HerWILL – Women Inspired in Life and Leadership
The HerWILL NSDC Chapter, established in August 2023, is an official Institutional Chapter under the National Student Data Corps (NSDC). It is dedicated to creating opportunities for all in data science and AI.
Hosted by HerWILL(https://www.herwill.org/), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, this initiative is committed to empowering individuals worldwide through access to STEM education, leadership training, and economic advancement. By bridging the gap between Bangladesh and the United States, HerWILL offers transformative pathways for students and professionals to explore, learn, research, and lead in a data-driven world.
ML workshops and our signature global datathon are coming soon!
Current Overview
The NSDC Institutional Chapter – HerWILL was established in August 2023 to create a dynamic and engaging platform for students in Bangladesh and the United States to learn and excel in data science. HerWILL is a U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on creating economic opportunities in STEM.
HerWILL aims to address the following challenges:
- Lack of role models and mentorship opportunities
- Limited leadership training
- Barriers in accessing healthcare and support systems
- Disproportionate domestic and caregiving responsibilities
By providing youth with the necessary support, mentorship, and resources, HerWILL promotes a supportive tech landscape where talent thrives without boundaries.
The organization fosters a rich exchange of lived experiences, perspectives, and challenges among individuals from various backgrounds. This unique blend catalyzes innovation and growth, granting access to training in high-demand, data-focused fields.
HerWILL’s leadership team comprises world-renowned data scientists and AI experts who voluntarily offer their time, mentorship, and guidance. They serve as a compass, leading participants toward new horizons in data science, AI, and digital innovation. Through specialized workshops and growth opportunities, HerWILL provides a solid foundation for individuals to reach unimaginable heights. The organization encourages collaboration, enabling fresh perspectives, fueling creativity, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Read on to learn more about upcoming activities, events, and opportunities brought to you by this Chapter! All are welcome to join this Chapter. To join an NSDC Chapter at another Institution (university or college), or to join a Regional Chapter (Midwest, Northeast, South, or West), visit the Chapter Central website.
Our Mission & Vision
Vision:
A supportive tech world where everyone thrives with equal access to opportunity, innovation, and leadership.
Mission:
To enable education and career development through mentorship, hands-on workshops, research opportunities, and a global support network in STEM, data science, and AI.
What We Do
The HerWILL NSDC Chapter strengthens the global data science ecosystem through four core pillars. Each pillar supports communities of learners in gaining access to STEM, data science, AI, and emerging technologies.
1. Educational Trainings & Workshops
We deliver foundational and advanced learning opportunities designed to build strong technical, analytical, and leadership skills in data science and AI.
Programs Under This Pillar:
HerWILL Workshops & Training Programs
Specialized, hands-on workshops covering:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Ethical and Responsible AI
- Other emerging data and tech topics
These programs are:
- Conducted across universities, schools, and virtual platforms
- Facilitated by global industry and academic experts
- Designed to support learners from beginner to advanced levels
ML workshops and our signature global datathon are coming soon, creating even more opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in data science and AI.
HerWILL Datathons
HerWILL Datathons are annual global data science competitions that bring together students, researchers, and professionals. Participants work on real-world challenges using AI and ML methods, often focused on social impact and inclusive innovation.
These datathons aim to:
- Strengthen data science, programming, and analytical capabilities
- Promote cross-cultural collaboration between Bangladesh, the U.S., and beyond
- Foster innovation, leadership, and teamwork
Useful links:
HerWILL Datathon 2024 Highlights and Participant Testimonials:
https://www.herwill.org/datathon-2024
Our next global datathon is coming soon, offering another opportunity for students and young professionals to showcase their skills, work with mentors, and contribute to impactful, data-driven solutions.
Mentorship Programs
A structured one-on-one or group mentoring experience connecting students with professionals worldwide.
Participants receive:
- Personalized academic, career, and research guidance
- Monthly mentoring sessions
- Networking and professional development opportunities across the global data science community
2. Research & Development
HerWILL fosters a strong culture of inquiry, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. Our R&D initiatives focus on social impact, responsible AI, and global community advancement.
Research & Educational Projects
Led by HerWILL members, scholars, and global experts, these projects address real-world challenges:
- AI for Social Good and Public Impact in Marginalized Communities: A Cross-Cultural Framework
- HerWILL @ DravidianLangTech 2025: Misogyny Detection in Memes Using Vision + Text Transformers
- Public Participation in AI Governance: Meta-Analysis of Citizen Engagement Initiatives
- C.A.R.E. for AI Governance: Tackling Regional Challenges in the Global South
- Assessing Gender Bias of Pretrained Bangla Language Models in STEM and SHAPE Fields
These initiatives provide:
- Real-world research experience
- Collaborative learning across cultures and disciplines
- Opportunities for publication, conference participation, and policy influence
3. Consultancy & Capacity Building
HerWILL collaborates with educational institutions, nonprofits, and organizations to build pathways into STEM, data science, and AI.
What This Includes
- Strategic development consulting on talent pipelines
- Curriculum design for AI, data science, and STEM programs
- Organizational capacity building for cultural initiatives
Job readiness support, including:
- Work–study opportunities
- Job-matching guidance
- Employer partnerships and referrals
- Leadership development tracks for long-term career growth in tech and data-driven roles
This pillar helps partners build sustainable systems that uplift communities and support workforce development in tech.
Useful links-
https://www.herwill.org/herwillxfobana
https://www.herwill.org/herwillxgsu
4. Awareness & Advocacy
HerWILL amplifies global conversations in STEM and responsible AI.
Advocacy Activities
We organize and support:
- Awareness campaigns on:
- STEM and AI
- Digital literacy gaps
- Ethical AI practices
- Leadership representation
- STEM and AI
- Cultural exchange sessions between the U.S. and Bangladesh
- Storytelling initiatives spotlighting the lived experiences of individuals in tech and data science
- Community dialogues, webinars, and public education programs
- Efforts to promote different perspectives in STEM spaces
Through these efforts, HerWILL strengthens public understanding, bridges cultural divides, and ensures that everyone is represented in global innovation and AI governance conversations.
Our Impact So Far
- 👩🎓 300+ Students Trained
- 🌐 15+ Partner Institutions
- 📊 5+ Research Projects Initiated
- 🤝 20+ Global Mentors
These numbers reflect a growing, global community, advancing data science and AI for social good.
Meet our Leaders
HerWILL’s strength comes from its visionary leadership. Our chapter is guided by a dedicated team of individuals:
Join the HerWILL NSDC Chapter
Be part of a transformative journey in tech, data science, and AI. Whether you’re a student, researcher, mentor, educator, or enthusiast, there’s a place for you in our growing global community.
Join us to:
- Build practical skills in data science, AI, and ML
- Participate in research and real-world projects
- Access mentorship and global networking opportunities
- Contribute to a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem
Stay Connected with Us
Email us at nsdc@nebigdatahub.org with any inquiries or questions.
Some ways to stay connected with the NSDC community:
- Join our Slack channel
- Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn
- Subscribe to the Northeast Hub YouTube channel
- Sign up for our NSDC mailing list
- Check out the REAL Program for more collaboration opportunities.