What Bentley Students Learned at the World’s Largest Gathering of Women in Tech

BS, Mathematical Sciences and Data Analytics

Attending the Grace Hopper Celebration for the second time gave me a broader view of how quickly the tech space is evolving and how many opportunities are out there for women. Being surrounded by so many female professionals created a strong sense of community. Everyone is driven, knowledgeable and working on ideas that push the field forward. 

One session that stood out to me was “AI Assistants for Elderly Care.” It was interesting to see a practical application of AI that addresses real demographic and healthcare challenges rather than abstract problems. The discussion covered accessibility, user-centered design, and how to build systems that support independence for older adults. It connected well with my own interests in analytics, actuarial science and health care-related work. 

GHC continues to be a valuable resource for me — not just for networking, but for better understanding where technology is heading and what ideas are out there. 

BS, Data Analytics and Computer Information Systems

I left GHC feeling inspired, energized, and confident in the type of student, professional, and leader I want to become. 

Speaker Erin Coupe, founder and CEO of Authentically EC, encouraged us to rethink productivity by asking, “How can I fit in what matters most to me?” Success isn’t about finding more time — it’s about cultivating more energy; and sustainable energy allows us to continue without burnout. Her alignment formula, “clarity + intention + energy,” reframed how I think about professional and personal balance. Shifting from thinking of time management to energy stewardship will allow us to recognize that a true measure of achievement lies in our impact, not our busyness. 

Overall, Grace Hopper was more than a conference; it was a reminder to stay curious, chase education and choose authenticity over performance. I am grateful for the connections I made, the stories I heard, and the lessons I took away from this experience.

BS, Marketing and Computer Information Systems

As this was my first conference, I was grateful for the incredible energy brought not just by the speakers but by every woman in attendance. 

I would like to give a special shoutout to my favorite session from the conference: “Accessibility First: Designing Mobile Apps for Everyone.” This topic is near and dear to my heart as someone passionate about inclusive design and advancing businesses that create experiences for their customers. 

In a world where users are at the forefront of technology, putting users first isn’t just good practice — it’s how we create experiences that truly benefit everyone. Through this session, I was able to expand my knowledge on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), meet and connect with other passionate women in the UX space, and learn to use exciting accessibility features on my iPhone. 

GHC 2025 was an unforgettable experience, giving me the chance to learn from other women in tech, network at the Talent and Tech Expo and breakout sessions, and feel inspired to contribute to the limitless future of technology.

BS, Computer Information Systems and Management

Attending GHC was an inspiring experience I will always remember. Being surrounded by thousands of women and nonbinary technologists from across the world created a space for empowerment, support and shared passion for technology. The energy throughout the conference was contagious. Every workshop, speaker and networking session offered something new to learn and reflect on. I left feeling motivated and more confident in my goals within the tech industry.

One of the most impactful sessions I attended was the “Neurodiversity in Tech Workshop,” led by senior directors from Capital One. The workshop focused on how neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths to technology and innovation. The speakers discussed how companies can better support and empower neurodiverse employees by fostering inclusive environments that recognize different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Hearing from leaders who have implemented these practices within a major organization like Capital One made the discussion feel like a practical way to champion empathy and inclusion while driving creativity and success.

I left the conference feeling more motivated than ever to pursue my career goals and to continue being part of conversations that shape the future of technology and inclusion.

BS, Computer Information Systems and Marketing

The GHC in Chicago was such an amazing experience. I was able to network and learn so much about the tech industry. Throughout the conference, I met and connected with people from Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and even EA Sports. 

I was even able to attend an after-hours event held by Deloitte. The conference had both a Talent and a Tech Expo where I was able to meet new people and try new things. I enjoyed meeting new people as well as being surrounded by others who are working or want to work in the same field as me. I enjoyed the opportunity to attend different talks and meetups, many of which were very interesting to be a part of.

BS, Finance

The Grace Hopper Celebration was amazing, and I’m so grateful to Bentley for sponsoring me. The conference is built to open doors, spark curiosity and remind you that you truly belong in this industry. It was amazing to meet with so many talented women in tech and connect over our shared goals and experiences. 

