Why GirlCon Is So Much More Than a Conference
By Zoe Mehta
GirlCon truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. The speakers, the attendees, the impact, the energy, the teamwork—it all comes together to create something amazing.
This year, GirlCon 2025 marked our eighth annual event, hosted once again at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Our mission has always been clear: to empower high school students who identify as female or non-binary to boldly pursue their dreams, by showing them how their passions can intersect with technology.
Like many organizations, we had to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our third annual conference in 2020 was held virtually—but even then, we connected with over 700 students from 32 countries. That number grew to 930+ students from 38 countries in 2021. Since 2022, GirlCon has embraced a hybrid format, allowing us to expand our reach while keeping the in-person magic alive. In 2022 and 2023, we welcomed over 500 attendees in person, and just last year, we hosted more than 350 students at Google HQ in Chicago.
GirlCon is built around connection and inspiration. Our virtual conference includes multiple keynote speakers and a wide range of sessions that students from around the world can choose from based on their interests. The in-person experience is a bit more structured—but just as dynamic.
We kick things off with time to mingle, connect, and collect some fun swag from our generous sponsors. Then comes the opening ceremony, where attendees hear from our team and a powerhouse woman in tech. After that, everyone breaks into small-group sessions that explore how different fields intersect with technology. This year’s sessions included Tech + AI, Tech + Fashion Styling, Tech + Astronomy, and Tech + Business Law, among many others.
For the first time, we also introduced interactive workshops—hands-on activities like DNA modeling and building personal websites. After lunch, students participated in professional development sessions, including mock interviews, resume and LinkedIn building, confidence training, and tips on work-life balance.
Later in the day, we hosted panels like our brand-new College Panel—where driven undergrads shared advice for high schoolers—and our signature Women in Tech Panel, where professionals shared what it’s like to navigate and challenge the gender gap in STEM fields.
One of the highlights was the CME + Google Innovation Challenge, where selected teams presented ideas for a more sustainable future, competing for prizes including a tour of Google’s offices!
Finally, we wrapped it all up with a closing ceremony, another powerful keynote, and a giant group photo that captured the spirit of the day.
But the real magic of GirlCon goes deeper than the programming. When I joined the national team last year, I immediately felt welcomed into a community full of support. Our Slack channel was buzzing with advice, encouragement, and opportunities. My team leaders were generous with tips and insights—not just for planning the conference, but for growing personally and professionally.
One memory that stands out is a long (and sweaty) summer walk I took to the train station with a former team member. We ended up chatting the whole way—and later, when I committed to the same college she attends, she became one of my biggest mentors.
This year, I was honored to join the CORE planning team—a tight-knit group of ten of us who oversaw all the national teams and managed the entire event. Even though we first met online, we quickly became best friends. By the time we met in person at the conference, it felt like we’d known each other forever. We laughed nonstop. Our long night of setup didn’t even feel long with them by my side. And when the underclassmen surprised us seniors with heartfelt gifts and speeches, it hit me just how much I would miss this team—and our Sunday night calls.
But the beautiful thing is, the community doesn’t end when the conference does. Graduated seniors become Board members, offering mentorship and advice to new team members. The connections don’t fade. I still hear about Board members helping each other land internships or make professional connections.
GirlCon is more than a conference. It’s a launchpad. A support system. A sisterhood. And I’m endlessly grateful to be a part of it. Learn more about GirlCon at girlcon.org and follow them on Instagram @girlcontech.