As the 2024 TechWomen program concluded with a powerful final week in Washington, D.C., the delegation of Emerging Leaders, Mentors, and representatives from the U.S. Department of State gathered to celebrate achievements and explore the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and policy. With the bonds formed in San Francisco and Chicago now uniting in the nation’s capital, this week marked the culmination of a transformative journey and the first time that all Emerging Leaders from both cities came together as one. While our participants and Mentors have now returned home—or are traveling across the U.S.—the legacy of their work and the promise of future collaborations lives on.
This final week also paves the way for new beginnings, as we look to the horizon at our first-ever TechWomen Global Alumnae Summit, which will be held in Casablanca, Morocco from December 4 to 6, 2024. Additionally, we are expanding to include Europe in our program regions for the first time ever, welcoming Albania in 2025. Applications for TechWomen 2025 will be open from November 12, 2024 to January 7, 2025.
Exploring Tech’s Role in Global Development
Our week in D.C. began with an impactful event hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), where Emerging Leaders engaged in lively discussions with industry experts from Amazon, Project Kuiper, TechNet, and the Women’s High-Tech Coalition. Keynote speaker Linda Moore, CEO of TechNet, delivered inspiring remarks on how technology fosters innovation and addresses pressing global challenges. With a focus on telecommunications, sustainability, and data privacy, the event was enriched by the support of AWS Mentors Abeetha Bala and Tina Shakour, alongside Fiona McCann, Tammy Key, and Shirin Bhambhani, who facilitated thoughtful exchanges on how tech connects with global development and innovation.
Reflecting on the TechWomen Journey
Participants later gathered for a meaningful reflection and debrief session, guided by Mentors on the delegation trip, to explore their experiences and discuss how they will bring their new knowledge home. In small groups, Emerging Leaders shared personal insights and brainstormed future steps, building on connections forged during the program. It was a time for thoughtful reflection and celebration, offering space to look back at accomplishments and chart the path forward.
Inspiring Voices at the Women in Leadership Panel
A dynamic panel discussion on women in leadership featured Angela Woods from the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, alongside Deputy Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Amber Greene, Director of the International Engagement & Capacity Building Office for the U.S. State Department’s Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau (CDP) Joanna LaHaie, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs Joy Basu. The conversation concluded with powerful closing remarks from Dawnjalice Brown, ECA Branch Chief of Global Leaders, leaving participants energized to advocate for meaningful change.
Celebrating Success at the U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State hosted a lively gathering to honor the achievements of the 2024 program. Acting Under Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Lee Satterfield delivered a keynote address to our TechWomen delegates to recognize their remarkable efforts. The event also featured a compelling fireside chat with Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger, moderated by Dr. Allison Schwier, and included stories of impact from Emerging Leaders Ntokozo Happy Msiza of South Africa and Karima Lakouz of Morocco, alongside Mentor Diana Macias. Their reflections on growth, resilience, and connection underscored the program’s enduring impact.
Regional Bureau Forums and Strategic Exchange
At our Regional Bureau Forums, Emerging Leaders and Mentors connected with U.S. Department of State representatives from the Bureaus of African Affairs, Near Eastern Affairs, and South and Central Asia Affairs. Led by Megan Ellis, Emma Bittner, Tina Ziegenhain, Ida Heckenbach, Iris Willey, and Tammy Paltchikov, these discussions focused on how participants can leverage their experiences to drive change back home. Program officers Sydney Plunkett and Arin Wooten closed the day with inspiring remarks, encouraging participants to continue using their networks and knowledge to create lasting impact.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence’s Potential and Ethical Challenges
In partnership with Afiniti, a Washington-based organization dedicated to responsible AI, participants explored AI’s profound impact and ethical challenges in a fireside chat followed by breakout discussions centered on the future of AI and how to implement it responsibly and ethically.
The fireside chat was led by Washington AI Network founder and Haddad Media CEO Tammy Haddad and featured Afiniti’s Chief Data Officer Caroline O’Brien, who together delved into the future of AI in education, work, and society. Generous support was provided by Afiniti team members who assisted in the facilitation and execution of this event, with special support from Mary Kay Pennington-McGaughey and Lindsay Hua.
Celebrating Our 2024 Fellows
The week concluded with a heartfelt Certificate Ceremony, marking the transition of Emerging Leaders to TechWomen Fellows. Sydney Plunkett opened the event with inspiring remarks, followed by Barbara Taylor from the ECA Office of Alumni Affairs, who encouraged Fellows to remain connected with the U.S. Department of State. Certificates were awarded to Emerging Leaders and their Mentors, officially recognizing their achievements and celebrating the impact they’ve made throughout the program.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
As we celebrate the close of TechWomen 2024, we look forward to our first-ever Global Summit, where select Mentors and Fellows from all years since inception have been invited to come together in Casablanca, Morocco, from December 4 to 6 to building connections and share their innovations on the global stage.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce that applications for TechWomen 2025 will open on November 12, 2024, and close on January 7, 2025**, with Albania joining our list of program countries for the first time.
Though this chapter has ended, the work of our Fellows is only just beginning. We can’t wait to see the impact they will continue to make across borders and industries—and we hope to see many new faces join the TechWomen community in the year ahead!
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