WiBD Global Connect - September 2024
In our September 2024 issue, we cover:
·?????? Meet new Directors for Nepal Chapter
·?????? Mentoring Program Updates: Launch of our September to December Mentoring Sessions
·?????? Training Program Updates: Datacamp Donates learners who have completed certifications
·?????? Podcast Program Updates: What's it Like to Be" 2025 theme - seeking guest interviews
·?????? Other Updates: New WiBD Online Chapter, Applied AI in Marketing
·?????? Events Around the Globe
Nepal Chapter New Directors
Please meet Bishakha Panda and Susmita Lamsal , who have recently stepped into the roles of directors for the WiBD Nepal chapter. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team!
Mentoring Program Updates
Deborah Sgro, Program Director
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our September to December mentoring sessions, which kicked off with fantastic energy! This season features a diverse range of opportunities for our global mentoring community, starting with the highly sought-after MENTORING MATTER program. This 1:1 mentoring experience caters to everyone, from those just beginning their exploration of data science and tech careers to professionals with over 10 years of experience looking to advance.
We're also excited about our Emerging Technologist Circle, a peer-group mentoring program for participants with less than two years of experience. Facilitated by Jody Porrazo and me, this initiative covers essential topics like communication skills, job search strategies, and exploring careers in Data Science and IT.
In addition, two of our chapters will host Speed Mentoring events. In September, the NorthWest chapter, in partnership with SIM Portland and the Technology Association of Oregon, will focus on empowering women navigating career transitions. Following in October, our German chapters (Berlin, Munich, and NRW) will hold an event to boost confidence and provide career guidance, featuring career coaches Naima Hassan and Neil Metzler.
The momentum of our Global Mentoring Initiative keeps growing, providing continuous opportunities for growth and connection. We’re excited about the journey ahead, fueled by the dedication and passion of our global community!
Training Program Updates
Srabasti Banerjee, Program Director
We're excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of our WiBD Datacamp Donates learners who have successfully completed their certifications. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. A huge round of applause to:
o?? Modupe J. Owolabi: Data Literacy Certification
o?? Mehdi Somrani: Associate Data Engineer Certification
o?? Katia Jacob: Data Scientist Certification
Testimonial by PING CHEN HUANG, one of our Datacamp learners:
"I left my hardware engineering job last year to prepare for a career shift into data and AI/ML. Already a DataCamp subscriber, I had explored several learning platforms, but found DataCamp’s course design to be the most effective for acquiring new skills quickly. During an interview with an AI-powered NLP company, I was given a take-home task that was completely unfamiliar to me. Thanks to related DataCamp courses, I was able to complete it successfully. DataCamp has been my companion during my nine-month job search, and its lessons have become part of my daily routine. I’m grateful to be part of the DataCamp Donates program and eager to continue my learning journey!"
Meet our top DataCamp Donate learners for the month:
Podcast Program updates
Desiree Timmermans, Program Director
We're thrilled to engage our fantastic community for input! For the 2025 theme of the Women in Big Data Podcast, we're seeking guest recommendations—especially women excelling in high-demand AI roles.
The theme, "What's it Like to Be?" will offer a unique glimpse into the experiences of Women in Big Data, exploring their professions one episode at a time. Through insightful interviews, we'll uncover the passion behind their work and what makes their careers so fulfilling. Let’s collaborate to make this podcast an inspiring journey for all!? Send your recommendation via email.
Other Updates
We are excited to welcome Itai Yaffe to our core team at Women in Big Data Berlin. Itai, a seasoned Senior Big Data Architect at Akamai Technologies and a skilled public speaker, brings a wealth of expertise and insight to our group. Itai has also co-founded the Israeli chapter of Women in Big Data Israel.
Oksana Rasskazova ‘s journey into tech began unexpectedly, transitioning from her background in linguistics to a career in AI and technology. While her early passion was linguistics, her curiosity and fascination with innovation gradually led her into the tech world. Her experience working in university labs, managing AI projects, and handling data fueled her transition into the industry. Oksana emphasizes the importance of networking, leveraging transferable skills, and staying adaptable in today’s fast-changing tech landscape. Now, she continues to advocate for women in tech through mentorship and involvement with organizations like Women in Big Data where she also co-founded Women in Big Data Berlin chapter.
Read the full interview.
Our newly launched Women in Big Data Online Chapter has been busy with multiple initiatives, including an exciting series of blog posts. Recently, ?Radhika Sharma?and?Marina Lobo published an insightful blog on 'Unlocking the Power of Big Data,' showcasing the chapter's dedication to exploring impactful tech topics.
As a mentee in the Shakti program, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Interested in applying? Click here.
Applied AI in Marketing by Sowmya Moni, WiBD India Chapter Director. Marketers and content creators would agree that their time is most valuable when spent on strategy and creativity. Yet, tedious and repetitive tasks often steal productive hours. Here, are 7 steps to harness Generative AI to improve your productivity and focus on what truly matters. Read more in Sowmya's article with Forbes Communications Council.
Sowmya also shared her insights on the transformative role of AI in marketing during the "Weekly Wed" webinar series, hosted by the Business School of AI. In the session led by Sudha Jamthe, Sowmya discussed how AI is unlocking new possibilities for current and future CMOs and their teams. The webinar catered to students from BSAI, LinkedIn Learning, and various universities in the US and Europe.
Events around the globe
BMW Group recently hosted an inspiring "Women in Big Data Munich" event at the FIZ (Research & Innovation Center), drawing over 150 participants and highlighting the importance of diversity and innovation in the tech sector. Keynote speaker Silke Knobel shared BMW's transformation to a direct sales model, emphasizing data’s role in shaping the customer experience. Sessions from women leaders like Katharina Adler and Bárbara Pereira provided invaluable insights into data visualization and reporting. The event concluded with an empowering panel discussion featuring top female leaders (Verena Held, Astrid Roetzer and Claudia Nerger), offering strategies on mentorship, inclusivity, and career growth in tech. Learn more here.
Women in Big Data Paris at the Data and AI Exhibition in Nantes. ?On September 17th, 2024, Women in Big Data Paris attended the Data and AI Exhibition in Nantes, France. Tina Rosario, SAP's Chief Data Officer and Europe Leader for Women in Big Data, delivered an inspiring keynote. She shared actionable career advice, focusing on key stages in the data industry, from entry-level roles to leadership, and stressed the value of mentors and sponsors in career growth. With over 1,800 attendees, the event was a resounding success, offering networking and learning opportunities. We extend our gratitude to Tina and all participants for making it a memorable event.
WiBD / DataCamp Donates?monthly event. ?Monalisa Chati's presentation on September 20th focused on mastering digital presence. She emphasized the importance of what you showcase online and how it impacts your professional reputation, especially with recruiters. Monalisa also encouraged consistent networking in online communities and maintaining a cohesive personal brand across all platforms. She reminded attendees to update their digital presence regularly and not take online interactions personally. Details in the blog post.
Netflix is partnering with Women in Big Data for a special networking event focused on women in data science and engineering. Attendees will learn how Netflix empowers its teams to create innovative tools that transform film and show production. The event will feature a panel of data science and engineering leaders sharing their career insights, followed by networking with Netflix professionals and peers from the industry.
Virtual Speed Mentoring event by Women in Big Data Berlin. It's going to be an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with inspiring professionals. More on event and registration.
WiBD - Got More?
WiBD Community - Join Us
Become a member: https://www.womeninbigdata.org/membership/
Join WiBD Company ?WiBD LinkedIn Company
Join WiBD ?LinkedIn Group Forum
Add WiBD to your LinkedIn profile
Sign up for your local Meetup.
?
Amazing