Returning to Grace Hopper as a Software Engineer
The first time I attended the Grace Hopper Celebration, I was a Berkeley student on a conference scholarship through the EECS department. This year, I returned with Meta’s Women in Infrastructure group as a software engineer.
Being back in a different stage of my career made the experience feel especially meaningful. I could remember what it was like to attend as a student, imagining the paths ahead of me. This time, I also had the opportunity to support and mentor others navigating those same questions.
What stayed with me most was the sense of community. Being surrounded by thousands of women and nonbinary technologists was a reminder of how many different ways there are to build a career in tech.
The relationships I’ve built through communities like this have shaped my confidence and sense of belonging. Meeting someone who understands your questions, shares their experience, or helps you see another possibility can make a lasting difference.
I’m grateful that Berkeley helped me attend as a student and that I had the chance to return with colleagues at Meta. I’m already looking forward to another GHC.
