Robinhood’s Annual Women in Tech Conference 2024 brought together a vibrant cross-section of talent from inside the company and across the broader technology and financial communities. The day-long gathering underscored Robinhood’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in tech, fostering mentorship, and advancing a culture that prioritizes inclusivity and opportunity. Attendees spanned diverse roles—from engineers and product leaders to security experts and business strategists—reflecting the company’s belief that technical excellence thrives when varied perspectives are welcomed. The conference served as a platform for learning, connection, and the exchange of real-world experiences that can elevate careers and shape the future of technology within the finance space. By weaving together technical sessions, leadership discussions, and expansive networking opportunities, the event highlighted a shared vision: a more equitable, collaborative tech ecosystem where women at every level can thrive and contribute meaningfully to innovation and financial democratization.
The Event at a Glance
The 2024 Women in Tech Conference opened with a thoughtful, energizing welcome from the organizing team, signaling a day devoted to inspiration, knowledge exchange, and practical growth. Attendees were invited into a structured program designed to balance hands-on learning with reflective dialogue, ensuring participants could translate insights into actionable steps in their own careers. The event featured a rich slate of sessions, including workshops, lightning talks, and panel discussions, all crafted to enhance both technical competence and leadership prowess. Throughout the day, participants explored a spectrum of topics—from foundational career influences to advanced engineering challenges—highlighting the multifaceted nature of women’s contributions to technology.
Key sessions were organized to address topics essential to contemporary tech professionals. The conference offered deep dives into technical subjects like network security and system architecture, as well as strategic discussions on professional development and public speaking. Lightning talks provided rapid, high-impact insights on specialized topics, while panel discussions created space for nuanced conversations about mentorship, overcoming obstacles, and nurturing sponsorship in the workplace. The sessions were curated to encourage participation, with speakers ranging from senior executives to individual contributors who volunteered their content. The atmosphere throughout the day was collaborative and forward-looking, with a focus on empowering attendees to apply what they learned in practical, workplace-relevant ways.
The keynote lineup reflected Robinhood’s philosophy of elevating diverse voices, featuring leaders who bridge executive leadership and hands-on technical expertise. These talks offered a blend of high-level strategic guidance and concrete, experience-based advice. The overarching message was clear: empowerment emerges when women across levels and disciplines share their stories, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. The conference emphasized a culture of learning and mutual support, encouraging attendees to seek mentorship, build networks, and contribute to a community that values inclusive growth. By bringing together women across engineering, product development, security, and other functional areas, the event reinforced the idea that leadership and technical excellence are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
The event also celebrated practical outcomes—participants left with new connections, enhanced skill sets, and a clearer roadmap for career advancement. Networking opportunities were thoughtfully integrated into the schedule, providing warm, accessible environments for conversations that could extend beyond the day’s sessions. The collaborative setup enabled both informal exchanges and structured discussions, ensuring that attendees could build meaningful relationships with peers, potential mentors, and prospective collaborators. The welcoming, inclusive tone of the day helped attendees feel seen and valued, reinforcing the belief that women in tech can and should shape the future of Robinhood and the broader tech landscape.
Workshops, Networking, and Leadership Development
A highlight of the conference was a comprehensive set of workshops designed to sharpen both technical and leadership competencies. Participants engaged in activities that fostered problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking, with an emphasis on practical applications rather than theoretical concepts alone. The workshops provided a space to practice new tools, refine communication techniques, and experiment with approaches to complex technical challenges. Networking sessions offered structured opportunities to exchange experiences, solicit feedback, and identify potential mentors who could guide future career moves. Leadership development discussions encouraged attendees to reflect on their strengths, identify areas for growth, and plan steps to accelerate their trajectories within Robinhood and beyond.
The event’s content also included sessions addressing industry-wide issues that resonate with many women in tech today. Topics ranged from mentorship dynamics and sponsorship strategies to navigating workplace obstacles and negotiating career advancement. Speakers shared personal narratives that underscored resilience, adaptability, and the importance of persistent advocacy for equitable opportunities. The lightning talks covered a diverse array of subjects, including technical challenges, professional communication, and investment literacy—illustrating how technical expertise intersects with financial empowerment and everyday professional life. Overall, the day’s programming offered a robust mix of knowledge, practical tools, and inspirational stories aimed at empowering attendees to drive impact in their roles and communities.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
As the day progressed, several core messages emerged. First, mentorship and sponsorship are pivotal to advancing women in technology, and building strong networks accelerates career progress. Second, technical depth paired with leadership savvy creates a powerful combination that enables women to influence product strategy, governance, and organizational culture. Third, professional speaking and effective storytelling can amplify impact, helping individuals advocate for themselves and their teams with clarity and confidence. Fourth, the importance of investing in one’s own growth—from ongoing learning to strategic career planning—was emphasized as a continuous, intentional process. Fifth, the value of broad-based collaboration, cross-functional teamwork, and inclusive decision-making was highlighted as essential for delivering innovative solutions in finance and technology. Finally, the conference reinforced the idea that a diverse tech workforce drives better products and better outcomes for users, investors, and the business as a whole.
