Cross-Paths
Chapter One: Embarking on the Grace Hopper Journey (GHC’23)
“There will always be a reason why you meet people. Either you need them to change your life or you’re the one that will change theirs.” — Angel Flonis Harefa
This journey began with a friendly conversation I had with Aditi Aniruddha Shukla back in 2022, a close friend who had been feeling unwell since returning to Indianapolis. Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I inquired about her recent whereabouts, as we had met just a few weeks earlier.
She goes saying “Well, I attended GHC in Orlando this year, and it was absolutely incredible!” Now, at that point, I didn’t know what GHC stood for; I thought it might be a place in the USA. You see, it had only been a month at that time since I’d relocated here for my Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction.
She chuckled at my innocence or you might call it, me being dumb! With a warm tone, she began to paint a vivid picture of the Grace Hopper Celebration, explaining its significance, her personal journey, and how she had earned a scholarship from AnitaB.org, and from our university as well. Her positivity was infectious, and it got me thinking.
Our conversation was cut short that day, but it planted a seed of curiosity. A few months down the line, I stumbled upon an announcement from AnitaB.org, revealing that GHC applications were soon to open. I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of attending the conference.
“And thus, my curiosity evolved into a decision.”
If you’re in a similar boat, unfamiliar with GHC, or pondering upon attending GHC’24 or hesitant due to things that happened this year 2023 at GHC, then you should hear my narrative on WHY you should attend it!
So, what is the Grace Hopper Conference (GHC):
Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world’s largest gathering of women technologists literally, around the world. This is produced by AnitaB.org, in partnership with ACM.
AnitaB.org is fervently dedicated to increasing the representation of women and non-binary folks in the tech landscape. They envision a future where those who craft and envision technology mirror the diversity of the people and societies they serve. GHC proudly stands as one of AnitaB.org’s flagship programs.
Immediately, I knew I had to be a part of this incredible gathering of inspiring women. There were several reasons that fueled my determination.
Partly because getting a scholarship from GHC, means my ticket will be free of cost, and also that, our university was offering a fully sponsored trip to the conference. What excited me even more was the opportunity to attend the career fair. Coming from a background in UX/Product, this was my golden ticket to engage with professionals who were actively shaping the industry. I envisioned meaningful conversations, where I could learn from their experiences and immerse myself in their stories. It was a chance to gain insights, build connections, and expand my horizons in ways I had never imagined.
So, with a heart full of anticipation and anxiousness, I set out on this journey to explore GHC, embrace its scholarship opportunities, and join the vibrant community of trailblazing women in technology.
Honestly, this is what I knew, and I was already in it!
Being an ambivert, it was especially hard for me to talk to people. But I knew for better or worse, I had to apply for a scholarship, I wasn’t sure if I would get it or if I would attend the conference in person, but I knew I had to apply no matter what!
Takeaways time!
What did I achieve being a GHC Scholar?
- Abundance of confidence in myself, my craft, and my skills.
- Learnt from people’s stories, got to experience the magic of community, and got motivation that I CAN ALSO DO IT!
- These amazing and inspiring connections that I cherish my entire life!
More about the scholarship process, how to get the most out of GHC, and preparation in the next posts!
A couple of articles I referred to when I was applying were:
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey! As Angel Flonis Harefa wisely said, ‘There will always be a reason why you meet people.’ If you’re gearing up for GHC’24, I’m sending you all the best vibes for an amazing time ahead! If you ever have questions, stories to share, or just want to connect, feel free to drop a comment here or reach out to me on LinkedIn. I’m here to support you on your GHC’24 adventure!
