A Hackathon for Everyone

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What is a hackathon? It’s a timed, team-based problem-solving day of strategy and execution where tech is used to save the day. Teams, of all different skills and abilities, come together to design software or mobile apps to solve real world issues and problems.

In March, Pace Women in Tech, POP TV, and the Cybersecurity Club hosted the second annual Sunflower Hack, so named for the event's ability to attract people who stand out from the crowd, who are unique and different. This all-day hackathon (and first-student run hackathon) at Pace encourages participants to join no matter their level of coding experience. Teams, which consisted of 3-4 members, were tasked with creating an innovative solution centered around the theme of Interaction and Communication. Prizes were awarded to teams who excelled in categories including Best Entrepreneurial Hack, Crowd Favorite, Most “Out-of-the-Box” Hack, and more.

“The Sunflower Hack is testament to the inclusive attitude of Pace students,” said Katie Todd, assistant director of Communications and Strategic Operations and the staff mentor for Pace Women in Tech. “By inviting participants from all backgrounds and not just Seidenberg students, the organizers got to demonstrate how exciting hackathons can be—and how it’s all about teamwork and ideas, not necessarily coding. I’m so proud of Pace Women in Tech and all they have achieved.”

“The Sunflower Hack is testament to the inclusive attitude of Pace students,” said Katie Todd, assistant director of Communications and Strategic Operations and the staff mentor for Pace Women in Tech.

Recent graduate Angela Bonsol ’21, one of the organizers of Sunflower Hack, viewed the experience as one of the highlights of her undergraduate career—and will reflect positively on her role in actively building this grassroots event.

“Sunflower Hack will always be in my heart,” she said. “Being part of the organizing team for two years has been an honor.”

Although the event was conducted virtually this go-around on a designated Discord server, it was able to effectively build upon the momentum from the inaugural Sunflower Hack held in February 2020—thus positioning the event for even greater success over the next few years.