Women Who Code, Lead, and Inspire: A Year with WiDS & WiCS

This year, WiDS@UBC and WiCS UBC earned top accolades for their work in building inclusive, empowering spaces for women and gender minorities in tech at UBC.

Women in Data Science (WiDS@UBC) was honoured with:

• AMS Best Academic Club of the Year for their outstanding events, mentorship, and academic support in data science.
• SUS Club Community Impact Award (2024) for their lasting contributions to campus engagement and professional growth.
• SUS Student Community Impact Award presented to WiDS President Tara Ubovic for exceptional leadership.

The Women In Data Science (WiDS@UBC) club has had an exceptional year, securing the AMS Best Academic Club of the Year Award for its dedication to enhancing academic opportunities and building a supportive space for students pursuing data science. This recognition from the Alma Mater Society (AMS) celebrates the club’s commitment to offering diverse events, workshops, and mentorship programs that empower underrepresented groups in the tech industry.

Last year, WiDS also took home the SUS Club Community Impact Award, presented by the UBC Science Undergraduate Society (SUS). This award acknowledged the club’s ongoing efforts to create a positive impact on the campus community through skill development, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities for women and gender minorities.

Adding to the club’s success, WiDS president Tara Ubovic received the SUS Student Community Impact Award this year, recognizing her outstanding leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity in the UBC science and technology community.

The Women in Computer Science (WiCS) club at UBC capped off the academic year with a major milestone: winning the SUS Club Dynamic Award. This award highlights the club’s ability to cultivate a collaborative and organized executive team that ensures smooth operations and effective event execution throughout the year. With a powerhouse lineup of 22 events, a growing mentorship network, and a newly launched podcast, WiCS club made a significant impact across campus. Reaching over 500+ students, the club continues to solidify its role as a cornerstone of tech inclusion and empowerment at UBC.

WiCS hosted 8 sponsor-led events, including 4 exclusive office tours. These drew 150+ attendees, offering career insights and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Their community focused events - organized with 8 different clubs - attracted 300+ students, showcasing the power of intersectional partnership. The WiCS Mentorship Program paired 15 mentors with 30+ mentees, holding 6+ tailored events that blended academic support and community bonding. On the academic innovation front, WiCS introduced TechForward, their inaugural tech conference, which featured 7 sponsor booths, 2 UBC design teams, and 40+ attendees. With big dreams, bold initiatives, and a strong support network, WiCS continues to lead the way in building an inclusive and empowered future in tech.

Both WiDS and WiCS regularly collaborate on events that support the wider community of women & gender minorities in tech at UBC. Most notably, they annually co-host YouCode, an annual hackathon where participants tackle real-world problems presented by leading company sponsors such as Arc'teryx and SAP. The event fosters collaboration, creativity, and skill development, allowing participants to learn and grow in a supportive environment. Another standout collaboration this year was the Technical Career Fair (TCF), co-hosted with the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS). Featuring 32 companies, TCF created valuable opportunities for students to connect directly with recruiters, explore co-op placements, and gain insights into the tech industry.

As both clubs continue to grow and inspire the next generation of tech leaders, these awards serve as a reminder of the meaningful impact that dedicated student organizations can have on their communities. To stay up to date with their initiatives or get involved, visit the official social media pages of WiDS@UBC and WiCS UBC.