Tapia Conference 2025: A Celebration of Diversity in Computing

What’s Going On? 

From September 10th to 12th, 2025, ten Virginia Tech students were given the opportunity to attend Tapia 2025 in Dallas, Texas. Organized by Dr. Sehrish Basir Nizamani and Dr. Mohammed Farghally, who are both assistant professors in the Virginia Tech Computer Science department, the Tapia conference celebrates diversity in computing. It provided our group with invaluable experiences, including networking with industry leaders, attending technical workshops, and exploring career opportunities in technology and research. A huge thanks to Dr. Seyam for making this incredible opportunity possible.  

What Is Tapia?

The Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference, commonly known as  Tapia, is one of the premier events dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in computing and technology fields. Named after renowned mathematician and computer scientist Dr. Richard Tapia, the conference brings together students, faculty, researchers, and industry  professionals from underrepresented groups in computing who might face more barriers to tech-related careers. Tapia features a dynamic program that includes keynote speeches from influential leaders, technical paper presentations, panel discussions, career fairs, and networking opportunities with top technology companies and academic institutions. The conference serves as a vital platform for attendees to showcase their research, build  professional connections, gain mentorship, explore career and graduate school opportunities, and be part of a supportive community that celebrates their contributions to the field. With thousands of participants each year, Tapia has become an essential gathering that not only highlights the achievements of diverse voices in computing but also inspires the next generation of technologists to pursue their passions and drive innovation in the industry.  

Who Showed Up?

Tapia 2025 attracted an outstanding lineup of organizations committed to advancing diversity in  computing. Major tech and financial industry leaders including Google, Meta, Capital One, Two Sigma, and Mastercard were present, alongside national research laboratories such as MIT Lincoln Laboratory. The academic presence was equally impressive, with students, professors, alumni, and university partners from top-tier institutions such as UC Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, and of course, Virginia Tech. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were also represented, with participants from Howard University attending. Diversity-focused organizations such as the Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT (CMD-IT), Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), and The National GEM Consortium (Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science) also participated, reinforcing the conference’s mission to create pathways and support systems for underrepresented groups in technology. 

AI Insights And Reflections

A recurring theme throughout Tapia 2025 was the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across industries and research domains. From cutting-edge research projects to accessibility solutions, the sessions highlighted how AI is moving beyond experimental phases into practical, impactful implementations that students can directly contribute to in their careers. The technical presentations demonstrated AI’s versatility in solving real-world problems and opened pathways for students interested in both research and industry applications. For example, a multi-modal navigation system for blind and low-vision individuals showcased how AI can create meaningful accessibility solutions—an area where students with interests in computer vision, human-computer interaction, and assistive technology can make significant social impact. Discussions on intelligent robotics explored how AI and machine learning are reshaping industries from healthcare to manufacturing, highlighting emerging career opportunities in robotics engineering, AI model development, and human-robot interaction. For students considering their career paths, the panel on maximizing business value offered practical insights into what employers are looking for in AI practitioners, including the ability to align AI solutions with strategic objectives and demonstrate measurable return on investment, skills that students will need whether they pursue industry roles or research positions. 

One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the conference was the varying perspectives on AI’s impact on the tech workforce, particularly regarding entry-level positions—a topic of direct concern to students entering the field. Some speakers expressed concern about automation replacing early-career opportunities, while others argued that AI would augment developers’ abilities and create new roles that don’t yet exist. For students navigating their education and career planning, hearing these different viewpoints was valuable because it reinforced that the future of AI in the workplace isn’t predetermined. The choices today’s students make in how they learn, develop, and apply these technologies will shape their ultimate impact on jobs and careers. 

Conference Success

Tapia 2025 proved to be a tremendous success for Virginia Tech students, with several securing valuable career opportunities. Multiple students landed on-site interviews with major companies, demonstrating the power of face-to-face networking at the conference. Additionally, students received direct reach-outs from prominent tech firms such as Two Sigma, opening doors to potential internships and full-time positions. The conference’s career fair and networking events provided an invaluable platform for students to connect with recruiters and hiring managers, turning conversations into concrete opportunities. These outcomes highlight the tangible benefits of attending conferences like Tapia, where meaningful connections can translate into career-defining moments.  

How Can You Get Involved

Interested in attending Tapia in the future? Every year, Dr. Seyam sends out an email with information about the conference and opportunities to participate. Keep an eye on your inbox for  announcements about application deadlines, funding opportunities, and conference details.  Attending Tapia is not only a chance to advance your own career through networking and  learning, but it’s also an opportunity to learn about diversity in computing. By participating, you  become part of a larger movement working to create a more inclusive tech industry where underrepresented voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered. Whether you’re looking to explore new research areas, connect with potential employers, or simply immerse yourself in a supportive community that values diversity, Tapia offers an experience that can positively shape your academic and  professional journey.