Empowering Women in STEM

In October, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC) in Orlando, Florida. Walking into a room full of women and non-binary technologists felt like joining a vibrant, welcoming community. There was an incredible energy—a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a shared passion for technology that made the experience unforgettable. It was more than just a conference; it was a place to learn, connect, and find inspiration.

Throughout the week, I attended sessions that covered everything from technical deep dives to discussions on navigating workplace dynamics. But what really made GHC special were the personal stories and the connections made with others who are just as passionate about making a difference in tech. Here’s a little glimpse into what made this experience so meaningful for me.

Web Accessibility: It’s More Than Just Compliance

One of the standout sessions for me was on web accessibility. This wasn’t just about ticking boxes for compliance but really about designing websites and apps that everyone can use—no matter their abilities. The speaker talked about how important it is to create inclusive digital spaces where everyone can participate. It really hit home because it’s easy to forget how small changes in design can make a huge difference in someone’s ability to navigate the web.

This session made me think about the courses we’ll be offering at Launchpad Learning. When we teach students about AI and machine learning, it’s important to remind them that technology should be built with empathy. We can teach coding all day, but if our students aren’t thinking about the real people who will use what they build, we’ve missed the mark. I left the session inspired to weave accessibility into our lessons so that the next generation of tech leaders knows how to make the digital world open to all.

Exploring Spatial Understanding: The Future of Mixed Reality

Another session that totally captivated me was on spatial understanding. It’s this mind-blowing technology that helps developers create environments in mixed reality that feel more intuitive and lifelike. Imagine walking through a virtual world that responds to your movements like the real world does—that’s the power of spatial understanding.

This got me thinking about the future of AI and machine learning. There’s so much potential for students to not only learn the nuts and bolts of these technologies but to dream up how they can be used in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. At Launchpad Learning, I want our students to think creatively about how they can apply what they’re learning to build new worlds—whether in gaming, education, or even therapy.

Navigating Emotions at Work: “Can I Cry at Work?”

One of the more unexpected but really powerful sessions I attended was called “Can I Cry at Work?” The session focused on how we navigate our emotions and how important it is to have both mentors and sponsors as we grow in our careers. Mentors guide you, but sponsors are the people who will advocate for you when it matters most.

This session was a reminder that it’s okay to bring your full self to work, emotions and all. It’s something I want to carry forward in the learning environment at Launchpad. As much as we teach tech, we also need to create a space where students feel safe to express themselves, ask for help, and not always have to put on a brave face.

Bringing It All Back to Launchpad Learning

Walking away from GHC, I felt energized and full of ideas—not just for my own career but for what we’re building at Launchpad Learning. The lessons I learned about inclusivity, creativity, and authenticity are things I want to pass on to my students. Whether they’re learning about AI, entrepreneurship, or how to navigate the world of tech, I want them to feel empowered to bring their full selves to the table and build something that makes the world a better place.

GHC was a reminder of how much we can achieve when we come together as a community, and I can’t wait to share those lessons with the next generation of tech leaders at Launchpad Learning.