The day concluded with a sense of momentum and common purpose. Attendees left not only with practical insights but with renewed motivation to pursue ambitious career goals, seek out mentors, and contribute to a more inclusive tech ecosystem. The energy in the room indicated that empowerment is a shared journey, built through ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to lifting others as they rise. In short, the event delivered both inspiration and actionable guidance, equipping participants to champion women’s leadership in tech and to help Robinhood and the wider industry move toward a more equitable and innovative future.
The History and Growth of the WIT Conference
Robinhood’s Women in Tech Conference has evolved into a landmark event within the company’s culture and its broader industry outreach. The WiT initiative began as an employee resource group (ERG) in 2021, established to build a sense of community and connection among women engineers at Robinhood. This early effort aimed to create a supportive environment where women in technical roles could share experiences, access mentorship, and celebrate collective achievements. The ERG, though modest in its initial footprint, became a cornerstone for fostering inclusion and collaboration across disciplines, signaling a commitment to changing the internal dynamics of the company’s tech ecosystem.
In the inaugural year, the internal focus of WiT was clear: to cultivate a strong, supportive community that could sustain momentum and inspire professional growth. This groundwork laid the foundation for a more expansive event two years later, when Robinhood hosted its first WIT Conference for internal attendees. The transition from a small, internal gathering to a larger, externally accessible conference marked a pivotal moment in the ERG’s journey. It demonstrated the organization’s willingness to share best practices, invite external perspectives, and broaden the spectrum of voices contributing to the dialogue around women’s leadership in technology.
The conference’s trajectory faced challenges in 2022, yet these difficulties did not derail the initiative. Under fresh leadership near the end of the year, the ERG was revitalized and reimagined to be more inclusive and expansive. The renewed energy helped the group expand its reach beyond engineers to include professionals in product management and security, recognizing that women contribute across multiple layers of the tech stack. This period of renewal demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the WiT community and its leadership, setting the stage for future growth and broader participation.
2023 marked a turning point as the event widened its audience and scope. Encouraged by the positive impact of the prior conference, the organizers decided to extend invitations to external participants, significantly increasing the conference’s reach. This expansion reflected a strategic understanding that cross-company participation enriches discussions, introduces new perspectives, and fosters broader networks that benefit attendees, sponsors, and the broader tech community. The move reinforced the conference’s core mission: to create an inclusive environment where women in tech can thrive by sharing knowledge, expanding networks, and highlighting pathways to leadership.
The year 2024 brought a transformative collaboration that further amplified the conference’s impact. WiT partnered with Sisterhood+, another Robinhood ERG dedicated to supporting, empowering, and celebrating women across the company. This partnership broadened the event’s reach and deepened its impact by combining resources, expertise, and perspectives from two strong communities within Robinhood. The added dimension included a welcome reception the night before the main conference and an industry mixer, both of which enhanced networking opportunities and fostered meaningful connections in a relaxed setting. The numbers bore out the significance of this growth: more than 195 Robinhood employees attended, complemented by approximately 50 external attendees representing more than 30 different companies. This level of attendance underscored the conference’s broad appeal and its value as a platform for professional exchange across organizations and sectors.
The scale of 2024’s WIT Conference was not merely a matter of turnout but also the quality and breadth of planning and execution. A dedicated organizing committee, bolstered by volunteers and participants, dedicated substantial time and energy to ensure every detail supported a seamless, impactful experience. The committee’s work went beyond logistical coordination; it reflected a commitment to fostering an environment in which women in tech could learn, network, and grow. The collaborative effort demonstrated how a well-organized ERG-based initiative can scale to influence corporate culture and industry-level conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology. This growth confirmed the ongoing relevance of the WIT Conference as a strategic initiative that strengthens Robinhood’s talent pipelines, enhances cross-functional collaboration, and positions the company as a leader in enabling equitable participation in tech and finance.
