Attending Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) Conference (3 pts) - Class of 2027

Attending Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2025 in Chicago was a deeply affirming and intellectually grounding experience that shaped how I think about leadership, belonging, and community within technology. GHC provided an environment where technical growth, identity, and reflection were centered simultaneously, allowing me to engage with the field beyond coursework or internships.

The opening plenary established a powerful foundation for reflection. One message shared by Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org, remained central throughout the experience: “You become limitless when you limit less.” For women in technology, and particularly Black women, internalized limits often develop in response to systemic barriers and underrepresentation. This message challenged me to examine how those limits show up in my own thinking and to approach my goals with greater confidence and intention.

Sessions throughout the conference further reinforced this theme. A panel focused on Black women reclaiming space in tech emphasized that questioning assumptions and challenging what is presented is an act of both courage and intelligence. Navigating spaces that were not originally designed with us in mind sharpens our perspective and strengthens our contributions. The discussion affirmed that our voices and experiences are not peripheral, but essential to innovation and progress.

GHC also highlighted the importance of intergenerational community and mentorship. While in Chicago, Spelman alumnae working in the area connected with current students attending the conference, and the Spelman College Computer Science Department helped facilitate a student-alumnae dinner. This space allowed for open conversation about career paths, challenges, and growth. Hearing directly from Spelman women who had navigated similar journeys reinforced the value of mentorship, legacy, and collective advancement.

Beyond formal sessions, engaging with professionals in the expo hall and attending discussions on burnout and values-aligned careers offered grounding perspective. These conversations emphasized that long-term success in tech requires sustainability, self-awareness, and alignment between personal values and professional goals.

Overall, GHC was both inspiring and clarifying. It strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career that values innovation alongside inclusion and humanity. This experience encouraged me to show up more confidently in technical spaces while remaining connected to community, and it continues to shape how I think about leadership, impact, and belonging in technology.

By Joie Whitmon