2025 NCWIT Summit (Virtual)

Each year, the NCWIT Summit provides unique opportunities to learn about research-backed strategies and promising practices designed to foster opportunities, both in computing education and within the broader tech workforce. Supporting change leaders remains our top priority.

Over a half-day on May 20 (10 am to 1 pm MT), NCWIT will present a galvanizing and inspiring experience for our members and the larger broadening participation in computing community.

Agenda

Tuesday, May 20

10:00 – 10:40AM MT

State of NCWIT | Building the Workforce for the Future

For more than 20 years, NCWIT has pioneered strategic initiatives that strengthen and expand the nation’s technology talent pool (K-12 through career) to ensure continued leadership in an increasingly competitive global landscape. These initiatives are built on the highest research-backed standards, ensuring our work is impactful and sustainable. Given the global trends mentioned above, such approaches are more important now than ever. It is imperative that educators and employers know the most effective ways to educate students with a wide range of backgrounds for the technical workforce, ensuring the nation’s innovation ecosystem remains strong, dynamic, and forward-looking.

10:45 – 11:15AM MT

Pioneer in Tech Award Presentation with Dr. Valerie L. Thomas

NCWIT is excited to announce the 2025 Pioneer in Tech recipient, Dr. Valerie L. Thomas. Dr. Thomas learned basic skills for computing in the 1960s via Abstract Algebra classes in college and graduate school, and hands-on experience with the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO) data and when she started managing the development of software data systems for the Landsat program in the 1970s.

The rest is history with the development of documents about Landsat Computer Compatible Tapes to help scientists, around the world, who wanted to use Landsat data; managing the development of a system for the LACIE (Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment) feasibility study on the use of Landsat data to predict wheat yield globally; managing the expansion of SPAN (Space Physics Analysis Network), NASA’s wide area network that lead to the Internet with its connections to other wide area networks; and the development of the Minority University-Space Interdisciplinary Network (MU-SPIN), NASA’s program that trained and connected the minority community (HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges) to the Internet when it was introduced to the public in 1990; etc.

In addition to her technical work, Dr. Thomas spent a lot of time sharing her knowledge with students by serving as a mentor for NASA summer interns; speaking to students in schools (elementary to university); participating in education outreach activities; speaking to local and national groups; and serving in leadership roles in non-profit organizations such as the first Vice President, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE); the first female National President, National Technical Association (NTA) that was formed in 1925; President, Science Mathematics Aerospace Research and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.), Inc.; and President of the DMV (DC, MD, and VA) Chapter of SHADES OF BLUE. Dr. Thomas has received numerous awards, including the Award of Merit, the highest award given by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Equal Opportunity Medal presented by NASA Headquarters.

11:30 – 1:00PM MT

Dreaming Big and Adapting in Uncertain Times with Billy Almon

Billy Almon is an Astrobiofuturist who uses nature’s hidden wisdom to design innovative solutions that improve the human condition — both for those on Earth and those venturing to the stars. Through his Dream and Adapt Framework, he inspires leaders, educators, and creators to think boldly, adapt intelligently, and thrive in dynamic environments by applying biology-inspired strategies to solve complex challenges.

His inspirational keynote will bring to life a message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity using powerful examples of adaptation and innovation in nature, stories from his own amazing life journey, and much-needed practical take-aways for all of us to apply in these times of rapid change.

This year's Summit is Sponsored by:

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 NCWIT Summit are available. Learn more, or email [email protected] for more information.