Anika Raisa Chowdhury, Student Life Editor
Amidst the urban landscape of Detroit, a dynamic and empowering gathering unfolded at the DTE Energy Headquarters this weekend on March 30th, the 2nd Detroit International Women's Day Summit. From early morning to dusk, tech professionals and enthusiasts converged to celebrate Women's History Month and delve into the realm of professional empowerment.
Organized by COMPES Detroit and Women Techmakers (WTM), this event served as a testament to the strength and resilience of women in the tech industry, with students from UM-Dearborn playing a significant role in its success.
COMPES, or the Coalition of Minority Professional Engineering Societies, serves as a catalyst for unity and collaboration among engineering organizations. Established in 2000, COMPES aims to empower and uplift minority engineers, including chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
On the other hand, WTM, spearheaded by Google, is dedicated to providing visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. Their presence at the summit added an additional layer of empowerment and support to the event's vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond being attendees, students from UM-Dearborn played pivotal roles in shaping the event from behind the scenes, contributing significantly to the event's promotion and logistics. Huda Hussaini, a senior and WTM Ambassador, led the charge in communication with the speakers, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the day.
Meanwhile, a junior, Kanika Mohan orchestrated volunteer management and I, Anika Chowdhury, a graduate student, utilized my design skills to create fliers, contribute to the development of the website, and spread the word about the event on LinkedIn and other technical communities. Our efforts culminated in the creation of a dynamic website led by a senior, Maryam Tello, with the collaborative efforts of 12 other college students. The website is live here.
Moreover, two students took center stage as speakers, sharing their insights and expertise with the audience. Kanika Mohan, who will soon intern at Dell, delivered a compelling talk on personal branding, while recent alum Seungju Choi enlightened the crowd with her research on technology and car entertainment system user experience.
The summit's agenda was as diverse as its attendees, featuring lightning talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. From discussions on the intersection of tech and artistry to strategies for financial success, the event left attendees inspired and equipped with valuable information.
As the day came to a close, the halls of DTE Energy Headquarters buzzed with excitement and optimism for the future. The Detroit International Women's Day Summit not only celebrated women's achievements but also paved the way for a more inclusive and empowered tech industry. #Google #ProfessionalDevelopement #GoogleDeveloperStudentClub #BeyondCampus #UniversityofMichigan #GoogleDeveloperGroup #WomenTechmakers