WiADS 2024 Conference: A Day of Inspiration and Connection for Women in Data Science
On November 4th, 2024, the University of Minnesota hosted the highly anticipated Women in AI and Data Science (WiADS) Conference, organized in partnership with MinneAnalytics at the McNamara Alumni Center. This sold-out event brought together over 1,000 registrants, including over 550 in-person attendees, and showcased the work of women, non-binary, and gender-diverse voices in data science. Attendees represented nearly 300 units from about 230 distinct business and academic institutions, highlighting the wide-ranging interest and support for advancing gender representation in this growing field.
Speakers from academia and industry shared insights on everything from AI’s future to data ethics, drawing participants from top Minnesota-based organizations like Target, Optum, CHS, and U.S. Bank. The University of Minnesota also had a strong presence, furthering its commitment to interdisciplinary data science and AI excellence. This event was a landmark for empowering underrepresented voices in data science.
Provost Rachel Croson opened the event with a warm welcome, underscoring the University’s commitment to diversity in data science and the importance of collaborative, supportive networks:
“We at the University of Minnesota are very proud of the work that the DSI is doing in its role as the ‘front door’ to data science and AI at the University. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a priority at our institution, and the DSI is a shining example of that commitment.”
Croson also drew on her own experiences in economics to emphasize the impact of mentorship and the value of building lasting peer connections:
“Women are underrepresented in data science, just as they are in my field, economics. In my own professional work, I created, funded, and implemented a mentoring program to help female junior faculty succeed. What I found is that the most impactful aspect of that program were the peer-to-peer relationships that developed, were sustained, and eventually proved to be pivotal to the participants’ success.”
In her closing, she encouraged attendees to build each other up:
“Check in with each other regularly, celebrate your successes, and help each other through your struggles. This is not a competition. We all do better when we all do better.”
Attendees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the event’s empowering atmosphere. One attendee commented:
“As a woman, it was AMAZING to see only women speakers. They were confident and knowledgeable. It was so inspirational! Thank you for putting on this wonderful event. I enjoyed attending virtually but hope to attend in person next time.”
Another expressed gratitude for having an event like this in the community:
“I love that this conference exists. I think it is very important that this event continues to exist in our community! Thanks for putting it on.”
The thoughtful details—like apple cider and handmade bracelets—added a welcoming touch to the day:
“I loved the apple cider and the bracelets. Nice touch. I also love that the more accomplished women were so willing to talk with anyone.”
WiADS 2024 was a resounding success, with the help of dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic attendees, amazing speakers, and the generous support from our gracious sponsors.
Learn More
To explore more about our speakers and sponsors, visit the WiADS 2024 event site.