Date(s): Oct 25 - 26, 2024
Location: York University, Toronto, Canada
Attendee: Mehreen Uzma

The CAN-WiCS (Canadian Women in Computer Science) Conference brought together over 500 students, professionals, and academics from across Canada to celebrate and support women in the field of computer science. This annual event served as a platform for networking, skill development, and discussions on the challenges and opportunities for women in tech. I am incredibly thankful to SFU Women in Computer Science and the School of Computing Science for this opportunity to network and engage with other students, professionals, and academics from across Canada.

Day One

The conference began with an opening ceremony on Friday evening, where everyone gathered to hear inspiring keynote speeches from industry leaders and trailblazers in computer science. Each speech was empowering and fostered a sense of belonging, reaffirming our place in a predominantly male-dominated field. During this time, SFU received a shout-out as the first university to organize a virtual CAN-CWICS, known as CAN CWICS WEST. Students from SFU were able to listen in and gain inspiration from the keynote speakers. I appreciated this as it opened more doors for opportunity. After the speeches concluded, dinner was served, which provided a pleasant closure to the first day. It was a chance to meet new people, network, and share stories, all while enjoying good food.

Day Two:

The next day started early with breakfast, followed by a quick ceremony that outlined the day’s schedule. This was particularly helpful, as the website was somewhat confusing to navigate. The ceremony clarified the room locations and how the day was structured. The first four hours featured back-to-back workshops held in different rooms. Depending on our interests, we could choose which sessions to attend. Overall, the workshops were well-organized, although some speakers went over time, which occasionally caused us to miss the next session. Despite this, I enjoyed learning about the work being done by various companies, from AI at Canadian National Railway (CN) to security at the RCMP and research on wearable technology and fashion. These sessions provided a wealth of knowledge and insights.

After the workshops concluded, lunch was served. I liked how everyone received lunch simultaneously, making it easier to connect with others. Following lunch, we headed to the main stage, where company booths were set up. Although the number of company representatives was limited, this allowed for more meaningful networking opportunities and connections.

Overall

The conference emphasized building connections through dedicated networking sessions, where attendees could interact with peers, recruiters, and mentors. Company booths from leading tech firms provided insights into potential career paths and internship opportunities. The CAN-WiCS Conference reaffirmed the importance of community and collaboration in advancing gender equity in computer science. I left with new skills, valuable connections, and a renewed commitment to supporting women in tech. The conference was a resounding success, fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging among participants. It highlighted the progress made and the work still needed to achieve greater representation and inclusion in the field.

Special Thanks

Once again, I would like to thank all the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers, including SFU WiCS and the School of Computing Science, for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.

Photos from the Conference: