As 2025 came to a close, WiDS Ambassador-led events continued to bring people together to learn, exchange ideas, and build community around data science and AI. Across regions and formats, the final months of the year created space for thoughtful conversations — from human-centered AI and governance to hands-on education and early exposure to data science concepts.
These events reflect what WiDS is committed to fostering: accessible learning, meaningful connection, and locally led communities that are globally aligned — supporting learners and practitioners at every stage of their data journey.
To explore upcoming regional events or join your local WiDS community, visit the WiDS Community Platform.
🇺🇸 WiDS Palo Alto @ SAP | October 1 | Regional Conference
Hosted at the SAP AppHaus Palo Alto by the SAP Business Women’s Network, WiDS Palo Alto @ SAP brought together leaders and practitioners for an evening focused on AI agents, human oversight, and responsible innovation.
The program featured a Tech Talk on AI Agents and the Future, followed by a panel discussion, Trusting the Agents – Human Oversight in Autonomous AI Systems, with senior leaders from SAP, Google, NVIDIA, and Nova Intelligence. Thoughtful roundtable discussions led by SAP data scientists created space for candid conversation around career growth, learning in fast-moving AI environments, and the importance of community.
Key takeaways emphasized confidence through career transitions, continuous learning in an evolving AI landscape, and the power of reaching out — even when responses feel uncertain.
Thank you to Ambassador Sally Lawler Kennedy and the SAP BWN Palo Alto team for hosting this inspiring evening.
🇺🇸 WiDS Austin @ Westlake High School | October 2 | NextGen Event
WiDS Austin showcased the power of youth leadership with a NextGen event led through Westlake High School. The keynote presentation explored real-time micro-wildfire risk forecasting, introducing students to multimodal data fusion, deep learning, and fairness evaluation in real-world AI systems.
Attendees were guided through the full data science pipeline — from preprocessing and model evaluation to deployment considerations — making advanced concepts like bias and ethical responsibility approachable for students new to data science.
The event sparked an engaging Q&A and left students inspired by the accessibility and impact of applied AI research.
Thank you to Ambassador Rhea Ghosal for championing NextGen leadership and technical excellence.
🇭🇺 WiDS Budapest | October 9 | Regional Conference
WiDS Budapest 2025 welcomed over 150 attendees for a dynamic regional conference celebrating women’s contributions to data science, AI, and technology. Supported by a strong network of academic and industry partners, the event featured keynotes, technical talks, and an engaging panel on ethical and responsible AI in policy, governance, and business.
Poster sessions and networking opportunities encouraged knowledge exchange and community building, while discussions highlighted AI’s societal impact and future direction.
Thank you to Ambassadors Andrea Sipos and Orsolya Vásásrhelyi for delivering a vibrant and empowering event.
🇺🇸 WiDS Irvine | October 12 | NextGen Event
WiDS Irvine hosted a hands-on data science education event for K–12 students and their families, introducing core concepts in data preprocessing, exploratory data analysis, and machine learning using Python tools such as NumPy, Pandas, and scikit-learn.
Designed for students without prior exposure to data science, the program combined instruction with practical exercises, helping participants see the real-world power of data-driven models.
Nearly 100 students and parents attended, reinforcing the importance of early access to technical education.
Thank you to Ambassador Dory Ding for advancing data literacy among young learners.
🇦🇷 WiDS Buenos Aires | October 16 | Regional Conference
WiDS Buenos Aires explored the theme “From art, design, and engineering to data and AI,” featuring interdisciplinary applications of data science across legal analysis, violence prevention, biomedical research, and advanced engineering.
Presentations by graduates of the University of Buenos Aires’ Faculty of Engineering highlighted how diverse academic paths converge in data-driven innovation.
Thank you to Ambassador Silvia Adriana Ramos and the organizing team for spotlighting interdisciplinary excellence.
🇨🇱 WiDS Santiago @ UC | October 17 | Regional Conference
WiDS Santiago @ UC brought together around 80 participants for a half-day program blending hands-on learning and industry insight. Highlights included a Tableau workshop and a talk from a statistician at LATAM Airlines, offering a real-world look at data-driven decision-making in aviation.
The event strengthened local community ties and encouraged attendees to stay engaged through the global WiDS network.
Thank you to Ambassador María José García-Zattera for leading this impactful regional gathering.
🇺🇸 WiDS Chicago | October 23 | Regional Conference
Hosted at DePaul University, WiDS Chicago featured speakers from the Cook County Data Team discussing Building Better Open Data: Usability, Engagement, and Public Trust.
The session explored strategies for improving open data portals through stronger metadata practices, user-centered design, and governance frameworks — emphasizing transparency and public trust in data systems.
Thank you to Ambassador Maggie Wolff for organizing this timely and civic-focused conversation.
🇺🇸 WiDS @ IBM Silicon Valley Lab | October 24 | Regional Conference
With more than 150 in-person and 80 virtual attendees, WiDS @ IBM Silicon Valley Lab delivered an energizing day centered on human-centered AI innovation.
Sessions covered generative AI adoption, emerging technologies, and practical tools, alongside community-building activities that fostered creativity, reflection, and connection. Attendees engaged in hands-on learning, design thinking, and discussions around bravery, imposter syndrome, and continuous growth.
Thank you to Ambassador Grishma Jena and the IBM team for creating such a welcoming and high-impact experience.
🇫🇮 WiDS Oulu | October 29 | Upskill Workshop
WiDS Oulu hosted an intimate upskill workshop exploring Generative AI, multimodality, agents, and explainability. Through a series of expert talks and interactive Q&A sessions, participants examined both technical innovation and responsible AI practices.
Thank you to Ambassador Prasasthy Balasubramanian for curating a thoughtful and engaging learning experience.
🇺🇸 WiDS Chicago @ Morningstar | November 13 | Regional Conference
Human Intelligence in AI: Building Trust and Governance brought together professionals across AI, data science, cybersecurity, and research for an afternoon of learning and dialogue.
Highlights included a panel on trust and governance in AI systems, insights into compensation trends from the AI and Data Science Compensation Report, and a foundational session on evaluating generative AI systems.
Attendees praised the event’s practical frameworks and actionable takeaways.
Thank you to Ambassador Anusha Dwivedula and partners for strengthening the Chicago AI community’s commitment to responsible AI.
🇺🇸 WiDS @ Boston University | November 14 | Networking Event
WiDS x BU: Women Leading in Data convened over 30 women for a panel discussion featuring senior analytics leaders from global organizations. Conversations explored how data teams drive cross-functional decision-making, the importance of pairing technical and business expertise, and the role of representation in leadership.
A networking session followed, fostering meaningful connections and shared learning.
Thank you to Ambassador Ming Hua Tsai for hosting this impactful networking event.
Closing Out 2025
The October–December events marked a meaningful close to a year shaped by curiosity, courage, and collective effort. Across classrooms, conference rooms, and community spaces, WiDS Ambassadors led conversations that challenged assumptions, built skills, and opened doors.
As we look ahead, we carry forward the energy and insight generated throughout 2025. Thank you to the Ambassadors, speakers, partners, and participants who continue to shape WiDS as a global community grounded in purpose and possibility. We’re excited to build on this momentum together in the year ahead.