Empowering women in tech

On Wednesday, July 24, the campus community gathered for an inspiring and dynamic event dedicated to Women in Leadership and Technology. Hosted by AU Women in Technology and the Biggio Center's Women in Leadership Community, the first Summer Summit brought together women and campus allies from various technology and leadership roles to inspire, educate and connect. 

The keynote session featured Vineetha Menon, the Dr. Terence Reed Endowed Associate Professor of Computer Science and director of the Big Data Analytics Lab at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Menon shared her journey and strategies that have propelled her to the forefront of her field. Her multidisciplinary research in data science, deep learning and AI-driven technologies, along with her accolades including the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Young Professional award, provided attendees with valuable insights into overcoming challenges and achieving success in technology.

Following Menon's keynote, the summit continued with an informative session by Stephanee Stephens from Microsoft. Stephens led a session on "Maximizing Efficiency with Microsoft 365 Applications," exploring tools like OneDrive, Teams, Bookings, Forms, Loop and Planner, and how they can enhance collaboration, security and productivity.  

Attendees enjoyed a lunch and networking session in the Mell Atrium, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, mentors and innovators. The event concluded with an open panel where Microsoft, Palo Alto and Salesforce vendors answered questions and offered personalized advice to participants. 

The first Women in Technology and Women in Leadership Community Summer Summit was a resounding success, thanks to the participation and enthusiasm of everyone involved. The discussions on modern work, AI, ethics and equity in tech were enriching and thought-provoking, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives. 

As we continue to celebrate and support women’s technological achievements, we look forward to more empowering gatherings that inspire and connect our community. Follow our LinkedIn account and visit the AU Women in Technology website or The Biggio Center website for updates on future events!