Last month, the University of Chicago’s Masters Program in Computer Science (MPCS) proudly sent six students to the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) in Philadelphia, PA.
The GHC, the world’s largest gathering of women and non-binary individuals in technology, serves as an essential space for connection, collaboration, and inspiration. The University of Chicago’s Department of Computer Science is a long-time sponsor of this event, and this year UChicago sent 14 graduate students and three staff members to participate in the celebration. The College separately sent 10 undergraduate students who are CS majors or are interested in the CS field. This marks the eighth consecutive year the CS Department has supported GHC, reinforcing our deep dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem.
GHC 2024: A Global Gathering for Technologists
As one of the premier events for women and non-binary technologists, GHC offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and career development. The conference featured keynote speeches, panels, and technical sessions, covering a range of critical topics in computer science and technology. UChicago’s strong presence at the event highlighted its ongoing efforts to promote diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
Kritika Rana, an MPCS student, described her experience at the conference:
“It was amazing to meet and network with so many people. I made so many genuine connections with people from diverse companies which will be helpful in the future, and got great career advice too. Plus, I learned a lot from the tech sessions I attended!”
This sentiment was echoed by Ekaterina Kim, another MPCS student, who shared her thoughts on some of the standout talks at the event:
Ekaterina Kim and Rana el Kaliouby at GHC 2024
“Attending GHC 2024 was an inspiring experience, highlighted by two phenomenal talks from Dr. Joy Buolamwini and Dr. Rana el Kaliouby.
Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League and author of Unmasking AI, delivered a powerful speech on the real-world harms of algorithmic bias.Her personal story about an AI system failing to recognize her darker skin tone—and only succeeding when she wore a white mask—was a striking reminder of the biases embedded in technology. She also emphasized our rights, like opting out of TSA facial scans, to push back against these inequities.
Dr. Rana el Kaliouby shared her journey as a trailblazer in Emotion AI, from founding Affectiva to co-founding Blue Tulip Ventures, all while balancing motherhood. Two impactful examples of Affectiva’s technology stood out: 1. Supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder through emotion-detection technology, enabling them to navigate social interactions. Hearing how a young boy used this to connect with his mother on a deeper level was deeply moving. 2. Enhancing road safety by using AI to detect driver fatigue or unattended children in cars—demonstrating how technology can save lives.
Both sessions reinforced the immense potential of AI to create equitable, empathetic, and life-changing solutions. I left feeling inspired to explore how technology can be a force for good.”
UChicago at GHC: Engaging the Next Generation of Technologists
In addition to sending students and staff to GHC, UChicago also set up a booth at the event to engage prospective graduate students and provide information about the MPCS program, other graduate program offerings and career opportunities. The booth offered valuable resources, including application fee waivers, to encourage a diverse range of applicants to join the UChicago community. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to not only participating in but actively shaping the future of tech by empowering underrepresented voices in STEM.
MPCS Booth at GHC 2024!
A key piece of advice for future GHC attendees came from a MS-CAPP student, who shared:
“Unless you are an undergrad, skip the career fair (ok, maybe stop in for some swag) but generally focus on meeting people who are at the sessions which interest you (and presumably them too) and go on as many individual and group brain dates as you can!”
Looking Ahead: GHC 2025 in Chicago
As one of the largest celebrations of women and non-binary people in technology, GHC plays a critical role in creating opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the tech industry. For 2025, GHC will return to Chicago, and UChicago is excited to welcome this major event to the city. The chance to host GHC in Chicago presents an extraordinary opportunity for UChicago’s Department of Computer Science to further its mission of fostering inclusivity and diversity in the tech community.
Final Thoughts: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The involvement of UChicago’s MPCS at the Grace Hopper Celebration is more than just participation in a conference—it’s a statement of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard and empowered in the tech world. By sponsoring GHC and sending students to this transformative event, UChicago is helping to build a future where technology is shaped by diverse perspectives, and where inclusivity and equity are not just ideals but driving forces behind innovation.
If you’re interested in moving your technical career forward with a MS in Computer Science, learn more about our program and apply here!