Founded on the belief that data and AI should work for everyone, Women in Data™ began as a grassroots initiative in 2015 and has since grown into a thriving global community of over 70,000 members across 150+ countries.
In this interview with
Website Planet, Deni St. Lawrence shares how a simple idea turned into a powerful movement driven by inclusion, innovation, and impact. Through scholarships, hands-on learning, leadership training, and global events, Women in Data™ empowers women at every stage of their careers in tech.
At its core, the organization remains committed to ensuring diverse voices are not only heard—but are leading the future of data.
What inspired the founding of Women in Data™, and how has it grown into a global network of 70,000+ members across 150+ countries?
Women in Data™ started with a simple but powerful idea: representation matters. Back in 2015, in Sacramento, California, our founder saw firsthand how few women were in the room when it came to data and technology, and how much innovation was being left on the table because of it. That moment sparked a movement.
We believed then (and still do today) that if we don’t have diverse voices shaping the future of data, we risk building systems, tools, and products that leave people behind. Our mission has always been rooted in the belief that data and AI should work for everyone, and that starts with making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
From those early meetups in Northern California to now being a global community of over 70,000 members in more than 150 countries, our growth has been entirely driven by people who believe in that mission. We’ve expanded through grassroots efforts, passionate volunteers, and partnerships with companies and organizations that care deeply about equity in tech.
Can you share some Women in Data™ initiatives and how they advance diversity and inclusion in STEM?
Absolutely, it’s one of my favorite parts of what we do.
At Women in Data™, we believe that diversity and inclusion aren’t just checkboxes; they’re what fuel innovation. That’s why we’ve built a range of initiatives designed to support women at every stage of their data journey.
One of our proudest accomplishments is our Scholarship Fund, which has already supported over 600 women in accessing the tools and training they need to succeed. These scholarships provide access to valuable programs, resources, and a supportive community that opens doors.
We also offer Learning Pathways in key areas like Data Science, AI, Machine Learning, and Data Analysis, plus access to over 500 courses through our partnership with DataCamp. And for those who want more hands-on experiences, our Datathon is a favorite. It brings members together from around the world to collaborate, solve real-world problems, and amplify underrepresented voices in tech.
Connection and community are at the core of everything we do. That’s why we offer programs like the Buddy System, monthly networking events, and expert-led webinars so our members never have to navigate their career journeys alone. We’ve even launched Leadership Training programs to make sure our members are not just in the room, they’re ready to lead it.
All of these programs are exclusive to our Pro Members. If you’re looking for a supportive, resource-rich space to grow your career in data, Pro Membership is the best place to start.
Can you describe the impact of your Data Connect conferences and how it engages both seasoned professionals and emerging talent?
The DataConnect Conference, co-hosted with our incredible partners at Women in Analytics, is one of our proudest initiatives. Held annually in San Francisco and Columbus, Ohio, the event brings together a truly global and diverse community, welcoming everyone from students and emerging professionals to executives and AI experts.
This year’s East conference (October 2–3rd in Ohio) is centered around a powerful theme: Fueling AI: The Critical Role of High-Quality Data. With AI reshaping entire industries, we’re diving into why good data is essential for trustworthy and impactful innovation.
To date, we’ve elevated over 2,000 women on stage, a testament to our commitment to visibility and inclusion. And the best part? People of all genders and skill levels are welcome. Everyone walks away feeling empowered and encouraged by the support that these conferences bring.
Grab your ticket here and join us in shaping the future of data and AI!
How do your podcasts, articles, and events support the professional development and visibility of women in data roles?
At Women in Data™, we believe visibility is power. Through our Data Bytes Podcast, we spotlight the voices and stories of women shaping the future of data, from rising stars to industry leaders. Our articles and events dive into trends, tools, and topics that help women stay ahead and grow professionally.
We also offer free local chapters around the world, an easy way to connect your city’s data community to a global network across six continents. Whether you’re learning, leading, or just curious, there’s a place for you here.
What benefits do partners and sponsors gain from collaborating with Women in Data, beyond exposure at events?
Partnering with Women in Data™ means becoming part of a global movement to create a more diverse and inclusive future in tech. Beyond brand visibility, our sponsors, like PepsiCo and Deloitte, gain access to a powerful platform to:
Share their unique data journey and highlight their commitment to equity in tech
Foster employee learning and development through speaking opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on learning in our programs
Connect with exceptional talent from our global network of 70,000+ members across 150+ countries
It’s more than a sponsorship, it’s a chance to grow your team, elevate your brand, and drive real change in the data industry.
What future plans or new programs are in development to further support women entering and advancing in the data and analytics space?
We’re always evolving to meet the needs of our community, and 2025 is shaping up to be a big year! We’re launching new initiatives like the Career Confidence Bootcamp, an 8-week life coaching and soft skills accelerator, and expanding our Interview Mastery Hub, which offers daily practice sessions, mock interviews, and behavioral prep.
We’re also investing in new ways to recognize our members through digital achievement badges, and continuing to grow our Learning Pathways and leadership development offerings. Everything we’re building is designed to help our members not only enter the data space but thrive in it.
Find out more at:
www.womenindata.org