I heard from incredible speakers like Vivian Tu, Sophia Gu, and Monalisa Chati. Beyond the sessions, I loved the booths hosted by NVIDIA, Google, Disney, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America — each crafting such unique and engaging experiences. 

A key refrain throughout the conference was this: “AI is not taking people’s jobs.” Instead, the people who do not learn how to use AI effectively are the ones who risk being left behind. Every speaker emphasized that AI is a tool that amplifies human potential, and the real opportunity can be found in learning how to work with it. 

I left the event genuinely excited about my future. Being surrounded by so much talent and innovation made me feel more confident in the direction of my career and inspired me to aim even higher. 

Master of Science in Human Factor in Information Design

GHC was incredibly energizing, both personally and professionally. As an MSHFID student focused on UX Design, I hoped to explore new opportunities and connect with others in the field. I left feeling inspired, supported and more grounded in the type of designer I want to become. 

One of my favorite activities at GHC was Braindate. A conference with thousands of attendees is exciting, but it can easily feel overwhelming, too. Through Braindate, I had structured opportunities to connect with others in small groups or one-on-one. I met a senior UX manager at Capital One who shared thoughtful insights about the distinction between management and the individual-contributor path. Becoming a manager should never be seen as the “default next step”; instead, it should be a deliberate choice driven by a desire to uplift others, guide a team and help people reach a shared vision. 

This conversation pushed me to reflect more intentionally on what I want for my career. Conversations like these remind me why having a community of women and nonbinary technologists is so important. These spaces foster safety, creativity and empowerment, which isn’t always a given in broader tech environments.

Master of Science in Human Factor in Information Design

As a UX designer and researcher, I learned a lot at GHC. One memorable session focused on becoming a “non-obvious thinker,” encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones and remain open to unconventional ideas. The speaker demonstrated how to tell a compelling story by using visuals only as background support for his narrative — a technique I found particularly valuable for job interviews and presentations. 

One of the most exciting aspects of GHC this year was the flexibility to explore. I got to speak with every company offering roles related to product design, UX research or user experience without having to wait outside early in the morning. My badge also provided early access to view booth placements before expo hours, helping me plan ahead and go directly to the companies I was most interested in.   

One of my favorite moments was getting a resume review from a UX Researcher at Google. I’ve been working to better understand how to craft a strong UX Researcher resume, and the detailed feedback on wording and framing was extremely helpful.

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Attending the Grace Hopper Celebration was truly an honor! My conference experience mainly revolved around Braindate sessions and lectures, where I had the chance to meet, learn from and be inspired by incredible women from the tech industry. 

I enjoyed meeting and hearing from Braindate’s CEO, Christine Renaud. Her topic was entrepreneurship, and she used a brilliant analogy to describe starting a business while already working at a big tech company. She likened it to being on a big ship while you’re also building a small boat. Starting your venture in this way allows you to learn survival techniques, connect with people who can offer advice, and gradually make your boat bigger and more stable. When your small boat is ready to sail on its own, it's time to jump from the big ship. During your journey, you'll face challenges, like finding the materials to fix your boat and bailing out water. It's vital to repair the boat and not let it sink. 

I can't wait to join the conference again next year to soak up that incredible “girl energy” it offers!

Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design 

At GHC, I was able to attend a wide range of sessions, engage directly with leaders in the field, and expand my professional network in ways that will continue to shape my career.

One of the most impactful sessions I attended was “Finding the Voice in the Noise.” As someone working in UX research, this session was deeply relevant. It offered practical strategies for identifying user signals in complex environments, and it reinforced many of the research principles I use in my own projects.

Networking at GHC felt especially rich and meaningful. I connected with product design and UX research leaders from companies such as John Deere and Google, gaining perspective on the evolution of research and design in industry. I also attended the Google after-hours event, where I met several recruiters and engineers. These conversations helped me better understand career trajectories, hiring expectations and emerging opportunities in tech.

GHC strengthened my skills, introduced me to mentors and peers I will stay connected with, and gave me exposure to new ideas both within UX research and across the broader technology landscape. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and continued support that allowed me to attend.