Each year, the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) convenes thousands of women and non-binary technologists for learning, connection, and exchange. Hosted by AnitaB.org, the event has grown from a single conference in 1994 into one of the most recognized gatherings in the technology ecosystem—reflecting the sustained impact of community, mentorship, and shared commitment to the field.
In this post, I explore AnitaB.org’s history and share select moments I documented during GHC24 in Philadelphia, highlighting the energy, leadership, and presence that define large-scale conferences of this kind. Through these images, the focus remains on what it looks like to be inside the room when community and purpose converge.
Looking Ahead
Photographing Grace Hopper Celebration offered more than an opportunity to document a large-scale conference—it provided a window into how movements take shape through shared space, dialogue, and presence. Across keynotes, conversations, and quiet in-between moments, the visual record reflects how ideas around innovation, accessibility, and inclusion are carried not just through programming, but through people.
For me, the work centered on capturing that momentum as it unfolded—moments of leadership, exchange, and connection that often exist beyond the stage. Whether documenting a speaker’s pause before a pivotal point or a candid interaction between emerging technologists, each image contributes to a broader story about representation, mentorship, and belonging within the technology landscape.
The Legacy of AnitaB.org
Founded in 1987 by computer scientist Anita Borg, AnitaB.org (originally the Institute for Women and Technology) has played a sustained role in advancing women in computing through research, advocacy, and convening. Its flagship conference, the Grace Hopper Celebration—named in honor of pioneering computer scientist and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper—launched in 1994 as a space to recognize technical contributions and support professional growth.
Over time, the conference has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of technology and leadership, marked by several defining characteristics:
- Global Reach: Expanding from its early years in Washington, D.C., to international and satellite gatherings
- Enduring Networks: Fostering mentorships, collaborations, and professional relationships that extend well beyond the event itself
- Platformed Leadership: Featuring voices from startups, Fortune 500 companies, and academic institutions across keynotes, panels, and short-form talks
AnitaB.org’s broader mission—to support and advance women and underrepresented technologists—emerges not only through formal programming, but also in the informal exchanges and shared moments that take place throughout the conference environment.
Highlights from GHC24 in Philadelphia
Main Stage Momentum
Mentorship in Action
Brand Activation Moments
Networking & Connection
Dynamic Celebrations
Why Should Attend Conferences Like GHC
Large-scale technology conferences draw a wide range of attendees—from seasoned professionals to students and career-changers—because they offer layered experiences beyond the main stage. These events typically include:
- In-Depth Sessions: Explorations of topics such as AI ethics, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and emerging technologies
- Hands-On Workshops: Skill-building labs and practical learning led by experienced practitioners
- Career Access: Opportunities to engage directly with companies and organizations focused on innovation and inclusive hiring
- Community Spaces: Informal gatherings, wellness areas, and collaborative activities designed to foster connection and reflection
Together, these elements create environments where learning, opportunity, and community intersect.
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