By Ananya Upadhyay ’24, graduate student in information technology and web science
My journey began halfway across the world in India, where tech captured my curiosity from an early age. Inspired by my mother — a hardworking, independent woman who pours her heart into her work — I felt motivated to carve my own path. I traveled all the way to Troy, New York, to immerse myself in the vibrant tech culture and change on a global scale. Coming to RPI was my way of diving headfirst into a world of innovation, and the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) turned out to be the adventure I didn’t know I needed.
When I first arrived at RPI, it was clear that everyone around me was doing their best to achieve their dreams. What struck me most was RPI’s unwavering support for students, helping those with potential and passion get closer to their dream careers. This nurturing environment made me feel empowered to push my own boundaries.
As I advanced in my studies, I learned about the GHC, a prestigious women-in-tech conference. Friends and alumni shared their incredible experiences, and I knew I had to be there, so I reached out to my adviser to secure my spot. By summer of 2024, I was ecstatic to learn that I would join 17 other women from RPI’s Department of Computer Science and Information Technology and Web Science program, thanks to RPI’s generous sponsorship. The countdown began, and our girl gang formed, ready to tackle the conference. Our excitement was truly palpable!
The conference took place this fall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, we grabbed our badges and planned our days, which included a variety of tech sessions and a bustling career fair featuring 200+ tech companies.
The first day kicked off with a whirlwind of tech sessions that left my mind buzzing with new ideas. From AI innovations to the future of tech, every session was inspiring. By the evening, I found myself at the legendary career fair, meeting representatives from companies like Goldman Sachs, Disney, Intuit, and many more. The highlight? An exclusive invite to Workday’s after-party, where I connected with some of the most driven women in tech, including those from Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google. I couldn’t believe the energy at our table; it was absolutely electric!
On the second day, our morning started with a meet and greet hosted by Uber, where we made bracelets and chatted about careers in tech. The day reached its peak with an exciting one-on-one recruiting event with Apple, where I had coffee and great conversations about working at Apple (and received some awesome swag!). The evening ended at Two Sigma’s after-party, another incredible night of networking.
The final day wrapped up with a closing plenary and more inspiring sessions. I also had the chance to connect with more phenomenal companies like Bank of America, Oracle, and Cloudflare.
Though I’m sad GHC 2024 is over, I left with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a ton of inspiration to keep pushing forward as a woman in tech! As I headed home, my heart was overflowing with gratitude, inspiration, and excitement for the future. I returned not only with new friendships and an expanded network, but also with a completely transformed mindset. GHC reminded me that we’re capable of achieving far more than we ever imagine — it was a beautiful celebration of brains, passion, and innovation, embodying what women in tech truly represent. I’m deeply thankful to RPI for making this incredible experience possible, allowing me to attend, connect, and grow. I look forward to many more tech adventures, growth opportunities, and unforgettable experiences!
