Navigating Curiosity to Leadership in Tech

Predictive Modeling (4:15) Human judgement and processes (14:06)Imperfection in models (21:40)BioClaudia Perlich is Managing Director and Head of Strategic Data Science for Investment Management at Two Sigma, where she has worked for seven years. In this role, Claudia is responsible for developing innovative alpha strategies at the intersection of alternative data, thematic hypotheses and machine learning in public markets. Claudia joined Two Sigma from Dstillery, an AI ad targeting company, where she worked as Chief Scientist. Claudia began her career in data science at the IBM Watson Research Center, concentrating on research in data analytics and machine learning for complex real-world domains and applications.Since 2011, Claudia has served as an adjunct professor teaching Data Mining in the M.B.A. program at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Claudia received a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Stern School of Business, New York University, holds an M.S. of Computer Science from Colorado University and a B.S. in Computer Science from Technical University Darmstadt, Germany. Connect with ClaudiaClaudia Perlich on LinkedinConnect with UsMargot Gerritsen on LinkedInFollow WiDS on LinkedIn (@Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide), Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

HighlightsVulnerability and honesty in leadership (12:07)Finding leaders who are willing to take risks on talent (13:48)BioMaritza is an engineering manager at Klaviyo, where she leads a team focused on creating tools that help marketers better understand and optimize their campaign and flow performance. She enjoys collaborating with her team to develop solutions that provide clear, actionable insights for users.Before joining Klaviyo, Maritza worked at startups in the clinical trial management and natural language processing (NLP) sectors, where she gained experience in applying software to solve practical challenges. She began her career as a research assistant in a computational neuroimaging lab, where she was introduced to software development through the lab's open-source projects. This experience sparked her interest in using technology to address real-world problems.Outside of work, Maritza enjoys knitting, though much of her time is happily spent caring for her 1- and 3-year-olds. Connecting with MaritzaMaritza Ebling on Linkedin Connect with UsTina Tang on LinkedInFollow WiDS on LinkedIn (@Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide), Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Math and Computer Science (2:51)Graph Alignment (20:38) BioHuda Nassar is a senior computer scientist at RelationalAI working on building the graph algorithms library offered as part of RelationalAI's product. Previously, Huda obtained a PhD in Computer Science from Purdue University and was a postdoc fellow at Stanford's School of Medicine. Huda is also known for her "Julia for Data Science" course which had over 13,000 students and focused on Data Science methods including graph analytics. Connect with HudaHuda Nassar on LinkedinConnect with UsMargot Gerritsen on LinkedIn Follow WiDS on LinkedIn (@Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide), Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Language as the access to different cultures (2:09)Career journey (8:23)People first in leadership style (23:19)BioHannah Pham is a seasoned data leader with experience building and scaling data teams at top tech companies like Airbnb and Pinterest. Hannah's expertise spans consumer and monetization domains. As the Head of Data Science for the consumer area at Pinterest, she leverages data to bring the best experience to Pinners and drive business growth. Hannah is also a successful startup founder with Skin AI, a personalized skincare company that she co-founded in 2018. Connect with HannahHannah Pham on LinkedinConnect with UsChisoo Lyons on LinkedInFollow WiDS on LinkedIn (@Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide), Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Sydney Hazen, a Privacy Data Scientist at Ford, shares her journey from a college intern to a full-time role. She highlights how internships can lead to job offers and the importance of real-world experience and corporate navigation. Sydney emphasizes applying technical skills with a socially conscious approach, understanding problems before diving into data, and credits her professor and diverse classmates for shaping her perspective. She plans to pursue further education and explore different roles, underscoring the unique position of women in data science and the need for self-advocacy and finding mentors.HighlightsInternship at Ford (8:25)Time at Notre Dame (14:55Influencers (17:54)BioSydney is a Privacy Data Scientist at Ford Motor Company, as a part of the Ford College Graduate (FCG) rotational program. She is a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS) and a minor in Data Science. She has a range of experience spanning software development, data engineering, and analytics and is always looking to gain new knowledge in the technology sphere. Connect with SydneySydney Hazen on Linkedin Connect with UsChisoo Lyons on LinkedInFollow WiDS on LinkedIn (@Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide), Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

 HighlightsLLMs (1:46)AI systems (3:25)The need for humanness in AI (20:17)Transitioning to independent consultant (28:31)BioKarin Golde, is the Founder of West Valley AI. She helps businesses and technical leaders navigate the rapidly developing landscape of AI and Large Language Models by sharing her expertise which has ranged from executive leadership roles at multiple startups to heading the language engineering division for the AI Data team at Amazon Web Services. Her philosophy is to cut through the hype, collaborate with integrity, and keep a laser focus on providing value to your business. Connect with KarinKarin Golde on LinkedinWebsite West Valley IA Connect with UsChisoo Lyons on LinkedInFollow WiDS on Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