Looking forward, the vision for the WIT Conference remains anchored in inclusivity and continuous growth. The organizers emphasize a sustained commitment to creating opportunities for women in tech to thrive, while also inviting more participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in the conversation. The goal is to maintain the momentum of 2024 and build on it in future editions, ensuring that every year delivers more value, broader representation, and deeper engagement. The enduring message is clear: by expanding the community, broadening access to mentorship and sponsorship, and deepening collaborative networks, Robinhood and its partner ERGs can help forge a more inclusive, innovative technology landscape. This ongoing journey underscores the company’s dedication to democratizing finance for all by cultivating a diverse, empowered tech workforce that can shape the future of investing and digital platforms.
Growth, Leadership, and Community Building
The continuous growth of the WIT Conference has been driven by a strategic blend of internal leadership, volunteer stewardship, and cross-company collaboration. The organizing committee has consistently demonstrated meticulous planning, aligning every aspect of the event with the broader objective of empowering women in tech. The leadership within the ERG ecosystem—spanning engineering, product, and security—has played a crucial role in shaping program content that is both technically rigorous and personally impactful. The expansion to include external participants has generated a virtuous cycle: external voices bring fresh ideas, while Robinhood participants share internal experiences and best practices. Together, they create a richer, more dynamic learning environment that benefits all attendees.
The event’s emphasis on inclusion extends beyond representation to include intentional strategies for creating a welcoming, engaging atmosphere. The welcome reception and industry mixer, introduced in 2024, are examples of concrete steps to foster relationship-building and collaboration across organizations. These social components complement the formal sessions by enabling deeper conversations, mentorship connections, and the forging of long-term professional relationships. Attendees often leave with a stronger sense of belonging and a clearer understanding of how to navigate complex career pathways in tech. The conference thus serves as a catalyst for ongoing community-building efforts, encouraging participants to stay connected through ongoing dialogues, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that extend well beyond the conference itself.
The historical arc of the WIT Conference illustrates a successful model for corporate-supported ERG initiatives that scale. From its inception as an internal-focused group to a widely attended, externally inclusive conference, the WiT ERG demonstrates how a purpose-driven community can evolve to drive cultural change and tangible career outcomes. The experience also highlights the importance of leadership continuity, succession planning, and adaptive governance to sustain momentum. By continuously refining the program, expanding partnerships, and maintaining a laser focus on empowering women in tech, the conference can continue to advance its mission year after year. The lessons learned from this growth trajectory offer valuable guidance for other organizations seeking to replicate a similar model of inclusive innovation in technology-focused workplaces.
Connecting with the broader tech landscape has become a hallmark of the WIT Conference’s evolution. The inclusion of participants from more than 30 companies highlights the event’s role as a cross-pollination hub for ideas, strategies, and best practices. The experience supports the emergence of a more connected ecosystem in which women in tech can leverage diverse experiences to propel product development, engineering excellence, and leadership advancement. The conference stands as a testament to how corporate-supported communities can extend their influence beyond internal circles to contribute to industry-wide conversations about equity, opportunity, and representation in technology. This broad reach strengthens Robinhood’s reputation as a company that prioritizes inclusive growth, collaborative learning, and sustained investments in people as core drivers of innovation and competitive advantage.
Connecting the Broader Community
As the day transitioned into evening, the Women in Tech Mixer carried the same energy from the daytime program into a more informal, relaxed setting. The mixer drew over 100 attendees, including Robinhood colleagues from across the organization and external guests—representing more than 30 different companies—who shared experiences, insights, and professional aspirations. The outdoor setting provided a conducive atmosphere for continued conversations, informal networking, and the cultivation of meaningful connections that could translate into future collaborations, mentorship arrangements, or joint initiatives. The ambience reinforced the conference’s core objective: to create opportunities for ongoing dialogue and collaboration that extend far beyond the event itself.
Panel discussions during the mixer contributed depth and practical perspective to the evening’s conversations. A lineup of distinguished professionals offered candid reflections on career progression, embracing failure as a stepping stone, and balancing work with personal life. They emphasized resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning as essential traits for navigating the evolving tech landscape. The panelists shared personal narratives about navigating challenging moments, articulating strategies for staying focused on long-term goals while managing immediate work demands. Their openness created a culture of trust, where attendees felt encouraged to discuss setbacks, seek feedback, and identify supportive networks within and beyond Robinhood.
