At SC25, we brought together a group of women from across the HPC landscape for an open, engaging discussion on leadership, visibility, and navigating technical environments. The session wasn’t officially affiliated with WHPC, but their work continues to elevate conversations like this one. What unfolded was a thoughtful, candid dialogue that highlighted both shared experiences and diverse perspectives. 

How We Arrive in HPC 

We opened by exploring the pathways that lead people into HPC, whether through deliberate planning or unexpected opportunity. The answers were wide-ranging and reflective of how multifaceted this field truly is. The nuances of those journeys, and what shaped them, are best heard in the panelists’ own words. The full video will capture those stories more authentically than any summary could. 

Learning From the Moments That Shape Us 

We then turned to the idea of mistakes: how they happen, why they matter, and what leaders take from them. Instead of focusing on the specifics, the discussion centered around the broader theme of growth: how to recover, recalibrate, and re-enter the work with more clarity. The upcoming recording dives deeper into how each panelist approaches these moments. 

Guidance for Women Early in Their Careers 

A key part of the conversation focused on how women can build influence and make their voices heard in technical spaces. The strategies shared were thoughtful, practical, and rooted in lived experiences. Because tone and context matter here, the video will provide the clearest window into those perspectives. 

One Piece of Advice 

Each panelist shared the single insight they hope listeners carry with them. Rather than distill those messages into shorthand, we’ll let the video speak for itself—they’re worth hearing directly. 

Audience Questions That Elevated the Dialogue 

The audience brought forward questions that expanded the conversation even further: 

• How can women contribute meaningfully to an AI-driven workforce? 

• What does it take to establish credibility when you’re one of the few women in the room? 

• If there’s one takeaway from the entire discussion, what should it be? 

These questions sparked some of the most dynamic exchanges of the session, nuanced, honest, and best experienced in full when the recording is released. 

What Comes Next 

The dialogue was energizing, reflective, and a reminder of how critical representation is in shaping the future of this industry. 

The full video is on the way. It captures the depth and detail behind every question, and we can’t wait to share it.