ACM Celebration of Women in Computing – VACWiC 2025: Adapting, Empowering, and Inspiring the Future of Tech
This year’s Valencia Tech ACM Celebration of Women in Computing (VACWiC), organized by the ACM and ACM-W chapters from the Technical University of Valencia (UPV) Spain, was originally planned as a three-day in-person gathering. However, due to extreme weather conditions, the organizing team had to swiftly adapt. What emerged instead were two powerful moments that defined the celebration: the Tech4Equality Hackathon on March 26–27 and the STEM Workshops for Teens held on April 9.
Organizing a Celebration of Women in Computing is no small feat. It requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and a commitment to meaningful impact. Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm and resilience of the VACWiC community turned the disruption into an opportunity to innovate and connect. The experience was a testament to the strength of the ACM-W Student Chapter model, demonstrating the power of mentorship, collaboration, and shared purpose in creating real change.
Tech4Equality Hackathon (March 26–27)
Over two intense and inspiring days, student teams came together to develop technology-driven solutions with real social impact. Projects addressed a wide range of challenges, including building networks to support women researchers, designing early detection systems for natural disasters, and creating community-strengthening applications.
Yet, the true success of the hackathon went beyond the technical accomplishments. Many participants arrived uncertain, hesitant, and questioning whether they belonged in such a space. By the end of the weekend, they left with confidence, clarity, and a renewed belief in their abilities. For some, it was their first-ever hackathon—now, they’re actively seeking the next one. Others, despite not winning, are continuing to work on their ideas with newfound motivation.
The energy during the event was palpable—filled with hope, ambition, and a strong sense of belonging in tech. One of the most meaningful outcomes of Tech4Equality was the lasting connections formed: attendees exchanging contact information, mentors offering guidance, and participants already discussing plans to attend womENcourage 2025 together.
The VACWiC team also extended warm recognition to their Chapter Buddy from Turkey, who was affected by the original event’s emergency and couldn’t return for the rescheduled hackathon. Their presence was missed, and the team hopes to welcome them back in the future.
A special thanks goes to the mentors and judges from UNICC, IOM, HP, UPV, and the Valencia City Council, whose expertise and support helped make this event a transformative experience.
STEM Workshops for Teens (April 9)
As part of VACWiC 2025’s broader commitment to outreach and inclusion, a dedicated STEM Day for high school students was held on April 9. These hands-on workshops were designed to ignite curiosity, introduce real-world scientific applications, and connect young minds with researchers and technologists across various fields.
The day featured three main sessions:
- Artificial Intelligence & Recommendation Systems
Students explored how platforms like Netflix and Spotify use data to personalize content, learning how algorithms shape digital experiences. - Electronics with Arduino
Participants built basic circuits and programmed interactive devices, gaining firsthand experience with hardware and coding. - Chemical Engineering & Microplastics
Held in real university laboratories, this workshop allowed students to analyze samples and collaborate with researchers and PhD students from the Universitat Politècnica de València.
The final session was especially impactful, offering a glimpse into academic research environments and facilitating a meaningful exchange between students and scientists. Both sides walked away enriched—students inspired by the potential of STEM, and researchers reminded of the importance of mentorship and outreach.
To conclude the day, an informal Q&A brought university students and high schoolers together for open dialogue around academic paths, university life, and careers in STEM. The session helped demystify the world of higher education and encouraged many students to envision themselves in future tech and science roles.
Looking Ahead
Despite the unexpected challenges, VACWiC 2025 succeeded in what matters most: creating space for innovation, empowerment, and community. Whether through the ambitious projects of the hackathon or the spark of curiosity lit in young students, this year’s celebration proved that resilience and collaboration can drive powerful outcomes.
The VACWiC organizing team extends heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible—and looks forward to continuing the momentum into future editions.