Women in Data Science Charlottesville 2025

WiDS Charlottesville is independently organized by the University of Virginia School of Data Science to increase participation of women in data science and to feature outstanding women doing outstanding work. WiDS Charlottesville 2025 will be held in person at the School of Data Science with a livestream option available for sessions taking place in the Capital One Hub.

This year's event will feature a keynote discussion with Lexi Reese, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Lanai Software, research lightning talks by emerging data scientists, an interactive art project, resume reviews, and a panel session on self-advocation. WiDS Charlottesville is a free event held at the UVA School of Data Science and all genders are welcome to attend. For the program agenda and speaker bios, please visit our conference website.

NOTES:

• Lunch is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Only events in the Capital One Hub will be livestreamed.
• If you need accommodations, please specify during registration.

Info: Admissions Ambassadors will lead tours highlighting what it's like to be a student at the School of Data Science and all the features of our new building. Tours depart at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes. No advance registration is required.

Info: Engage with representatives from corporate partners.

Info: Meet with career advisors to review your resume for job or graduate school applications.

Info: Lunch is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Info: Families are invited to take a break. Children activities and snacks will be provided though a parent or guardian must accompany their child at all times.

Info: Join us for an insightful keynote conversation with Lexi Reese, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Lanai Software. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at industry giants such as Google and Gusto, Lexi has been at the forefront of integrating data-driven strategies to scale high-performance teams and drive organizational success. This conversation will delve into Lexi’s journey in leveraging data science to drive business growth, her insights on building inclusive and high-performing teams, and her vision for the future of AI in the enterprise landscape. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the intersection of data science, leadership, and technology innovation from one of the industry’s most accomplished leaders.

Info: Join us for a dynamic session of Research Lightning Talks, where emerging Ph.D. students in data science showcase cutting-edge research at the intersection of machine learning, physics, healthcare, text analysis, and remote sensing. These rapid-fire presentations will highlight innovative methodologies, theoretical advancements, and real-world applications shaping the future of data science.

Info: What does data science mean to you? What does it mean to be a woman in data science? How can we shape the future of the field with ethics and inclusivity in mind? Join us for a thoughtful, moderated discussion exploring these questions and more in a welcoming space designed for young women interested in data science. Together, we’ll reflect on personal experiences, aspirations, and the evolving role of women in the field. Following the discussion, participants will engage in a hands-on creative project—writing or drawing key takeaways from the conversation. These personal reflections will be added to a collaborative mural, a visual representation of our collective insights and aspirations, to be displayed at the School of Data Science. Whether you’re just beginning to explore data science or already envisioning your place in the field, this session is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and create. 

Info: Success in data science isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about making your voice heard, your work seen, and your impact felt. This panel brings together leaders/women in data science to discuss strategies for advocating for yourself in your career, promoting your research, securing resources to build a research program, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. Whether you're navigating academia, industry, or entrepreneurship, join us for an insightful discussion on self-advocacy, leadership, and the power of community in shaping a successful and fulfilling career in data science.

Featured Speakers:
• Michele Claibourn, Director of Equitable Analysis for The Equity Center at UVA
• Nur Yildirim, Assistant Professor of Data Science
• Hope McIntyre, Staff AI Software Engineer, Ironclad (MSDS '16)
• Jennifer West, Dean, UVA School of Engineering & Applied Science (moderator)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

School of Data Science, 1919 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, United States