We Have Some News to Share
Today we have some bittersweet news to share with the WiDS Worldwide community.
Executive Director Chisoo Lyons has decided to step down from her role. While we will miss her leadership, we are most grateful for the vision, dedication, and passion she brought to WiDS Worldwide, and we are excited to celebrate the lasting impact of her contributions.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Throughout her tenure, Chisoo led WiDS with purpose, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. She guided the organization through a period of extraordinary change, from the unprecedented acceleration of artificial intelligence to a rapidly evolving global landscape, while ensuring that WiDS continued to grow as a global community dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Data Science and AI leaders.
Drawing on decades of experience building industry-transforming AI solutions and leading world-class AI organizations, Chisoo guided the evolution of WiDS’ strategy by expanding its investment in education, growing university collaborations, and building year-round programs that extend learning and community far beyond the annual conference. Her leadership expanded opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and professionals to learn, connect, and grow together.
Under her leadership, WiDS evolved into a global, year-round community for AI and data science learning and collaboration. She led the expansion of WiDS’ global programs, strengthened engagement across its worldwide Ambassador network, and expanded the organization’s reach to more than 200 university collaborators around the world. Together with our dedicated staff, Ambassadors, volunteers, and corporate partners, she grew a thriving global community to more than 60,000 members spanning 163 countries. She also led the expansion of its programs, including the Global Datathon, which has engaged more than 15,000 cumulative participants, and Career Catalyst, which has connected learners and advisors from our community across the globe. Her leadership has positioned WiDS for continued growth and impact for years to come.
Join Us in Celebrating Chisoo
We are deeply grateful for everything Chisoo has contributed to our organization and our global community. Her leadership leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to shape WiDS well into the future.
We look forward to sharing more about the next chapter of WiDS with our community in the weeks ahead.
Thank you,
WiDS Worldwide Team