About Us

01 OUR PURPOSE

What is Returning Mothers Conference?

Returning Mothers Conference supports people on a career break who are preparing to re-enter the workforce. We believe the way forward begins with the opportunity to build skills, reconnect with confidence, and take the next step at your own pace.

Through learning, mentoring, and meaningful connections, RMC brings together what is needed and what is possible—helping create sustainable careers across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Build skills Find community Move forward
Returning Mothers Conference attendees gathered together
A speaker shares ideas at a conference session
Conference attendees celebrating together

A JOURNEY OF IMPACT

A history of moving forward.

From a local workshop to a global community, every milestone has opened new doors for mothers returning to work.

  1. 2014–15

    Physical · Coimbatore, India

    Where the journey began

    Workshops facilitated by the Systers Pass It On Award of the Anita Borg Institute, California.

  2. 2017

    Physical · Coimbatore, India

    A growing community

    Workshop facilitated by IEEE Women in Engineering.

  3. 2019

    Physical · Bangalore, India

    Building momentum

    Conference supported by IEEE WIE, IEEE Computer Society, and the World Bank’s WePOWER network.

  4. 2020

    International · Virtual

    Connecting across borders

    International e-symposium on Returning Mothers, supported by IEEE Women in Engineering, IEEE Computer Society, and the World Bank’s WePOWER network.

  5. 2021

    International · Virtual

    “Be the Change You Want to See in the World”

    Conference supported by IEEE Computer Society, IEEE Women in Engineering, the University of Kansas, and the World Bank’s WePOWER network.

  6. 2022

    Hybrid · Odisha

    Empowering the Power

    Hosted by Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology with the special theme “Self Empowerment.” Supported by IEEE India Council, EMC TTC, IEEE Singapore Section, IEEE Computer Society, the University of Kansas, and IEEE Women in Engineering.

  7. 2023

    Hybrid · Gurgaon, Haryana

    A new award for mentorship

    Hosted at The NorthCap University, with the Bozenna Pasik-Duncan Mentor Award introduced. Supported by IEEE India Council, EMC TTC, IEEE Computer Society, IEEE TEMS, the University of Kansas, and IEEE EDS.

  8. 2024

    15–16 November · IISc, Bengaluru

    Rediscovering the lost talents

    Focused on opportunities, wellness, and recognition. Supported by IEEE Computer Society, Quest Global, IEEE SSIT, IEEE Control Systems Society, the University of Kansas, WePOWER, and IEEE Bangalore Section.

  9. 2025

    7–9 November · VNRVJIET, Hyderabad

    Brave Transitions

    Rejoining with purpose across academia, industry, and innovation. Supported by WePOWER, Beyondque Planners, Piyionix, the University of Kansas, Gene Insight, Silicon Labs, and IEEE Region 10 Entrepreneurship.

FIND YOUR PLACE AT RMC

There’s a place for you here.

Whether you’re finding your next step or helping someone else take theirs, RMC is a community built to move forward together.

THE COMMUNITY

Who should attend RMC?

  • Graduate and undergraduate students, and professionals at any career stage
  • Anyone planning a career break, currently on a break, or preparing to return to work
  • Senior professionals who want to mentor the next generation and be inspired in return
  • People looking for collaboration, networking, life skills, and motivation
  • Those who want to give back to the community
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for mentorship to grow an idea into a startup
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

What will attendees gain?

  • Discover your strengths and turn them into new opportunities
  • Build interpersonal and intrapersonal skills for leadership and entrepreneurship
  • Strengthen public speaking and technical communication skills
  • Grow your network through collaboration and meaningful connections
  • Find mentors and fresh perspectives to help shape your next steps
  • Feel empowered to create a supportive environment at home, work, and in society

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

General Founding Chair

“This conference is a tribute to all the women who have encouraged and supported others to overcome obstacles and move forward in spite of adversity, thus putting in their heart and soul and contributing their talents and efforts to uplift society. I was helped by many such role models and I am simply passing on the legacy.”

Dr. Ramalatha Marimuthu
Discover the conference
A celebration during the Returning Mothers Conference RETURNING MOTHERSCONFERENCE Watch the conference video