Borar et al. - Building Women in Data Communities: A Journey of Empowerment | PyData NYC 2024

This podcast features a panel of women in data science discussing their experiences building and engaging within data science communities. The panelists highlight the benefits of these communities, including fostering a sense of belonging, combating imposter syndrome, and providing mentorship and networking opportunities, particularly for women in a male-dominated field. They also discuss challenges faced by women in the field and offer advice on organizing and growing such communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.

Panelist Introductions & Pathways

• 00:00:05 The podcast introduces the panelists, including Lucy, who moderates the discussion. Each panelist briefly shares their background and journey into the data science field, emphasizing their involvement with the Women in Data Science (WiDS) community. They describe initial challenges like a lack of role models and mentors, leading them to actively seek out and create inclusive communities.

Challenges & Advantages of Being a Woman in Data Science

• 00:14:00 The panelists discuss the challenges they faced as women in data science, such as underrepresentation in leadership positions and feeling isolated in male-dominated environments. They also highlight the advantages of the field's inherent diversity and the unique opportunities for learning and collaboration across different backgrounds. They emphasize the role of communities in combating these challenges and fostering a sense of belonging.

Impact of Communities on Career Development

• 00:19:17 The panelists discuss how communities have influenced their career trajectories, including networking opportunities and job searches. They also point to the reduction of imposter syndrome by providing a supportive environment and offering valuable feedback on projects and career development. They explain how communities provide a space for developing both technical and soft skills, which can be beneficial for career growth and promotions.

Community Building & Engagement

• 00:27:08 The panelists, particularly those with experience organizing communities, share insights into growing and engaging community members. This includes using effective marketing strategies and social media, selecting the target audience, and catering to specific skill levels and needs. They highlight the importance of actively involving community members in decision-making, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing opportunities for skill development through volunteer work and leadership roles.

Future of Data Science Communities

• 00:35:31 The panelists discuss the future direction of communities like WiDS, with a focus on expanding accessibility and inclusivity. They predict an increase in specialization within data science communities, with a focus on specific skills and sub-domains. They also emphasize the importance of fostering a multilingual environment and creating resources accessible to all, regardless of gender, nationality, or other factors.