Welcome to my Data Science Corner!

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

Background

Navigating the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) landscape as a female, I often faced confidence issues compared to my male counterparts. My role as the Mathematics Help Centre Coordinator highlighted the need to bolster statistics applications for real-world career prospects. Recognizing the underrepresentation of females in data science globally, which comprises only 15% to 22%, I saw the importance of empowering women in this field in the Caribbean region, especially with the growing demand for Big Data and AI.

These insights led me to develop supportive structures for women to thrive in data science. Emphasizing that data science transcends traditional roles and impacts sectors like education, finance, and healthcare, I designed a multidisciplinary approach. In October 2022, I initiated meetings with the Faculties of Engineering and Science and Technology at UWI, engaging the Principal, Heads of Departments, and Deans. I presented the WiDS Worldwide model, incorporating a global data challenge to inspire and support females in pursuing data science.

Mentorship, Collaboration, and Skill Enhancement

My commitment to mentorship drove me to establish a sustainable model for mentorship and support for women in data science. In January 2023, I spearheaded a comprehensive mentorship program, bringing together students, academics, and industry professionals. I recruited and trained mentors from TTLAB, equipping them with resources to cover diverse aspects of data science.

By recruiting graduate mentors and engaging faculty with diverse backgrounds, I curated a learning experience focused on adapting to social problems such as climate change. I organized virtual workshops featuring accomplished female data scientists from around the world, cultivating a supportive community for females in all spheres. My approach targeted secondary and tertiary-level students, researchers, academics, and professionals, creating a nurturing environment for multidisciplinary collaboration in data science.

Leveraging social media platforms, I facilitated interactive webinars accessible to the public, ensuring widespread participation and engagement. In our inaugural run in 2023, approximately 100 persons registered for three virtual upskill workshops, with an over 80% participation rate. This experience boosted my confidence and motivation, driving me to pursue further professional development in data science and machine learning, including a Google Certificate in Data Analytics.

I also enhanced the practice of women working in data science teaching by mentoring female colleagues, providing personalized guidance to help them excel. Through one-on-one coaching sessions and skill-building workshops, I aimed to empower women to unlock their full potential. I strategized social media campaigns, leading the onboarding of mentors and training students and professionals involved in Data Science projects. The interactive sessions captured positive feedback, sparking participants' interest and enthusiasm to delve further into the field.

In January 2024, I spearheaded an improved five-part virtual, global workshop series supported by four WiDS mentors. I designed and implemented a hands-on Upskill workshop series at UWI, focusing on data visualization, analysis, reporting, and interpretation using Statistical Software like R, SPSS, MATLAB, and MS Excel. This initiative provided a holistic learning experience beyond traditional teaching methods.

Stakeholder Engagement

Adopting the pillars of the reflective cycle by Gibbs (1998), I systematically analyzed and refined my strategies for promoting women's leadership in data science. I forged partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders to enhance WiDS initiatives. On March 15, 2024, I coordinated the event "Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion Forum" in collaboration with UWI and PAHO/WHO. This event united data science enthusiasts, students, researchers, academics, and industry experts, fostering inclusion and empowering women in data science.

The event featured leading women in fields including Mathematics, Social Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, and Entrepreneurship. The all-female panel facilitated meaningful conversations on challenges, opportunities, and successes in the field, igniting actionable insights and community support. Networking sessions spotlighted women's experiences and perspectives, providing insights and inspiration for data science careers.

Feedback and Curriculum Development

The event attracted 150 attendees, with 80% being females. Survey feedback indicated the event was informative, inspiring, and impactful. Participants appreciated the insights shared by speakers and highlighted the importance of initiatives to support women in data-driven fields.

The ripple effect of these efforts was evident in emails from participants expressing gratitude for the support in their academic pursuits. Following this, I was invited by the Ministry of Education to lead curriculum initiatives aimed at engaging primary and secondary school students in statistics and mathematics.

As a result of my leadership and collaborative efforts, the event not only empowered women and fostered inclusivity in data science but also had a broader impact on the UWI community. My female colleagues from various departments mentioned increased confidence to integrate aspects of data science into their curriculum. I am now leading the design and execution of a Data Science Bootcamp at UWI, driving increased representation of female leaders in curriculum design.

Conclusion

My strategic leadership in mentorship, collaboration, and support has had a transformative impact on both students and fellow educators, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Moving forward, I remain committed to advancing gender equality and fostering a more inclusive and diverse data science community. My efforts have championed the cause of women and underrepresented groups, proudly representing the Caribbean diaspora on a global stage.

WiDS Trinidad and Tobago 2023 and 2024 Webinars

See the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Trinidad and Tobago YouTube Channel for recordings of virtual Tutorials, Workshops and talks related to Data Science facilitated by my team.

https://www.youtube.com/@widstt