Welcome to the twelfth ACM New York Celebration of Women in Computing! Thanks for being here and making this conference amazing. We've packed research talks, workshops, networking events, panels, keynotes, poster sessions, and a career fair into one energizing 24-hour stretch that we hope feels exciting, not overwhelming.

After many years in Lake George, we're in Poughkeepsie this year! It's always fun to try something new and I hope our new location has made it easier for you to attend. Please let us know what you think.

We know computing can be an intense field, and presenting at a conference, especially for the first time, can be nerve-racking. From writing your first abstract to standing up in front of your peers, it's a lot. But one of the many things I love about NYCWiC is its role as a conference for those of us that haven't been to a computing conference before. If this is your first time presenting, you're in good company and you've got a whole community here cheering you on.

If you're attending but not presenting, your presence matters too. You get to model what it means to be a kind, curious, and constructive peer. That support helps create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Whatever you feel going in, I hope by the end of NYCWiC you can see yourself doing it again. Maybe with a little less stress. And, if you are a graduating student, maybe participating in some other conferences in your chosen field. Because more conferences need more people like you.

So go to way too many sessions, fill your brain with too many new ideas, eat way too much food, and stay up too late talking with people you just met. Sleep is for Sunday.

Sincerely,

Chris McEvoy

NYCWiC’25 General Co-Chair