Our Inaugural Newsletter for 2025 (Jan to July 2025)

A Year of Impact: Events, Collaborations, and Youth Empowerment in Data Science

Message from the WIDS TT Ambassador

As we mark the halfway point of 2025, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the momentum we have built together in the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Trinidad and Tobago (WiDS TT) community, as part of the WiDS Worldwide Organization since 2022, to promote data literacy in our region, as well as elevate, support and motivate all data science enthusiasts, especially women and girls in the field.

From our global webinars, Datathon 2025 Participation and Fireside chat in February to March 2025 promoting females in data, AI and tech fields, to the incredible energy of our inaugural hybrid webinar with our friends at IEEE Trinidad and Tobago in April 2025, to our meaningful outreach with secondary and primary school students, including our inaugural Data Storytelling Competition 2025 collaboration with the Ministry of Education in May to June 2025, our shared belief in inclusive, impactful data science has driven each initiative. We are also grateful for the continued support of TTLAB Group and TTNIC over the years.

A special highlight was launching the Caribbean Islands Chapter alongside the Big Data Hub in the USA in June 2025, a major step in strengthening regional and international collaboration. I thank our speakers, volunteers, mentors, and especially the young minds who engaged in our inaugural Data Storytelling Competition. You remind us of the power of curiosity and creativity in shaping the future. As we look ahead, I invite you to stay connected, support our outreach, and continue championing data for good across the region.

With Gratitude,
Letetia Addison (PhD, SFHEA)
WiDS TT Ambassador & High Impact Global WiDS Ambassador
July 2025

2025 WiDS TT Event Highlights

Feb–March: Two-Day Online Workshops & Fireside Chats
March: Secondary School Outreach
April: IEEE-WiDS TT Hybrid Collaboration
April: Participation in WiDS Global Datathon
May–June: Primary School Outreach
May–July: WiDS TT Data Storytelling Competition
Ongoing: Spotlight Talk Series (Women in Data Science)
July: Formation of Caribbean Islands Chapter with Big Data Hub

Event Spotlights – Part 1

WiDS Online Workshops & Fireside Chat (Feb–Mar, 2025)

Expert-led sessions covered AI for Climate Resilience, AI Ethics, and Women in STEM, while workshops introduced participants to the WiDS Datathon dataset through hands-on practice in data exploration, modeling, and storytelling. Fireside chats, including one co-hosted with WiDS San Jose Youth, brought together women leaders in tech to share mentorship insights and strategies for succeeding in the evolving world of Data Science and AI.

Secondary School Outreach (March 14)

On March 14, WiDS TT embarked on secondary school visits to promote data science awareness and inspire students to explore STEM careers. We started with San Juan Secondary School located in Trinidad. Through interactive sessions, students engaged with real-life datasets and learned about the role of AI in addressing community issues.

WiDS TT x IEEE Hybrid Webinar (April 2025)

On April 5, 2025, WiDS hosted a hybrid Python + Power BI workshop in collaboration with the IEEE T&T at The UWI St. Augustine Campus with 160+ participants from 20+ countries. The session taught attendees how to integrate Python into Power BI for advanced analytics, automation, and impactful visualizations, with participants actively engaging in hands-on, collaborative learning.

WiDS Global Datathon Participation (April 2025)

WiDS TT supported regional participation in the 2025 WiDS Global Datathon. Participants explored real-world challenges using AI and data, supported by mentorship and peer- learning spaces. two of our mentors led teams which placed on the Global Leaderboard!

Event Spotlights – Part 2

WiDS TT and Ministry of Education collaboration - Data Storytelling Competition (May–July 2025)

Open to post-SEA students, the WiDS TT Data Storytelling Competition 2025 built foundational data skills and storytelling capacity in youth. Participants collected and analyzed simple datasets and submitted creative 2–3 minute videos, highlighting themes such as climate, education, and social equity. Winners were recognized for innovation, storytelling, and presentation, with the announcement on July 9, 2025.

Primary School Outreach (May–June 2025)

In May and June 2025, WiDS Trinidad and Tobago hosted its Primary School Outreach for students aged 10–12, introducing them to data storytelling through fun online and in-person activities. Students explored surveys, graphs, and real-world data projects, building creativity, teamwork, and confidence while sparking interest in STEM.

Spotlight Talk Series (Ongoing, May 2025)

WiDS TT Spotlight Talks showcased innovation and youth leadership in STEM, featuring EmpleaTT, a voice-powered bilingual career tool by Jade and Shiva; TriniVerse, Jaden Boodram’s AI platform transforming Caribbean digital engagement; and teen data scientist Audrey Young, who shared her initiatives in youth mentorship, datathons, and creative data storytelling. The series highlighted inclusive technology, real-world impact, and the power of data to inspire and empower the next generation of Caribbean STEM innovators.

Regional Impact + Recognition

Formation of Caribbean Islands Chapter (July 2025)

WiDS Trinidad and Tobago (WiDS TT) is now an affiliated partner of the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub’s Caribbean Islands Chapter! To mark this milestone, WiDS TT launched its Summer Data Camp 2025 (July 18–August 22), a virtual, mentored program offering hands-on data projects, mentorship, and a Certificate of Completion for students, faculty, and professionals.

Ambassador Recognition

In 2025, Dr. Letetia Addison was honored once again as a High Impact Ambassador, recognizing exceptional leadership, regional reach, and program innovation across the Caribbean.

Thank You!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated mentors, volunteers, and sponsors for their invaluable support and active participation in this year’s events. Your commitment and enthusiasm made these initiatives possible and helped inspire the next generation of data innovators!

Contributing Mentors / Volunteers

Adhir Soechit
Daria Hypolite
Faith Persad
Fareena Alladin
Haddiyah Ali
Julie Koon Koon
Kirstin Sylvester

Lesley-Ann Jurawan
Malini Ramberran
Mercedes Quammie
Mercedes Torry
Nicholas Smith
Priya Ramdial
Videsh Jagai