Approaching the Grace Hopper Celebration 2018: We get what we give…

I’ve been in technology for more than two decades. Too often, I am the only woman in the room. This doesn’t bother me too much because I come from a family of five girls and I’m accustomed to being bolstered by a mostly female support system. However, I recognize the need for women to be able to look around and see other female faces – to see that it’s possible that they will have a future role in technology. It is important – no matter what your career stage – to look around and not feel lonely; to feel inspired, valued, and encouraged to take chances and stretch yourself. 

From September 26–28, I will be joining around 18,000 other women technologists at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Houston, TX, where we will get a chance to do just that. The event is produced by AnitaB.org and presented in partnership with ACM. Women from all different points in their career will attend, with last year’s conference reporting over 40% at mid- or senior level, like me. 

I first heard about the conference almost ten years ago, and have attended several times since – sometimes as a speaker, and always as an attendee. Every time I attend this conference I am reminded that “you get what you give”. I always think about what I can offer to the thousands of other women across the world who are in the trenches with me; and those who are about to graduate and join this incredible industry where we build and create and contribute to the future. 

This year, I will attend the conference with some familiar goals: 

• Meet new people
• Learn new things 
• Be inspired 
• Be thoughtful
• Be encouraging to others

The conference is inspired by the legacy of Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, who was in her forties when she created the first computer compiler. She always said that her most important accomplishment was training young people – encouraging them to “try it”, to remind everyone to take chances. At this conference we will all have the opportunity to be surrounded by encouragement and hope. These are the people who will move forward and try things, solve big problems, and build new solutions. It is so important for a company to be involved in these programs, to be inspired as well as work to inspire others.

If you’re heading to Houston, I encourage you to think ahead about what you want to contribute to the conference, as well as what you want to learn from it. What do you need to motivated to try? What chance do you want to take? I am reminded of the Friday night dance party and lyrics from The New Radicals song: “Can’t forget, we only get what we give. Don’t let go, I feel the music in you.” Hope to see you on the dance floor.