a transformative and inspiring event. I leave this weekend more energized, more informed, and more determined than ever to keep pushing forward.
Until next year, WECode.
