Women in Data Science: a Small N Sample

• Activity Number: 639 - Women in Data Science: a Small N Sample
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 1, 2019 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section for Statistical Programmers and Analysts
• Author(s): Moorea Brega* and Molly Davies* and Mary Beth Broadbent* and Cheryl Flynn* and Clara Yuan*
• Companies: Pattern Ag and Stitch Fix and Google/YouTube and AT&T Research Labs and Convoy Inc.
• Keywords: women; data science; career; industry; startup; tech

Abstract

Silicon Valley and the broader tech industry are not known to be bastions of feminist ideology. Every year there are new articles outlining the underrepresentation of women in tech, cases of harassment, and alleged discrimination. These stories can be the catalyst for open discussion of women’s issues, and hopefully spark corrective actions, but they can also deter capable women from entering the tech world at all. This session features panelists from a diverse sample of tech companies, from startups to more established companies. The discussion will highlight each of our paths from academic statistics to data science as well as our experiences working as women in data science. Our goal is to provide a broader perspective to anyone considering entering the field of data science or who has students considering a career in data science, as well as to foster discussion about the challenges that can arise.