The panelists brought a rich diversity of experiences and roles. Steph Guild, Senior Director of Investment Strategy and Sisterhood Lead, offered a strategic lens on how investment perspectives intersect with leadership development and community building. Zeng Wang, Senior Engineering Manager, shared insights on scaling engineering teams and fostering inclusive engineering practices. Pooja Brown, Chief Product and Technical Officer at Honor Education, contributed a unique perspective on product strategy, accessibility, and educational technology. Priyanka Shinde, CEO and Executive Leadership Coach, provided guidance on leadership development, mindset shifts, and executive growth. Karen Kagoo, Director of Product Operations at Google, added expertise on cross-functional collaboration, product operations, and the interplay between corporate strategy and technical delivery. The session was moderated by Sejal Parmar, Software Engineer and WIT Lead, alongside Rebecca Kruse, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition, whose questions and facilitation kept conversations focused, insightful, and actionable.
Participants shared personal stories about career growth, the role of mentorship, and the importance of sponsorship in advancing women into leadership positions. The emphasis was on practical guidance, including strategies for communicating value, negotiating opportunities, and building resilient professional networks. The conversations also delved into balancing ambition with well-being, managing competing priorities, and sustaining momentum across demanding roles. The honesty and candor of the discussion left a lasting impression, reinforcing the belief that community support and authentic peer connections are powerful accelerators for personal and professional development in tech.
The mixer underscored the importance of bridging communities—within Robinhood and across the broader tech industry—to ensure that women have access to mentors, advocates, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects. By weaving together internal and external voices, the event created a platform where best practices can be shared, solutions can be co-created, and collaborative efforts can emerge to address shared challenges. The success of the mixer demonstrated that connection-building is not merely a social activity but a strategic investment in talent development, innovation capacity, and organizational resilience. The powerful sense of belonging cultivated during these conversations is a key driver of ongoing engagement and commitment to the mission of empowering women in tech.
The Value of External Collaboration
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2024 conference was its external dimension. With attendees from a wide array of companies, the event served as a rare convergence point where different corporate cultures, engineering practices, and leadership philosophies intersect. This cross-pollination enriched the dialogue around best practices in product management, software development, security architecture, and data governance. Attendees benefited from hearing about diverse approaches to problem-solving, risk management, and governance, gaining new ideas that could be adapted to their own organizations. The external participants contributed fresh perspectives on building inclusive cultures, advancing women in technical roles, and supporting systemic changes that facilitate better representation at all levels.
The gathering also acted as a catalyst for potential partnerships, collaborative initiatives, and knowledge sharing beyond the conference. By cultivating a network of professionals who share a commitment to empowering women in tech, the event laid groundwork for future joint ventures, mentorship cohorts, and industry-wide programs that extend the impact of Robinhood’s internal efforts. This collaborative ecosystem is essential for sustaining momentum and creating scalable models of inclusion that other organizations can learn from. The conference thus functioned not only as a moment of insight and inspiration but also as a platform for building enduring connections that can accelerate progress across the tech field.
In addition to its direct impact on attendees, the conference reinforced Robinhood’s broader strategic narrative: democratizing finance and widening access to technology leadership. By foregrounding women’s leadership in technology and emphasizing mentorship, sponsorship, and professional growth, the event contributed to a broader shift in how tech organizations approach talent development and culture. The program’s emphasis on practical guidance, career advancement tools, and leadership readiness aligns with the company’s mission to create a financial system that is accessible to all. The 2024 conference thus stands as a milestone in Robinhood’s journey toward a more inclusive, innovative, and financially literate tech community.
Looking Ahead
The success of the WIT Conference 2024 has reinforced the momentum behind Robinhood’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology. The organizing team and volunteers are dedicated to sustaining this energy, ensuring that the lessons learned, connections made, and leadership insights translate into tangible outcomes for participants and the broader tech ecosystem. The conference’s organizers anticipate continuing to grow the event’s reach and impact, maintaining a focus on inclusivity while expanding opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and cross-company collaboration. The intention is to keep the conversation alive throughout the year, nurturing relationships established during the conference and fostering new ones that can support women in tech as they advance in their careers.
There is a clear call to action for individuals who share a commitment to building diverse, high-performing tech teams. Robinhood invites interested participants to join the talent community and to explore open roles across the organization. The goal is to attract and retain diverse talent by providing pathways to growth, access to mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that align with the company’s mission to democratize finance. The invitation to engage with the broader talent ecosystem reinforces the conference’s spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility for creating an inclusive, innovative culture. By maintaining a robust talent pipeline and fostering ongoing engagement, Robinhood aims to ensure that women and other underrepresented groups have access to the resources and opportunities needed to excel in tech roles.
