Big Announcement: Applications Extended Through September 12!
Missed the original deadline? You still have time to join WiCDS Berkeley! Applications for our Data Science, Machine Learning, and Projects Committees have been extended until September 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
No previous experience is required! We welcome students of all backgrounds and skill levels who are excited to learn, collaborate, and build community.
Recent Tech News
Nvidia is investing in open-source AI.
Nvidia announced plans to invest $13 billion in Hugging Face, highlighting the growing importance of open-source models and tools in AI development.
Read the Associated Press report →
Companies are reconsidering AI’s role in the workplace.
Gartner argues that organizations should focus on using AI to expand employees’ capabilities—not simply automate their jobs—and predicts some companies will eventually need to rehire workers displaced by AI.
Read Gartner’s findings →
AI is moving further into robotics and manufacturing.
FANUC America and Palladyne AI announced a collaboration intended to make industrial robots more adaptable and easier to deploy in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Read the company announcement →
Researchers are examining how AI could reshape the economy.
New scenarios developed by Anthropic explore how different levels of AI adoption could affect productivity, employment, and the distribution of income through 2030.
Read the Axios report →
WiCDS Updates
Applications have been extended — give it a shot! Our recruitment philosophy is that if you are interested in joining WiCDS, we will do our absolute best to find a membership for you that aligns with your goals and experience.
When we deliberate an application, we look for reasons to accept you, not to reject you. We truly want you to join, contribute to, and benefit from our community! :)
Member Spotlight: Reva Gokhale
“I loved having the chance to lead the Machine Learning committee last year! By brainstorming projects to take on as a committee, and researching ways to incorporate industry standard tools and libraries into those projects, I was able to grow my own skills in ML best practices, collaborative work, and foundational ML theory. I can’t wait to see how the WiCDS curriculum continues to grow and evolve this semester, and I’m so proud that our team works to provide these amazing resources to women in tech.”
— Reva Gokhale, president of WiCDS
Woman of the Week: Rediet Abebe
Rediet Abebe is an assistant professor of computer science at UC Berkeley whose research uses algorithms and AI to examine questions involving equity and justice. She also co-founded Black in AI, an organization working to increase inclusion and representation within the field. Her work demonstrates how computing can help researchers understand social challenges while encouraging technologists to consider whom their systems affect.
This Week’s Action Item
Give your résumé and portfolio an industry-readiness check:
Choose one project on your résumé or portfolio.
Add a sentence explaining the real problem the project addresses.
Identify one practical consideration (such as cost, privacy, usability, fairness, or scalability) that you would account for in a production setting.
Practice explaining the project and its impact in under 60 seconds to someone without a technical background.
This Week’s Bites 🍜
Need a study-break snack or somewhere to meet after class? Here’s a favorite from the WiCDS community.
Bear’s Ramen House
WiCDS member recommendation: “Bear’s Ramen House has the best Spicy Seafood Noodles. The broth is super rich and flavorful and it’s great for seafood lovers like me! I usually grab this when it’s getting cold outside or if I’m craving a homey meal. They also accept Grubhub flex+ dollars so it was super convenient my first year!”
— Jasmine Hou, Professional Development Chair
What to order: Champong Gooksoo (Spicy Seafood Veggie Noodle)
Where: 2521 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
Good for: Cozy food & hanging out with friends!
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