11-07, 16:05–16:45 (US/Eastern), Winter Garden
In this panel discussion, WiDS ambassadors will share how building communities in data science empowers women through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and networking. We'll explore how these communities enhance both personal and professional growth, while providing accessible opportunities for everyone to join, get empowered, and make an impact.
This panel brings together WiDS ambassadors to discuss the transformative impact of building and engaging in women-focused data communities. Panelists will share their journeys of community building, exploring how these spaces empower women by offering mentorship, support, and collaboration. We'll discuss the challenges faced, strategies for creating lasting connections, and the role of these communities in breaking down barriers in the tech and data science fields.
Key takeaways will include:
Personal stories from panelists about their involvement in women-centered data communities.
Practical advice on finding and joining supportive communities.
Tips for leveraging these communities for career growth and learning.
Strategies for organizing inclusive events that foster engagement and connection.
This session will demonstrate how community involvement drives both professional growth and personal fulfillment, opening doors to new opportunities for all.
No previous knowledge expected
Sheetal has six years of experience in data science and machine learning, with a career that spans Asia and Europe and active engagement with the global data science community. She worked at Amazon as an Applied Scientist in London, focusing on personalization, and as a Machine Learning Engineer at JP Morgan Chase in Hong Kong. She holds a master’s degree in Data Science and AI from a dual degree program in the Netherlands and Finland, during which she published papers at top-tier conferences. Currently, she leads a paper reading group in the Northeast, facilitating discussions with fellow data professionals.
Sheetal is deeply passionate about fostering and growing women-focused communities in tech. As a WiDS (Women in Data Science) ambassador, she actively supports initiatives that empower women in the field. Her dedication to community impact was recognized with the Social Impact Award in Germany.
Shefali is completing her MS in Applied Statistics at Columbia University and brings over 3 years of data science and analytics experience across education, consulting, and AdTech. Her notable work includes leading data-driven initiatives that impacted 90,000 schools at BCG, optimizing ad performance at Media.net (one of the top 5 largest AdTech companies worldwide by market cap), and developing cloud-based analytics solutions for U.S. non-profit institutions.
Astha is a Senior Data Scientist at a top Fortune 10 company, where she designs the recommendation engine for digital platforms to help customers find the right products and patients find the right health services and support. She also leads AI initiatives including generative AI and oversees the entire search and chat portfolio across the app and web.
With nine years of experience in data science at tech companies like Oracle and Twilio, Astha is now applying her expertise to healthcare. She has a background in healing and alternative therapies and is researching how to integrate AI, health, and healing. Astha is passionate about empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to excel. She recently published book chapters in collaboration with the Indian Fertility Society, focusing on AI in counseling in Assisted Reproduction Technology. As one of the 19 members of the national core team in India, she is leading the technology and AI platform for Counselor Empowerment Program (CEP) with a mission to provide data driven AI systems to support counselors and patients in IVF centers across the country.
Her work is unique in that it merges traditional healing therapies and psychotherapy with artificial intelligence, using Python-based models built on anonymized data combined with technology like OpenAI, Gemini etc. using architectures like RAG to ensure contextual and reliable AI. This approach allows for hyper-personalized treatment plans for individuals while maintaining data privacy and accountability. In the context of IVF patients, this method aims to prevent additional burdens like depression, ensuring they receive comprehensive support during their challenging journey.
In addition to this Astha is a speaker, author, and mentor. She helps women advance in data science as a founding board member and vice president of Women Who Do Data. Astha has been recognized among the top 250 women globally in AI and ML and has received the Global Recognition Award, and Excellence in Applied Research Award.
Astha has a master's in Analytics from University of Minnesota and a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication from VIT University.
I am a senior associate at JPMorgan and I hold a PhD in Economics. I am also the NYC chapter lead of AICamp, ambassador of Women in Data Science (WiDS) and Women Techmaker (WTM).
Feel free to connect me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuxin-liu/
As a Machine Learning Engineer, I've dedicated the last 1.5 years to developing AI solutions for the environmental services sector at Veolia North America. I'm also a strong advocate for increasing representation in the field, and I've served as a Women in Data Science ambassador for two years, organizing various events to highlight the contributions of women in data science.
Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-karanikola/
I am a data scientist graduating from U.C. Berkeley’s Masters in Information & Data Science (MIDS) program this fall. Previously, I have worked at Katch, an AI content analytics platform, where I developed techniques to process and engineer the proprietary movie content features deployed in our recommendation models. Before transitioning into data science, I worked in educational consulting and research for over a decade and earned an M.Ed. in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington. At the UW Center for Evaluation & Research for STEM Equity (CERSE), my research concentrated on promoting the advancement of STEM students from underrepresented groups in higher education.
Participating in data science communities like WiDS has been instrumental to my ongoing learning and professional development in the field of AI/ML, and I am honored to join my fellow WiDS NYC members at PyData in highlighting opportunities and impacts in these pathways for empowerment.