Leadership, Belonging, and the Unexpected Lessons of SIGGRAPH 2025

Finding Belonging in the Crowd

SIGGRAPH, to me, feels the way people describe Comic-Con — a vibrant, communal space where everyone is united by a shared love for their craft. There’s this unspoken energy, a mutual enthusiasm that transcends backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just stepping into the field, you’re surrounded by people who care about the same things you do. And that makes it incredibly easy to feel like you belong.

Last year, in Denver, I arrived thinking I wouldn’t fit in. I had just started my Master’s in Computer Science, throwing myself into the world of Computer Graphics head first. I knew I loved graphics, animation, and storytelling — but I assumed I’d feel like an outsider among people more experienced or better connected. I imagined myself fumbling through conversations, exposing just how little I knew about computer graphics, and walking away feeling like an imposter.

Learning to Show Up

During one of my early shifts, something changed. I had a moment where I could step in, solve a problem, and support a team. I was nervous, but I chose to be present. I turned down the part of me that wanted to retreat and leaned into the part that wanted to connect. And to my surprise, it worked. I got to see what it meant to be useful — to not just “be there,” but to matter.

I still remember how Trinity, my supervising Team Leader, stepped in at the right time with calmness, care, and the kind of resourcefulness I wanted to emulate. She guided me through challenges, made sure I had what I needed, and gave credit where it was due. When I received recognition from attendees and the SVSC, it wasn’t about being praised — it was about being helpful. That stayed with me.

Tokyo followed, and with it came a few personal and academic challenges. I needed accommodations, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle the demands of the role. But again, the SVSC went out of their way to make it work. They supported me, trusted me, and reminded me that I didn’t have to prove myself to belong. That kind of care doesn’t just help you get through the week — it stays with you. It gives you confidence.

Choosing to Step Up

When SIGGRAPH 2025 came around, applying to be a Team Leader felt right. It felt like giving back to the community that had made space for me — and a chance to grow by taking on more.

The conference was held in Vancouver, a city I’d never visited before, but quickly came to love. As one of 18 Team Leaders, I helped coordinate over 350 Student Volunteers across shifts, events, and venues. Our job was to make sure the week ran smoothly, support the SVSC, and — most importantly — support the volunteers.

Leading as One

I was paired with Morgan, who was also serving as a first-time Team Leader. From the beginning, we established an effective and reliable working rhythm — stepping in for one another as needed, navigating challenges collaboratively, and staying in sync through clear, open communication. I particularly appreciated her thoughtful approach to organization, which ensured that our responsibilities were met while also making space for individual conference goals. It was a strong and balanced partnership rooted in professionalism and mutual support.

That same sense of ease and alignment extended to the rest of the TL team as well. We functioned like a single organism — anticipating needs, sharing information seamlessly, and backing each other up without being asked. I genuinely enjoyed being part of such an extraordinary team. Everyone brought something unique to the table, and there was this unspoken trust that made even the most chaotic moments feel manageable. It reminded me how powerful collaboration can be when it’s built on mutual respect and a shared mission.

You can watch the reel Morgan made capturing the heart of our SIGGRAPH 2025 TL experience here.

Of course, there were fires to put out. Signage to find. Shifts to reassign. People to guide. But we handled it all with a strange, satisfying joy. It wasn’t just about solving problems — it was about making people feel supported.

What I learned is that leadership doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t require constant visibility. Often, it looks like listening, anticipating needs, giving credit when things go right, and taking accountability when they don’t.

By the end of the week, I was exhausted. But more than that, I felt alive. I had grown into a version of myself I’m proud of — someone who shows up, who takes responsibility, and who cares deeply about the people around them.