With more than 20 years of data expertise, Sangeetha Parsan is an expert in designing and implementing data and technology solutions, as well as data integration solutions for B2B organizations. She currently heads a vibrant team of data experts focused on seamlessly integrating businesses onto data platforms, particularly in complex corporate mergers and acquisitions. Sangeetha is driven by a passion for connecting data with business requirements, ensuring that solutions are not only inventive but also practical and user-focused. She has an in-depth comprehension of data's role including harnessing of data for predictive and prescriptive applications that drive informed decisions.
The future of business is data-driven, and success depends on our ability to turn information into meaningful, personalized interactions that resonate with customers. Data professionals are strategic value creators who transform raw information into actionable intelligence. By leveraging advanced technologies, processes, and analytical skills, they help organizations make impactful and profitable decisions. This session covers the three pillars supporting data and the professionals across these pillars.

From Instagram to ChatGPT, this session will cover How to Build a Creative Career Helping Executives, Founders, Businesses & Brands Show Up Online

Baaba Holland is a CEO, brand strategist, creative advisor, and the Midwestern Board Chair for Step Up. As the founder of a marketing and creative consulting agency, she helps executives, founders, and public-facing professionals amplifytheir message and build a strong digital presence. With a background in corporate strategy and a passion for visual storytelling, Baaba blends creativity with business insight to help her clients grow and build a brand they’re proud of.

This session will focus on the intersection of technology, business, and law, addressing legal risks and opportunities in innovation-driven industries. Dorothy is a legal executive with 20 years of experience advising international companies. She is currently working for Lenovo / Motorola Mobility, leading global legal initiatives.

Learn about America's largest particle accelerator facility and what it takes to keep it running! This session will cover daily operations, troubleshooting challenges, and the teamwork required to fulfill the role of Accelerator Operator. Erin Cook, B.S. Physics, is an Accelerator Operator II at Fermilab, where she supports every area of the lab's mission: to solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time for the benefit of all.

This workshop focuses on getting you introduced to Web Development! We'll be working together to build and deploy a simple Personal Website using React. This is for anyone who is trying to pick up some technical skills to build their own interfaces, websites or want to get creative and technical together! This workshop is led by Nandana Sheri a recent graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago, and incoming graduate student at the University of Michigan. Serving as President of Women in Computer Science at UIC, she has hosted several workshops within web development focusing on beginner friendly sessions. Honing these skills isn't easy so we start at the very beginning, we go slow and hopefully you'll learn enough to get you interested and if not - new skill unlocked!

This session is an interactive introduction into wet lab research. You will learn about basic techniques through a short powerpoint presentation and then proceed to conduct a group activity in stations where we work together using science techniques to solve your own puzzles. It is led by Hiba Siddiqui: a cancer researcher, health equity advocate, and founder of the South Asian Heart Health Initiative (SAHHI). As a research technician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and a passionate STEM mentor and public speaker, Hiba has led national workshops on research, identity, and professional development. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Health Science and minor in Medical Spanish Interpretation.

This session is geared towards understanding the differences between CVs and Resumes, as well as crafting both with three real scenarios. We will discuss structure, formatting, and purpose of each. Answer keys and handout will be provided. It is led by Hiba Siddiqui: a cancer researcher, health equity advocate, and founder of the South Asian Heart Health Initiative (SAHHI). As a research technician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and a passionate STEM mentor and public speaker, Hiba has led national workshops on research, identity, and professional development. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Health Science and minor in Medical Spanish Interpretation.

This session is about how you can build a powerful career in cybersecurity, from your first steps in high school to becoming a leader in the field. We’ll explore different roles, the skills that matter (spoiler: it’s not just coding), and how to turn your curiosity and passion into a career that protects people and shapes the future.

Reema Ghosh will be facilitating mock interviews for GirlCon 2025. With over 10 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Reema brings a wealth of experience in interview skills and resume building. Reema is currently working in the Food and Beverage industry with a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In her free time, Reema enjoys trying new restaurants in Chicago and beach days in the summertime.

Marcoiya Fair is a dynamic and results-driven Human Resources (HR) professional with a wealth of
experience spanning multiple industries, including information technology (IT), manufacturing, insurance,
professional services, retail, consulting, and healthcare. She has thrived in top-tier organizations, including
Big Tech, Fortune 500 companies, and Big 4 Public Accounting Firms, where she has honed her expertise
in talent acquisition, new hire onboarding, diversity and inclusion, benefits administration, training and
development, and general HR operations. Beyond her corporate achievements, Marcoiya is the President/ CEO of Fair Share Consulting LLC,
where she empowers clients to elevate their resumes, professional brands, and interview presence. With an
innate ability to forge meaningful connections and a passion for helping others communicate and sell their
skills, experience, and unique value, she has guided countless professionals in maximizing their potential
and achieving career breakthroughs.

Hop on board as we turn your resume into a real ticket to your next opportunity. We will walk you through why it’s important to keep it updated, how to start building a network, and we’ll do activities to help you feel more confident putting yourself out there!

What if the way you think and feel could shape your future?
This session dives into the science of neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience, showing how your brain can adapt, grow, and help you design the life you want. You’ll walk away with practical, science-backed tools to shift negative thought patterns, manage stress, and tap into your full potential in school, leadership, and beyond.

Inika Mehra is the founder of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Alliance and Miss San Francisco 2025. She was recognized as a global finalist and received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards for her leadership in advancing women’s health equity. A UC Irvine graduate and Holistic Youth Scholar, Inika is a certified Ayurvedic and Energy Kinesiology practitioner, public speaker, and professional Bollywood fusion dancer focused on empowering young women through integrative wellness and education.