Since 2017, the College of Engineering & Computer Science has empowered students with networking, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities through its annual ECS Diversity and Leadership Summit. The two-day summit, which was held on campus this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, connects students with industry professionals who share their personal experiences and insights to inspire and educate.
Beyond its industry-leading guests and collaborative activities, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the summit is that it’s an entirely student-driven event. Each aspect is organized by students in the Women in Computer Science and Engineering (WiCSE) program at ECS, making the summit one of the strongest demonstrations of student-led triumphs in the University.
Speed Mentoring & Panel Discussion Help Students Shine
This year’s summit, on March 3 and 4, followed a “Navigating Professionalism and Personal Identity” theme and featured two keynote speakers: Cecelia Smith, vice president and manager of Analog Foundry Services at Texas Instruments, and Maggie So, growth consultant and leadership coach at Crews & co. and owner of Glasshopper Services Inc.
Other activities included a discussion panel, three workshops, speed mentoring, and more. Attendees were treated to catered meals and free swag.
“The activities individually are beneficial, but it’s the opportunity to experience a conference free of charge and close to home that gives students the chance to lead and learn,” says Beth Harnick-Shapiro, lecturer in computer science and faculty coordinator for WiCSE. “The professionals who volunteer their time are often so wowed by our students that they’re eager to return for the next year’s event.”
Students seemed especially drawn to the panel this year, engaging speakers to spark thoughtful, impactful discussions. As the summit council’s lead coordinator, Taylor Livingston, a fourth-year student double-majoring in computer science and business administration, helped choose the panelists.
“It’s immensely important to have events like this. It allows students and professionals to engage and connect with one another on new levels.”
Taylor Livingston, fourth-year ECS student and summit council lead coordinator
“Each professional had their own story to tell about their struggles, experiences, and how they became the person they are today,” Livingston says. “Our theme and the students’ questions allowed them to be vulnerable and real with their responses.”
Speed mentoring was another summit favorite – and not just for students.
“Speed mentoring is always popular with students and professionals,” Harnick-Shapiro says. “This year, a large number of alumni came to participate and give back to the ECS community.”
“It’s immensely important to have events like this,” Livingston says. “It allows students and professionals to engage and connect with one another on new levels. Each professional’s testimony helps enhance students’ motivation and connection with their purpose for studying these fields.”
The Significance of the Student-Driven Event
The summit’s impact extends beyond the event itself to the leadership opportunities presented by joining the council.
“Student organizers determine everything from the professionals, workshops, and activities to the theme, swag, and venue, handling most of the outreach and coordination themselves,” Harnick-Shapiro says. “They also develop a website and other materials to support and market the event – and they do it all as volunteers, while completing normal coursework.”
Though challenging, serving on the council can be extremely rewarding and empowering, giving students a chance to stand out and strengthen their confidence, independence, and soft skills.
Of her experience, Livingston says, “I had a lot of responsibilities, such as managing the council committees, inviting professionals, handling the budget, and maintaining the summit’s vision and purpose. It was overwhelming at times, but I’m so proud of my team and myself for the event we created.”
All members of the summit council – along with staff member Toni Miller, senior director of development; faculty member Doina Bein, professor of computer science; and Karina Vega, CIC | PCUBED staff administrator – were integral to this year’s success.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without every one of these wonderful individuals, and I can’t thank them enough,” Livingston says. “We also want to acknowledge the great support from our WiCSE sponsors Bank of America, Chevron, Southern California Edison, and Hyundai.”
A Community of Uplifting Support
Beyond the summit, WiCSE has impacted Livingston’s entire college career. “I’ve been in WiCSE since I started college, and I’ve never felt more supported and motivated to continue my studies,” she says. “I know that I always have WiCSE to push me to become the best version of myself.”
The program has been equally meaningful to Harnick-Shapiro. “Coordinating and building the WiCSE program brings me so much joy!” she says. “I’m lucky to build opportunities for bright, vibrant women every day. Their enthusiasm and dedication give me hope for the future of engineering and computer science.”
Livingston also credits her growth to CSUF as a whole – as well as her own personal drive. “As a woman of color who’s still learning about her individuality and technical skills, I know my experience here has been worthwhile,” she says. “This is thanks to the wonderful opportunities CSUF creates, plus the initiative I took to push myself and broaden my horizons. Without that and the support system CSUF offers, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
For those considering a career in computer science or engineering who have concerns about acceptance, Livingston encourages perseverance. “No change can happen unless you make it happen,” she says. “It’s okay to be uncomfortable – that’s where you learn to grow, and progress requires a leap of faith and courage. If you believe you can do it, there should be nothing stopping you.”
The seventh ECS Diversity and Leadership Summit is planned for March 8-9, 2024. Due to the event’s growth, more student council members and industry professionals are needed to support next year’s summit. If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to beth.harnick.shapiro@fullerton.edu or fill out the appropriate form online.
