Written by Shawna Morgan, Director of Development @ WiDS Worldwide
I had the privilege of attending—and facilitating a panel at—the WiDS Puget Sound event on May 30th, hosted by the incredible Diversity in Data Science team, a passionate group of WiDS ambassadors, in collaboration with WiDS Worldwide.
It was inspiring to see nearly 200 talented attendees in person—a majority of whom were women, reflecting the mission of WiDS to elevate and support women in the field—and even more exciting to know that participants from over 30 countries joined us via livestream. From students to senior professionals, the event brought together people at all stages of their careers to learn, connect, and support one another in advancing the field of data science and AI.
Three key themes resonated deeply with me:
1. AI is advancing rapidly—what does that mean for jobs?
With ongoing headlines about layoffs, many are asking: Will I be next? Will my job be replaced by AI? The panel conversations, speed mentoring, and informal networking all pointed to a consistent message: No! Humans will remain essential and in the loop. While the nature of work is changing, AI is augmenting—not replacing—the workforce. There will be continued job growth, but we must be ready to adapt. Check out the GenAI and Careers in Data Science Panel for insights.
2. Success in data science and AI requires more than technical skills – Complexity in the science, simplicity in the solution.
It’s not just about coding and building models and the technical skills, It’s about what some call soft skills, others call critical skills—and what we at WiDS Worldwide refer to as Essential Skills. These include communication skills, collaboration skills, adaptability, perseverance, and leadership: the human strengths that allow technical work to drive real-world impact. View Chisoo’s keynote where she discusses these topics and where the industry is headed.
3. Career growth starts with you.
You have to invest in yourself. Take time to assess your strengths, define the roles you aspire to, and create a roadmap. Mentorship is vital to growth—and sponsorship, having someone advocate for you when you’re not in the room, is just as critical. You must be able to articulate your value and have others do the same on your behalf. It’s a continuous loop: learn, adjust, communicate, know your worth, and advocate for yourself. Invest in your future and check out the Level Up panel to hear ideas and tips on how you can be successful in your career.
These themes align beautifully with the WiDS Worldwide mission:
To cultivate the next generation of Data Science and AI leaders by providing resources for upskilling, networking, mentorship, and growth opportunities—from students to professionals.
Thank you to the WiDS Puget Sound, Diversity in Data Science team for a phenomenal event—and to everyone helping build a more inclusive, future-ready AI and data science workforce. Don’t miss out on all the great content from Puget Sound on YouTube.
About the Author
Shawna Morgan is the Director of Development @ WiDS Worldwide. She is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of driving growth and leading high-impact initiatives across industries. At WiDS Worldwide, Shawna is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in data science and AI through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising. Her work is deeply personal—driven by a vision of a more inclusive, equitable future in tech where the next generation, including her own, can thrive.
