Joining Forces to Advance Data & AI: Women in Analytics and Women in Data™ to Bring Global Communities together at the DataConnect Conference Series

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving from simple automation to systems that reason and adapt, two pioneering organizations are joining forces. Women in Analytics (WIA) and Women in Data™ (WiD) today announced a critical partnership to co-host the 2025 DataConnect Conference series, bringing together WiD's reach of thousands of members and WIA's track record of sold-out conferences.

"We're at a critical juncture in AI's evolution," reflects Rehgan Bleile, founder of Women in Analytics. "With WIA's 8,000+ members joining forces with WiD's 22,000 members, we are creating tons of momentum that ensures the future of AI is shaped by diverse perspectives and experiences." Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of Women in Data, adds “Women supporting women is how we all win. In the age of AI it’s not just about humans and AI collaborating, but all of us coming together for a shared goal and vision.”

The combined impact of both organizations over the last decade is remarkable:

• Over 600 women speakers at previous conferences
• 19,000+ event attendees through WID's programs
• 8,000+ WIA community members
• 22,000 WID program participants
• 5.7 million lives reached globally

The 2025 DataConnect Conference series features two landmark events:

DataConnect West San Francisco (May 20, 2025): "Agentic AI – AI That Reasons, Acts, and Adapts" An intimate gathering of 500 AI leaders exploring the next frontier of artificial intelligence. "I’m excited to see the very first fruits of this collaboration at DCC West in May," notes Cal Al-Dhubaib, Head of AI & Data Science at Further and board member of Women in Analytics. "Where we’ll be diving into Agentic AI - one of the most important shifts in AI today."

DataConnect Columbus (October 2-3, 2025): A flagship event welcoming 2,000 global attendees and discussing the importance of data quality in the age of AI. This event has hosted notable speakers like Cassie Kozyrkov, Former Chief Data Scientist at Google, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder of Algorithmic Justice League, and Chip Huyen, CEO at Claypot AI.

DataConnect Conference Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions featuring industry luminaries
• Global networking spanning WiD's international chapters
• Interactive workshops on emerging AI technologies
• Recruitment sessions with Fortune 500 companies and cutting edge AI startups
• Start-up showcase with venture capital networking
• Data visualization competition

Both organizations have a history of establishing impressive corporate partnerships with industry leaders including:

• PepsiCo, Microsoft, Deloitte, DataCamp, Alteryx, and Alation (WiD partners)
• DataRobot, Anomalo, Hex, AWS, and Tableau (WIA partners)

This is not the first time the two groups have come together. WiD has been supporting DataConnect for the last couple of years, hosting a startup pitch session that has brought in top venture capitals and AI startups to the event. "Combining the power of these two remarkable organizations furthers the common mission of bringing more equity to data & analytics," adds Wendy S. Batchelder, SVP & Chief Data Officer, Centene. Both organizations provide opportunities for companies to connect with top talent and educational programs that include bootcamps, masterclasses, and tutorials on the topics of becoming a Chief Data Officer, building AI agents, and launching a data literacy program.

These organizations are guided by an extraordinary board of industry pioneers, including:

• Wendy Batchelder, CDO, Centene
• Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, AVP, Data Sciences and Analytics, Nationwide Insurance
• Noelle Russell, Founder, AI Leadership Institute
• Ben Blanquera, VP Technology and Sustainability, Rackspace Technology
• Adita Karkera, CDO, Deloitte
• Gaston Besanson, Head of Data Science, PepsiCo
• Cal Al-Dhubaib, Head of AI & Data Science at Further

"This partnership amplifies our collective impact, creating more opportunities for women and diverse voices in data and AI," observes Michele Speich, the new Women in Data™ Executive Director. Ben Blanquera, VP Technology and Sustainability at Rackspace Technology, weighs in, “The partnership between WIA and WiD is a powerful testament to the strength of community in the AI and data ecosystem. By fostering connections among empowering individuals to share knowledge, navigate challenges, and drive innovation.” 

Opportunities to Get Involved:

• Early registration opens for West Coast San Francisco conference
• Premium sponsorship packages available
• Speaking proposals being accepted
• Exhibition spaces for AI innovation showcase
• Round 2 pricing for the Global Columbus conference ends March 31, 2025
• 25% discounts are available to both events if you are a paid WIA or WiD member

"At Women in Data™ we couldn’t be happier about this partnership” says Sadie St Lawrence, founder of Women in Data™, "It allows both of our communities to come together to continue to connect, grow, and lead the way."

About Women in Analytics: A global community with 8,000+ members, WIA drives visibility and opportunities for women in analytics and AI through high-impact conferences, educational initiatives, and industry partnerships. Their sold-out conferences have featured hundreds of women speakers, creating a powerful platform for innovation and professional growth.

About Women in Data: With over 22,000 program participants and a reach of 5.7 million lives, WiD leads the charge in bridging the gender gap in data and AI careers. Through international chapters, corporate partnerships, and comprehensive training programs, WiD is revolutionizing the future of technology careers.

For more information about attending, speaking, or sponsoring the DataConnect Conference series, visit www.dataconnectconf.com.

Media Contact: info@womeninanalytics.com or contact@womenindata.org 

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