Each year, the NCWIT Summit offers a unique space for our community to explore research-backed strategies and promising practices that advance equity in computing education and the tech workforce. The 2025 Summit, held virtually on May 20, delivered an inspiring and motivating experience, reaffirming NCWIT’s commitment to supporting the change leaders who are shaping a more inclusive future for technology.
The event opened with a powerful update by NCWIT CEO and Executive Director Terry Hogan, who acknowledged the current headwinds working against NCWIT’s long-standing mission while also emphasizing the organization’s ongoing impact and commitment to its vision. She shared some exciting NCWIT-specific plans to help empower individuals during these changing times, including the launch of a learning hub to provide professional development and other growth opportunities for members to continue their change leadership mission; programming for educators, counselors, and students; and expanded efforts within both the Aspirations in Computing (AiC) and broader NCWIT member communities.
Terry also underscored the urgent need for scalable, inclusive approaches that prepare learners from all backgrounds for a dynamic, technology-driven workforce, and her message was clear: Investing in inclusive computing education is essential for sustaining innovation and competitiveness on a global scale, and NCWIT remains more committed than ever to this mission. Her opening remarks concluded with a hopeful message: “Now is the time for adaptation. Now is the time for learning. Now is the time for community.”
Following the State of NCWIT address, #AiCcommunity member and three-time AiC High School Award recipient Grace Magny-Fokam introduced the 2025 Pioneer in Tech Award winner, Dr. Valerie L. Thomas. The Pioneer in Tech Award recognizes technical women whose lifetime contributions have significantly impacted the landscape of technological innovation, amplifying the importance of capitalizing on the diverse perspectives that girls and women can bring to the table.
Dr. Thomas’s groundbreaking work in data systems development for NASA’s Landsat program, leadership in expanding internet access through initiatives like SPAN and MU-SPIN, and decades of mentoring and outreach exemplify the spirit of innovation and service. In accepting the award, Dr. Thomas shared insights from her life and career, emphasizing the importance of understanding mathematics and having hands-on learning experiences for K-12 students.
To round out the event, plenary speaker Billy Almon, introduced by NCWIT’s Brad McLain, delivered a powerful and imaginative session that encouraged attendees to see the world—and the future—through a new lens. As an Astrobiofuturist, Almon shared his unique perspective on using nature’s design principles to drive human innovation.
His Dream and Adapt Framework offered practical insights and a hopeful, energizing message about resilience, creativity, and transformation in a world of constant change, a message that resonates perhaps more strongly now than ever within the NCWIT community.
NCWIT is grateful for everyone who joined us online this year, and for the sponsorship of PNC and VSP Vision. We hope you found the speakers and content as inspirational as we did. Interested in more NCWIT content? Follow us on social media and register for one of our monthly newsletters to stay connected!
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