Hudson County Community College Informs and Inspires Students at 12th Annual Girls in Technology Symposium

April 9, 2025

Over 200 college and high school students learned about exciting careers in technology from women working in the field.


April 9, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) proudly hosted its 12th annual “Girls in Technology Symposium,” an event dedicated to promoting and supporting women in technology. This year’s well-attended Symposium convened over 200 students from HCCC and area high schools, business professionals, and industry leaders to inspire and empower women pursuing degrees and careers in the tech industry.

According to Chastity Farrell, HCCC’s Assistant Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, “Our annual event is all about sparking excitement in young women for STEM! With hands-on activities and inspiring talks, we want to help them explore career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math, showing them the amazing opportunities available and supporting their journeys to find their passion."

A panel of technology professionals discussed their careers with over 200 students from HCCC and local high schools who attended the College’s 12th Annual Girls in Technology Symposium.

A panel of technology professionals discussed their careers with over 200 students from HCCC and local high schools who attended the College’s 12th Annual Girls in Technology Symposium. Here, Jade Sessions, software engineer at the Farmer’s Dog, addresses students.

The gathering featured an engaging discussion with a star-studded panel featuring women who forged different paths to successful careers in technology- and engineering-related fields. The panel was moderated by Alka Kustagi, Principal of a-Squared LLC, an architectural design firm. Panelists included Denise Dagadu, a Partner Manager at Google; Ceallaigh Lorenz, Founder of Salvation Wellness; Allison Wesley-Jones, a Senior Services Engagement Manager at life sciences software firm Veeva Systems; Hilary Padget, a Registered Architect, CPHD and Partner at pHdesign; and Jade Sessions, a Software Engineer at the Farmer’s Dog.

These industry experts shared insights on career growth, challenges, and opportunities for women in STEM fields, answering questions from students and offering invaluable wisdom and encouragement to aspiring tech professionals. Xena Khan, a Computer Science and Cybersecurity major at HCCC, is the President of HCCC’s Girls Who Code Club. She is interested in pursuing a career in technology and cybersecurity. She explained, “I was motivated to get into cybersecurity by the massive data breaches over the last few years – I realized that the industry needs skilled people to work on these complex challenges, and I want to be part of the solution.” 

Other activities included keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops designed to equip attendees with experience and skills for the future. Additionally, there was a student display contest, which Laura Salamanca Rojas and Helen Ortega of North Bergen High School won for their display on instant cameras, and a student essay contest, won by Gisella Guerra of Jose Marti STEM Academy, who delivered opening remarks. The event was sponsored by Eastern Millwork, EY, eMazzanti Technologies, MAST Construction, Velez Consulting Services, ISC2 Chapter, and Provident Bank.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and participation in this event. Seeing so many passionate individuals come together to support women in technology is inspiring," said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.