WiDSTT Workshops:

An inaugural two-part In-person Upskill Data Science Essentials Workshop Series entitled ‘Unlocking the Power of Data Science’ hosted at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, covered aspects of the Data Science Life Cycle to accompany the WiDS 2024 Datathon Challenge Dataset. These live, interactive 3 hour sessions provided an overview of the theoretical aspects of the topic, with a practical demonstration and participant engagement in interactive activities, as well as a Q&A :). The target audience included tertiary students, administrators, academics and professionals at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. The sessions included: Workshop 1: Data Science Fundamentals and Tools and Workshop 2: Data Analysis and Effective Storytelling. 

Main Objectives: 

1. Apply appropriate statistical models in the analysis of a related data set. 

2. Interpret statistical model output and findings based on a related data set.

WiDSTT Next Gen Workshop:

This was hosted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the Computer Lab in St. Joseph's Convent, St. Joseph, an all-female secondary school and the my alma mater ♥️. The workshop cultivated an interest in STEM fields among students aged 14 to 18 and provided insights into the field of data science for career development.

WiDSTT Data Science Forum:

The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus and PAHO/WHO partnered with Women in Data Science Trinidad and Tobago (WiDSTT) to host the event “Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion”.  This took place on March 15th, 2024 at the LRC Auditorium, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Joint SDG Fund, managed by Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) allocated resources to The UWI, St Augustine to develop and execute this innovative, interactive forum to enhance data awareness among women in Trinidad and Tobago, mainly focusing on young women of school age. The event sought to promote inclusion and diversity, empower women in data science, share knowledge, inspire the next generation, and facilitate networking through keynote speeches and a panel discussion, with audience engagement. The event brought together data science enthusiasts from secondary and tertiary-level academic institutions, academics, researchers, industry experts, and others. 

Main Objectives: 

1. Engage women in data-driven fields with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and roles. 

2. Explore various perspectives on challenges, opportunities, and successes women encounter in the field. 

3. Discuss viewpoints that contribute to a more inclusive and innovative data science community. 

Empowering Women in Data Science Through Leadership and Mentorship

Overview

As the first Women in Data Science (WiDS) Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador since 2022, I have effectively led initiatives to advance women's empowerment and leadership in data science. In collaboration with prestigious partners including The University of the West Indies (UWI), Stanford University, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), and TTLAB, I have promoted competencies in data science to empower women and young girls to excel in the field.

Event and Activities

My journey in this initiative began with recognizing the underrepresentation of women in STEM, particularly in data science. This insight led me to develop supportive structures for women to thrive. In October 2022, I initiated meetings with UWI's Faculties of Engineering and Science and Technology, engaging key stakeholders to incorporate the WiDS Worldwide model into our curriculum. This model included a global data challenge designed to inspire and support females in data science.

In January 2023, I launched a comprehensive mentorship program, recruiting and training mentors from TTLAB to cover diverse aspects of data science. This program included virtual workshops featuring accomplished female data scientists, fostering a supportive community. Through social media campaigns and interactive webinars, we reached a broad audience, resulting in high participation and engagement.

A year later, in January 2024, I spearheaded an improved five-part virtual workshop series, supported by four WiDS mentors. This initiative demonstrated my proactive approach to curriculum development, aiming to provide a holistic learning experience that transcends traditional teaching methods.

Impact and Insights

The impact of these efforts was significant. Feedback from participants underscored the effectiveness of the mentorship program and the value of the skills gained. Approximately 100 individuals registered for our workshops, with an 80% participation rate. Positive feedback highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and the supportive community we fostered.

In March 2024, I co-organized the "Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion Forum" at UWI, St. Augustine Campus. This event attracted 150 attendees, 80% of whom were females. Survey feedback indicated the event was informative and inspiring, emphasizing the importance of initiatives to support women in data-driven fields.

My leadership extended to mentoring female colleagues, providing personalized guidance to help them excel in their roles. Through tailored workshops and coaching sessions, I empowered women to unlock their full potential in data science. This mentorship not only supported their professional growth but also contributed to the overall teaching quality and climate in our department.

Conclusion

My strategic leadership in mentorship, collaboration, and support has had a transformative impact on both students and fellow educators. These efforts have bridged the gap between academia and industry, advancing gender equality and fostering a more inclusive data science community. By championing the cause of women and underrepresented groups, I have proudly represented the Caribbean diaspora on a global stage.

Through continuous reflection and professional development, I remain committed to advancing this mission. My efforts in training, mentoring, and curriculum development have not only improved student learning outcomes but also enhanced the overall teaching quality in our department. As we move forward, I am dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and diverse learning environment, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Selected Workshop Evidence and Impact

WiDSTT Workshop 1 Impact:

From workshop 1, the top highlight was the hands-on experience provided to participants, enabling them to grasp fundamental data science concepts and apply suitable data cleaning and visualization techniques. Attendees also had the opportunity to develop engaging charts and graphs derived from pertinent datasets, enhancing their skills in data storytelling.

70% of attendees were female, with backgrounds in STEM Fields. Most were beginners in data science (approximately 70%), indicating a strong interest in learning the subject. Additionally, participants highlighted a high level of satisfaction with the workshop content, instructors' knowledge, and the materials provided.

One participant testimonial encapsulated the sentiment of many: "The Data Science Fundamentals & Tools workshop was incredibly enriching. I appreciated the clear articulation of learning outcomes and the structured approach to the content. The hands-on activities were particularly beneficial, allowing me to apply newly acquired knowledge effectively. I'm excited to continue exploring data science further."

WiDSTT Workshop 2 Impact:

The top highlight of workshop 2 was the hands-on assignment given to participants: creating a mini report focused on data visualization and storytelling with a dataset. Working in groups of three, attendees analyzed data, crafted insightful narratives, and presented their findings to peers. This practical exercise proved to be the most memorable aspect, allowing participants to apply learned concepts in a real-world context.

Furthermore, the opportunity to connect with fellow students from the UWI community was another notable highlight. Engaging with peers not only enriched attendees professionally but also fostered meaningful personal connections.

Persons gained the ability to apply appropriate statistical models in data analysis, interpret model output effectively, and present data insights to both technical and non-technical audiences with clarity. Through hands-on experience and peer interaction, participants left the workshop equipped with practical skills and confidence in data analysis and storytelling.

One participant shared, "Workshop 2 was an enlightening experience. Crafting a data-driven narrative with my peers allowed me to apply newly acquired skills in a practical setting. Additionally, connecting with fellow students enhanced my learning journey. I feel more confident in my ability to analyze data and communicate insights effectively. Thank you, Dr. Letetia Addison, for this enriching opportunity!"