New partnership expands global reach of women in AI and analytics
Two of the world’s most influential organizations in data science and AI, Columbus-based Women in Analytics (WIA) and Women in Data™ (WiD), have joined forces to expand opportunities, foster innovation, and build a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce.
By co-hosting the 2025 DataConnect Conference series, this collaboration aims to bring together thousands of professionals across the AI, analytics, and data industries to share knowledge, network, and drive impactful change. And with WIA’s Ohio roots, this partnership also strengthens the state’s role as a growing hub for AI and data innovation.
The Big Picture
The partnership brings together WIA’s 8,000+ members and WiD’s 22,000-strong community, creating a more powerful and connected global network. Together, they will provide expanded education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to elevate women and underrepresented groups in the data and AI sectors.
With AI reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, the partnership ensures that diverse voices are part of the conversation, helping to shape the future of technology from the ground up.
Upcoming Events
The heart of the partnership becomes two major events in 2025, offering in-depth discussions, cutting-edge research, and networking opportunities:
DataConnect West San Francisco (May 20, 2025) – A high-impact event gathering 500 AI leaders to explore "Agentic AI – AI That Reasons, Acts, and Adapts." The event will dive into how AI is evolving from predictive systems to more autonomous decision-making models.
DataConnect Columbus (October 2-3, 2025) – The flagship event in Columbus, Ohio, welcoming 2,000+ attendees from around the world. The focus will be on data quality in the AI era, ensuring that organizations can build trustworthy and reliable AI systems.
By the Numbers
This partnership builds on an impressive track record of engagement and impact across the data and AI ecosystem:
600+ women speakers featured in past conferences
19,000+ event attendees through WiD's programs
8,000+ WIA community members
22,000 WiD program participants
5.7 million lives reached globally
What They’re Saying
Leaders from both organizations emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration:
Rehgan Bleile, Founder of WIA: "With WIA's 8,000+ members joining forces with WiD's 22,000 members, we are creating momentum that ensures the future of AI is shaped by diverse perspectives and experiences."
Sadie St. Lawrence, Founder of WiD: "Women supporting women is how we all win. In the age of AI, it’s not just about humans and AI collaborating, but all of us coming together for a shared goal and vision."
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Women in Analytics and Women in Data™ plan to build on this partnership by expanding their global reach and developing new initiatives that support diversity in AI and data science. The partnership will focus on:
Hosting collaborative conferences, summits, and workshops that bridge the gap between research, industry, and policymakers.
Expanding mentorship and career development programs to help more women and underrepresented individuals break into and advance within the AI and analytics industries.
Leveraging collective resources to develop cutting-edge educational programs, providing technical training and leadership opportunities to professionals at all career levels.
By combining their expertise, networks, and mission-driven focus, WIA and WiD are setting a new standard for inclusion and leadership in AI and data science. Their partnership will help Ohio continue to build a space for itself as a growing hub for tech, AI, and analytics innovation.