Make The Connection

January 8, 2024 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan student Sanya Sapra '24 attends the AI.dev: Open Source GenAI & ML Summit and Cassandra Summit in December in San Jose, California. She represented the international organization Women Who Code. (Photo courtesy of Sanya Sapra '24)

A Woman Who Codes

Ohio Wesleyan Student Attends Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Summit in California

Sanya Sapra '24

Name: Sanya Sapra '24
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Majors: Computer Science and Quantitative Economics
OWU Connection Experience: Attending the AI.dev: Open Source GenAI & ML Summit and the Cassandra Summit on Dec. 12-13, 2023, in San Jose, California

The youngest person attending the event, Sapra represented the international nonprofit organization Women Who Code at the two-day summit on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The event, hosted by the Linux Foundation, sought to unite "the brightest developers from around the world" in an effort to "ignite discussions, foster collaborations, and shape the trajectory of open source AI."

'Real-World Applications'

"The diverse range of keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions offer practical learning beyond the classroom," Sapra said of the summit. "Engaging in these sessions can deepen understanding of complex concepts in AI and database management, and provide exposure to real-world applications and challenges in these domains."

A Prestigious Invitation

"I have been a part of Women Who Code since the past summer. I expressed my eagerness to participate more, and they extended me a registration pass after an application (in collaboration with the Linux Foundation) for me to attend this particular event, recognizing my commitment and enthusiasm toward the organization and its mission."

My Favorite Moment

"My favorite moment of the summit was witnessing women leading some of the keynote sessions. Their presence on such a prominent platform reinforced the importance of diversity in tech and motivated me to continue pursuing my own goals in the field."

Lessons Learned

"The tech industry is ever-evolving, and the summit emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptability. This aligns with the academic approach of staying updated with current technologies and methodologies, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning in both academic and professional journeys. …

"Experiences like attending the AI.dev and Cassandra Summit are … holistic experiences that contribute significantly to personal and professional growth, keeping one aligned with the forefront of technological progress."

My favorite moment of the summit was witnessing women leading some of the keynote sessions. Their presence on such a prominent platform reinforced the importance of diversity in tech and motivated me to continue pursuing my own goals in the field.

Sanya Sapra '24

My LinkedIn Series

"The summit was a pivotal moment that inspired the launch of my LinkedIn series 'YourGenZieAI,' after recognizing a gap in the adoption of AI by my peers. In this series, my commitment is to simplify concepts, post the latest news, and share valuable resources daily for the 366 days of 2024."

My Campus Involvements

While on campus, Sapra has been involved in activities and organizations including Resident Assistant, OWU Student Alumni Association (president), Horizons International (secretary), Kappa Kappa Gamma (DEI chair), WCSA student government (Student Life committee chair), Bridge program mentor, Camp Oh-Wooo leader, and desk assistant for both the Sagan Academic Resource Center and OWU Public Safety.

Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?

"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan University for its distinct qualities as a small liberal arts college, which offers a unique and enriching educational experience, especially as an international student.

"In my experience, the OWU Connection goes beyond just networking, it's about building meaningful relationships and gaining practical experiences. It provides opportunities for internships, research, and global learning experiences that are essential for personal growth and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.

"Every day is a great day to be a Bishop!"

My Plans After Graduation

"I am not ready to answer this question yet. I am still determining my next steps."