By Krysten Brenlla
Spring has arrived in Miami, bringing with it the energy of #MiamiTech – where events like eMerge Americas, university hackathons, and tech conferences draw students and tech enthusiasts from across the state – and nation – to the 305.
However, one Florida International University organization is carving out a unique space for women in tech with the Women in Technology Conference (WiTCON), Florida’s largest women in tech conference, led by students from the Women in Computer Science organization at FIU.
Their mission? To highlight the opportunities for women in tech in South Florida, while celebrating the vibrant #MiamiTech community through events and workshops like the Women in Tech Panel, an FIU student organization hall, a career fair, networking and elevator pitch workshops, mentorship workshops, a karaoke session, and more.
Refresh Miami sat down with the director and co-director of this year’s WiTCON – which is this Friday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus’ Graham Center – to talk about what participants can expect (answers have been edited for brevity and clarity):
RM: Can you talk about what goes on behind the scenes to put together the largest women in tech conference in Florida?
Fer Pacheco, director of WiTCON, senior at FIU studying computer science: This year marks the third iteration of WiTCON, which happens every March. When I went to my first WiTCON in 2023, it started off with only 200 people – now, it has grown to nearly 800 people, completely student-led, for any student interested (you don’t have to go to FIU to attend).
Meagan Alfaro, co-director of WiTCON, senior at FIU studying computer science: It took about a year of planning, and a lot of the planning was just within our team of 30 women. We’ve also had help from our awesome sponsors, and alumni that put together previous WiTCONs. But, to put something like this together, it’s a group effort for an entire year.
RM: What can students look forward to when it comes to the conference? What are some activities that makes this conference unique?
Pacheco: What sets WiTCON apart is how student-involved it is. You’ll see people who are your same age group leading the event, and people within our community being involved throughout the event. And on top of that, what sets WiTCON apart is how involved we are with our local community – you’ll see organizations like CodePath taking free LinkedIn headshots for our participants. You’ll see sponsors like Kaseya, Capital One, Google, Microsoft, Akamai, UKG and Cisco, and community partners like Break Through Tech. Also, everything at WiTCON is for free – regardless if you’re a student from FIU.
RM: How should students prepare beforehand?
Pacheco: Bring your resume – that’s the one thing we tell people. If you want to engage as much as possible, bring your laptop – it’s not required, but with some of the activities we have planned, you’ll need a laptop. And finally, bring good energy! WiTCON is all about making those connections and friendships. So, come with an open mind and come willing to befriend people so you can make long-lasting relationships.
RM: As organizers and leaders, what is your ultimate goal for this conference?
Alfaro: Our mission with WiTCON is to bring people together. A lot of times, when you’re in the classroom, you might be the only girl – it can be really tough. But, we want this to be an opportunity for people to see that there are other people like them that are women in the field – and they’re all so nice, and really cool. It’s a great community.
Pacheco: We want women to understand that the industry is not scary. We’ve heard so many stories of women being scared, but when they come to WiTCON, they leave with a new perspective, and they leave feeling comfortable within the industry, and welcomed within the community. Through this conference, we really want women to know that there is a place for them in the industry.
For the full agenda, schedule, and additional details on this year’s WiTCON at FIU, visit their website here.
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