Women in Data Science: Chisoo Lyons’ Quest for Representation
Background
Women make up 15% to 22% of data science professionals, according to research from the Boston Consulting Group. One of the women working to increase this number is Chisoo Lyons, the executive director of Women in Data Science Worldwide (WiDS) and a BigDATAwire 2024 Person to Watch.
WiDS Mission
WiDS started in 2015 with a one-day technical conference at Stanford University to give women a voice in data science. Since then, the group has expanded significantly, and it now touches more than 150,000 participants across 160 countries via conferences, datathons, podcasts, upskilling workshops, its Next Gen outreach program, the WiDS Academy, and the UpLink platform. The group’s goal is to achieve 30% representation for women in data science by 2030, which it refers to as its 30×30 cause.
Interview with Chisoo Lyons
What attracted you to the position of Executive Director of WiDS Worldwide?
Women in Data Science Worldwide (WiDS) is a pioneer in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion for women in technical fields. Data science and AI are shaping the world we live in today, and as having been in many leadership roles in data science, I know that diversity of perspectives, including gender, is critical to outcomes. That means women being included and represented in decision-making and opportunities to gain their share of the economic benefit in those outcomes. Our ambitious mission to achieve substantial women’s representation at every level of the field is personal to me.
How would you characterize the progress that women have made in data science over the past decade? What more needs to be done?
At an aggregate level, women and society have made and are continuing to make progress. Some studies report that women represent up to a quarter or more of data science practitioners in some industries and geographies. However, once you examine more closely, we see very little progress in segments of the population, such as the intersection of underserved communities and women. This is also the case when homing in on leadership positions in which diversity in thought process and experience is key in making decisions and directing the course for the initiatives, organizations, and communities.
Personal Life
Outside of the professional sphere, what can you share about yourself that your colleagues might be surprised to learn – any unique hobbies or stories?
I lived a good part of my childhood outside of the US. This seeded my curiosity about different cultures through traveling on holidays and through cooking (and eating) different types of cuisine. I love sharing the experience with family and friends, taking long hikes, and hanging out with my 2 miniature dachshunds.
Conclusion
Chisoo Lyons’ dedication to increasing representation of women in data science is inspiring. As the Executive Director of WiDS Worldwide, she is working tirelessly to achieve the group’s 30×30 goal. Her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident, and her unique experiences and hobbies make her a compelling individual.
FAQs
Q: What is the mission of Women in Data Science Worldwide (WiDS)?
A: The mission of WiDS is to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for women in technical fields, specifically data science.
Q: What is the 30×30 goal of WiDS?
A: The 30×30 goal is to achieve 30% representation for women in data science by 2030.
Q: How can I get involved with WiDS?
A: You can get involved with WiDS by attending conferences, participating in datathons, listening to podcasts, upskilling workshops, or joining the Next Gen outreach program, WiDS Academy, or UpLink platform.