 Highlights: 00:02:25 - Colleen’s motivation for writing a book, interdisciplinary collaborations, and explaining advanced mathematical tools in accessible ways.00:08:44 - Journey from biology and social sciences to data science, and the integration of different mathematical tools in solving data problems.00:14:13 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and the value of exploring beyond one's field.00:15:02 - The importance of mentorship.00:23:40 - Coping strategies for setbacks in academia and industry.About the Guest:Colleen Farrelly is an author and senior data scientist. Her research has focused on network science, topological data analysis, and geometry-based machine learning. She has a master's from the University of Miami and has experience in many fields, including healthcare, biotechnology, nuclear engineering, marketing, and education. Colleen wrote the book, The Shape of Data: Geometry-Based Machine Learning and Data Analysis in R.  Mentions:Connect with Colleen Farrelly on LinkedIn Related Links:The Shape of Data: Geometry-Based Machine Learning and Data Analysis in R Connect with UsMargot Gerritsen on LinkedInListen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts,Google Podcasts,Spotify,Stitcher

Summary:Listen to the incredible and inspiring journey of Avalon Baldwin’s career journey. A self-described data nerd, she was not only the first in her family to attend college, she went on to get a graduate degree. Today she is an entrepreneur running her own consulting company. In conversation with Chisoo Lyons, Avalon shares how curiosity, mentorship, and coaching made a difference in her life. Highlights: (06:18): Exploring factors like how data is collected, the intention behind collecting a specific data point instead of another one, and how they can influence analysis and interpretation.(08:20): Working with students as individuals and promoting self-agency, as able to influence their own future. (12:02): Avalon describes her journey to become the first in her family to be a college student(32:02): Advice on finding a mentor. About the Guest:Avalon Baldwin master's degree in positive developmental psychology and evaluation from the Claremont Graduate University. She received her bachelor's degree in biopsychology from Mills College,. Avalon's consulting company, which she just recently launched, is called Curious Evaluation. Avalon provides consulting services for nonprofit organizations to help in evaluating the impact of their programs using data and science by framing the effort around the organization's mission, goals and values.Mentions:Connect with Avalon on LinkedIn Related Links:Curious Evaluation Connect with Us:Chisoo Lyons on LinkedInFollow WiDS on Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide) Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

In this episode, Margot Gerittsen speaks with Kim Grauer. Kim is the Director of Research at Chainalysis, where she examines trends in cryptocurrency economics and crime. Listen as she talks about her obsession with fighting fraud in the cryptocurrency market.Highlights:What is crypto crimeTrust in stable coinMisconceptions around cryptocurrencyUsing data and data science in fighting fraud About the Guest:Kim is the Director of Research at Chainalysis, where she examines trends in cryptocurrency economics and crime. She was trained in economics at the London School of Economics and in politics at Oxford University. Previously, she explored technological advancements in developing countries as an academic research associate at the London School of Economics and was an economics researcher at the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Related Links:ChainalysisNew York City Economic Development Corporation Connect with UsMargot Gerritsen on LinkedInFollow WiDS on Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on  Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Michelle Katics, CEO  and co-founder of  BankersLab, discusses her journey in risk management training and the importance of integrating technical skills with business and soft skills. She shares her experience in helping banks navigate complex regulations and the need for training to improve understanding and decision-making. Katics emphasizes the importance of storytelling and simplifying complex concepts to effectively communicate with stakeholders. She also highlights the need for women to participate in data science and entrepreneurship, and encourages everyone to continue learning and collaborating to drive innovation and growth. Katics also discusses her involvement in volunteer work, including supporting migrants and refugees and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. She concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace diverse skill sets and collaborate to achieve better outcomes.Highlights:Why Michelle went into risk management and why it’s so critical for enterprise success (00:58)Blending business and soft skills with technical skills for optimal outcomes (04:52)Importance of storytelling (07:19)Mentions:Connect with Michelle Katics on LinkedInBios:Michelle Katics is the co-founder and CEO of BankersLab. BankersLab provides a virtual simulation platform taking learning to the next level, combining business expertise in lending with numerical simulation and gamification. Michelle is a thought leader in the fintech revolution and a champion of talent transformation and innovation. During her career she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the International Monetary Fund, Fair Isaac, and with numerous financial institutions who were her clients in over 30 countries. Alongside her impressive career accomplishments, she has a diverse and rich portfolio of volunteering activities being in service of others.New co-host and the WiDS Chief of Programs, Chisoo Lyons spent years in consulting services, working with clients including leading banks and financial services organizations worldwide. She held several leadership positions in consulting, research, solution development, and business-line management. She kick-started her career as a data analyst at FICO. Today, at WiDS, she remains dedicated to supporting and empowering women in data science.Learn more from data science leaders like Michelle on Using storytelling to communicate with stakeholders.Connect with UsChisoo Lyons on LinkedInFollow WiDS on Twitter (@WiDS_Worldwide), Facebook (WiDSWorldwide), and Instagram (wids_worldwide)Listen and Subscribe to the WiDS Podcast on Apple Podcasts,  Google Podcasts,  Spotify,  Stitcher