The conference also signals a broader commitment to sustaining the dialogue around women in tech beyond a single event. Plans for ongoing programming, periodic meetups, and potential regional or topic-focused gatherings are on the horizon. These efforts would complement the annual conference by providing more frequent touchpoints for learning, mentorship, and community-building. The objective is to create a continuous lifecycle of engagement that supports professional growth and leadership development, while also expanding the reach to new audiences and industries. By maintaining this cadence, Robinhood can nurture a resilient community that remains at the forefront of conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology and finance.
Sustaining Momentum and Expanding Impact
To sustain momentum, organizers intend to refine program design based on participant feedback and evolving industry trends. Continuous improvement will involve updating session formats, incorporating new topics of interest, and inviting a broader range of voices to contribute. The focus will be on practical outcomes—ensuring that attendees leave with concrete materials, templates, and frameworks they can apply immediately in their roles. This approach supports a culture of continuous professional development and reinforces the conference’s value as a reliable resource for women in tech seeking to advance their careers.
Moreover, the partnership with Sisterhood+ will be leveraged to deepen engagement and broaden reach. Ongoing collaboration between these two ERGs has the potential to unlock additional resources, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programs. By pooling expertise, the communities can design initiatives that address gaps in representation, provide targeted support for underrepresented groups, and create pathways to leadership roles across Robinhood and partner organizations. The aim is to establish a sustainable, multi-faceted program that continues to produce measurable impact while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for women in tech.
The broader tech landscape will also benefit from the conference’s continued emphasis on building inclusive, equitable ecosystems. By sharing best practices, success stories, and practical strategies with a wider audience, the event can influence corporate cultures and industry standards beyond Robinhood. The conference’s model—combining internal strength with external collaboration—offers a blueprint for other technology-enabled organizations seeking to create meaningful progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In doing so, the WIT Conference can contribute to a broader momentum toward more representative leadership in technology, product development, and related disciplines.
Practical Next Steps for Participants
For those who attended, the immediate next steps involve translating the day’s insights into tangible actions. This includes seeking mentorship opportunities, identifying sponsorship avenues within their organizations, and pursuing targeted skill development that aligns with their career aspirations. Attendees are encouraged to map out concrete goals, create development plans, and establish accountability partners to help track progress. The conference also encourages ongoing dialogue with peers and mentors by staying engaged with Robinhood’s talent community and related ERG initiatives.
For those who could not attend, there are still ample opportunities to engage with the momentum generated by the event. Prospective participants can pursue similar pathways by joining future sessions, networking with practitioners in the field, and connecting with mentors who support women in tech. The emphasis remains on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that even those who could not participate in the live conference can benefit from shared resources, ongoing programs, and collaborative networks that emerge from this community. By democratizing access to mentorship, sponsorship, and professional development, Robinhood aims to broaden the footprint of women’s leadership in technology and finance, enabling more voices to contribute to the industry’s evolution.
The Broader Impact on Talent, Innovation, and Culture
The Women in Tech Conference 2024 demonstrated a powerful alignment between Robinhood’s mission to democratize finance and a strategic commitment to inclusive talent development. The event showcased how a well-planned ERG-led initiative can transcend traditional boundaries, fostering cross-organizational collaboration and cultivating a culture of learning, empathy, and empowerment. Organizers, speakers, and attendees collectively demonstrated that diversity of experience and perspective is not simply a social objective but a critical driver of innovation and performance. By encouraging women in tech to pursue leadership roles, contribute to high-impact projects, and mentor the next generation, the conference advances Robinhood’s broader goals of equitable opportunity, strong product development, and resilient business growth.
The conference’s legacy will be measured not only by the number of attendees or the breadth of collaboration but also by the quality of outcomes—new mentorship relationships, sponsorship opportunities, and tangible steps that participants take to advance their careers. The emphasis on practical growth, continuous learning, and community support creates a compelling model for other organizations seeking to foster inclusive cultures within technology teams. The event stands as a milestone in the ongoing effort to weave diversity into the fabric of tech leadership, ensuring a pipeline of talented professionals who can drive sustained progress in both the technical and financial sectors.
Conclusion
Robinhood’s 2024 Women in Tech Conference marked a landmark in the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in technology and strengthening the broader tech ecosystem. By uniting internal talent with external perspectives, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusive leadership in driving innovation and improving outcomes in finance and technology. The conference’s growth, from an internal ERG effort to a widely attended cross-company gathering, demonstrates the power of strategic collaboration to elevate women’s leadership, expand networks, and foster professional development across disciplines. As Robinhood continues to invest in communities like WiT and Sisterhood+, the organization is positioned to sustain momentum, deepen impact, and help shape a future in which diverse voices lead at every level of technology and finance. The journey toward a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative tech landscape is ongoing, and the 2024 conference stands as a robust milestone on that path.
