Embracing Belonging: My Experience at The New Club's Hack & Relax Retreat

A Weekend of Connection and Growth

In early November, I had the opportunity to join 100 amazing women in AI and engineering at The New Club's Hack & Relax Retreat in Monterrey. This weekend event was more than just a gathering; it was a transformative experience where we could learn, connect, and grow together. With sessions led by industry leaders and hands-on hacking exercises, along with stargazing and yoga, the retreat perfectly blended professional development with personal connection.

Personal Reflection: Finding My People

Walking into the retreat, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. While I’ve spent time in women-centric spaces before, being surrounded by 100 women in tech was a first for me. I transitioned into the tech world just two years ago during the generative AI boom, and I often wrestle with feelings of belonging in this fast-paced industry. But this retreat felt different.

The atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and shared purpose. Many of the women I met had made significant career changes—moving from midwife or photographers to tech through boot camps and self-study. This common thread of transformation fostered a deep sense of belonging. I realized we were all navigating similar challenges and triumphs, creating a powerful bond among us.

As I reflect on my experience, I realize that the theme of belonging is deeply intertwined with our gender and the conditioning that comes with it. Regardless of whether someone has trained as a machine learning engineer from the outset or is new to the field, the struggle for belonging is universal. Even in teams where there is no ill will, being the only woman can significantly impact one's sense of inclusion. This realization has reinforced my commitment to fostering environments where everyone feels valued and connected.

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Highlights from the Retreat

‍Building an AI App for the First Time: One of the most exhilarating moments of the retreat was the opportunity to build an AI app from scratch. This experience was not only a significant milestone in my tech journey but also a chance to apply my skills in a practical, hands-on way. The process of creating something functional and innovative was incredibly fulfilling, and it ignited a deeper passion for technology and its potential to solve real-world problems.

Stargazing and Seeing Saturn's Multiple Rings: Another unforgettable highlight was the stargazing session, where I had the chance to observe Saturn and its multiple rings. This experience was awe-inspiring, as it reminded me of the beauty and complexity of the universe. It connected me to the larger world beyond technology, reinforcing the idea that exploration and curiosity are essential components of both science and life.

Inspiring Leadership and Resilience: A key highlight from the retreat came from a talk by Shadi Rostami, former Executive VP of Engineering at Amplitude and the first woman from Iran to compete in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), where she earned a bronze medal. Shadi shared her approach to navigating tough moments, explaining how she uses affirmations to stay grounded. She reminds herself, “You are such a good engineer” at work and “You are such a good mom” at home, which helps her remain confident and resilient in any situation. Adopting this mindset could help maintain balance and focus during both leadership challenges and personal moments, strengthening my own resolve in facing the day-to-day demands of both work and life.

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Statistics: The Landscape for Women in STEM

The representation of women in STEM fields is improving, yet significant challenges remain. Here are key statistics that illustrate the current state of women in these areas:

• Women represent 29% of the STEM workforce, totaling over one million employed in various STEM occupations.
• Women account for 17% of all startup founders as of 2024, indicating a gradual increase in female entrepreneurship.
• Women-led startups received only 2.3% of total venture capital funding in 2023, highlighting a significant disparity in funding opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

These statistics highlight the need for initiatives that promote inclusivity and equitable funding. Supporting women in these fields is crucial for their empowerment and for driving growth and innovation in STEM.

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A Heartfelt Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the immense gratitude I feel for the women I met at the retreat and the organizers who made it possible. The intentionality behind the event created a space where genuine connections could flourish, moving beyond the superficial networking often found at larger conferences.

I left the retreat feeling inspired and rejuvenated, equipped with new insights and a stronger sense of belonging in the tech community. The relationships I built and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly shape my journey moving forward.

It’s been an enriching experience, and I think you'll enjoy it too! Check out The New Club here.

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