Grace Hopper Celebration India 2024 (GHCI 24) Wraps Up with a Resounding Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Uniting 7000+ Women and Nonbinary Technologists

• Grace Hopper Celebration India 2024, organized by AnitaB.org India and returning after a 5-year hiatus, concluded on a high note with prominent speakers and celebrities coming together to celebrate unity in diversity
• Event focused on 6 Key Tracks on AI, ML, and Open Source, Data Science, Cloud IoT, Cyber Security, Executive and Media Track along with sub-tracks on Innovation Showcase, Masterclass/workshop, Classroom & Unconference stage
• Day 1 started with an opening plenary by Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India and ended with a Pride March
• Day 2 closed with a closing plenary fireside with Bhumi Pednekar, Indian film actress, and performances by Usha Uthup, Rani KoHEnur andCarlton Braganza, showcasing the strength and vibrancy of inclusivity

Bengaluru : In a remarkable display of commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in technology, Grace Hopper Celebration India 2024 (GHCI 24) organized by AnitaB.org India. The event saw a collective footfall of 7000+ women and nonbinary technologists along with allies from across India and beyond, over three days. Held from November 20-22, 2024 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), GHCI 24 featured 200+ speakers, 100+ hours of rich technical content, and a vibrant community dedicated to propelling the tech industry forward. Under the theme ‘me+we’, GHCI 24 celebrated the collective strength of women and nonbinary technologists, emphasizing the critical role of individual talent in driving shared goals and innovations.

With the support from major sponsors like American Express, Avalara, Google, Intuit, Open Door, Walmart, Wells Fargo, Twilio, Uber, UKG, Tesco, Capital One, and Motorq, GHCI 24 successfully delivered an impactful program that nurtured connections and inspired innovations. The event attracted an engaged audience both in person and virtually, with the online platform offering live streaming for those unable to attend physically.

Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President & CEO of AnitaB.org, said, “My experience at GHCI 24 has been nothing short of inspiring. Diversity is truly woven into the threads of India, and this event stands as a testament to the immense potential of the talent here. Seeing so many brilliant minds—women and nonbinary technologists alike—gathered under one roof is a powerful reminder of the resources and talent at our fingertips. It is our collective responsibility to harness this strength, champion these voices, and use their expertise to shape a tech industry where women and nonbinary leaders are not just included but are equal decision-makers. Together, we are paving the way toward a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive future in tech.”

In a landmark initiative, GHCI 24 introduced dedicated zones supporting LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary voices, building spaces for them to connect, share experiences, and gain visibility within the tech sector. Attendees participated in discussions, interactive sessions, and workshops that promoted skills-building and career development, fostering a strong sense of belonging among all.

Bo Young Lee, President of Research & Advisory, at her first GHCI event said: “It has been inspiring to see such a powerful gathering at GHCI 24. This event wasn’t just a celebration of progress but a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to reimagine tech as a truly inclusive space. As we continue building an equitable ecosystem, it not only reflects the diversity of our world but leverages it to innovate, solve problems, and inspire. Thank you everyone for contributing to GHCI 24 and joining us on our vision bandwagon of – A future where all women and non-binary technologists are equal leaders within reach.”

Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director of AnitaB.org India, emphasized the significance of GHCI’s return to India: “GHCI 24 brought together a powerful community, ready to lead change in technology. We are incredibly proud to support women and nonbinary individuals shaping the future of tech and advocating for an inclusive, equitable industry. This year’s GHCI embodies the spirit of collaboration, and we look forward to witnessing the strides our community will continue to make.”

Two-Day Event:

• Day 0:GHCI 24 kicked off on November 20 with an exciting hackathon, which concluded with team‘Heristic Search’ emerging as the winner for their project ‘Ecosphere – an AI-powered sustainable event planning assistant that simplifies and eco-optimizes the event planning process.”
• Day 1:Shwetambri Shetty energized the attendees on day 1  with a dynamic dance fitness session. The event’s opening plenary featured Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India, setting an inspiring tone. The day wrapped up with a vibrant Pride March
• Day 2:Day 2 started with a powerful fireside chat withSirisha Voruganti, CEO & MD, Lloyds Technology Centre.  The closing plenary featured the Indian film actress Bhumi Pednekar with AnitaB.org’s India MD Shreya Krishnan, and the day concluded with lively performances by Usha Uthup, Rani KoHEnur, and Carlton Braganza.

At The Event:

• The event followedasustainability-first model by making it plastic-free and partnering with Hasiru Dala to manage trash and transform it as a keepsake to gift back to AnitaB.org India clients
• The ticket sales will beinvested in re-wilding and planting
• Food served at the venue used edible cutleryto minimise further wastage
• Partnered with80% women-owned, women-run brandsand worked with Our Better Planet to put together an all-woman entrepreneur showcase
• Created excitingArt Nook corner run by Aravani Art Project, aBook Nook Corner for book enthusiasts andto keep the attendees engaged and build an overall transformative experience
• Throughecosystem partnerships like AssisTech Foundation and SaralX, the event was made truly accessible on-ground and online for the virtual attendees with the availability of captions as well as sign language interpreters on-ground
• The event also partnered with Bangalore International Short Film Festival to have a short, small 80-seater auditorium that showcases and curates women and nonbinary content, either written, produced, or directed by them.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, GHCI 24 stands as a milestone for DE&I advocacy, uniting women and nonbinary technologists to lead with confidence and purpose. GHCI 24 reaffirmed that diverse perspectives are vital to driving progress in tech and creating solutions that truly reflect the needs of society.