UA Women's Hackathon: Innovation Through Technology

Oct. 23, 2019
Image
womens hackathon darcy

 

The UA Women’s Hackathon is the only event of its kind in the southwest, according to the Hackathon’s website. The event is women-founded and women-designed.

The opening event for the Hackathon was held at the Mercado San Agustin Annex on Oct. 18 to welcome attendees and assist participants with registration.

Darcy Van Patten, the Executive Director of Digital Transformation and Student and Academic Technologies at UA Information Technology, was the keynote speaker at the kick-off event. Van Patten shared with attendees her love for technology and how the Hackathon connects problem-solving with technology building.

“I love technology because that is how we solve problems today. That is how we innovate. It intersects with everything we do,” Van Patten said. “So when you look at a problem and you’re trying to solve it, it’s almost impossible not to bring technology into the conversation.”

Van Patten also talked about her personal triumphs and obstacles she overcame in her career. She also encouraged attendees at the event to consider what they wanted to achieve in their careers.

“My story that I developed for myself was one of resiliency, of risk-taking and the ability to start again,” Van Patten said. “So as you enter the Hackathon, I encourage you to reflect on how you tell your own story to yourself.”

 

Read the full article in The Daily Wildcat.

More Information:

The University of Arizona | Women's Hackathon