New! MCWT 2009 SIGNATURE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS & PODCASTS
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology drew close to 500 IT and prominent business leaders to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn on November 7 for the organization’s annual Signature Event. The fundraiser brought in more than $211,000 in gross revenues for scholarships, research grants, technology camps and robotics programs for girls and women in Michigan. — a first in the history of the annual fundraiser.
Co-hosted by Ford Motor Company, the event struck a chord with leadership of large and small regional companies as they came out in full force to support increasing the number of women in technology. This year’s event boasted three Diamond sponsors: Accenture, CSC and Fujitsu — a first in the history of the annual fundraiser.
Listen to Event Podcasts Featuring:
Marcy Klevorn, President of MCWT Foundation
Click to listen to Marcy Klevorn discuss Foundation Programs and Expansion Vision
Adriana Karaboutis, President of MCWT
Click to listen to Andi Karaboutis discuss MCWT Programs for Women and the Foundation
Donna Ventimigla, Chairperson of Advisory Board
Click to listen to Donna Ventimiglia discuss the Foundation Gala
Click to listen to Janet MacQueen discuss MCWT Strategy
Click for Event Press Release
MCWT PARTNERSHIP & SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION NIGHT – MAY 6, 2009
MCWT's annual Partnership and Scholarship recognition night is one of the key celebrations of what MCWT and the MCWT Foundation do throughout the year. Hosted by Gary Jackson of SunTel at the Birmingham Country Club, it was a wonderful event where MCWT was able to recognize all of our amazing partners who support us each and every year, and award scholarships to some very deserving young ladies.
This year's scholarship winners included:
- Hannah Morris ---- Winner of our 4 year University Scholarship
- Ashley Johnson ---- Winner of our 3 year University Scholarship
- Ashley De Groff ---- Winner of our 2 year University Scholarship
- Anne Marie Horcher ---- Winner of our 2 year Post-Graduate Scholarship
For the 3rd year in a row, MCWT awarded a special research grant. This year it went to Audrey Harling. And the winners for our combination laptop/printer/software awards were: Jennifer Lusier, Alexandra Moulton, and Keeley Sanders-Masch.
All the winners were congratulated by over 75 representatives from our major sponsoring companies, and key MCWT Board members and advisors. The evening was also an opportunity to showcase the talent of the MCWT Foundation's GET-IT Girls, who organized significant Robotics demonstration.
MCWT received 60 applications and, in total, awarded $75,000 in laptop and scholarship awards to be paid over multiple years. Most importanlty, compared to the low percentage of women who enter college in a technology program and actually finish with a technical degree, MCWT boasts 100% retention of our scholarship winners in technology programs and graduating with a technical degree. With the continued support of our corporate partners, we hope to give away even more scholarship money next year!
MOVING FORWARD EVENT – MARCH 31st, 2009
Daimler Financial Services & MCWT co-hosted the Moving Forward Event on March 31, 2009. Almost 150 attendees convened to hear these amazing women and their wisdom. MCWT is proud that we can bring events like this to the region and community, to motivate and assist both our members and others.
The theme for the event, “Moving Forward: Success Stories from Inspirational Women,” did not disappoint. Our inspirational speakers included:
· Mamatha Chamarthi, Senior Manager IT, Daimler Financial Services
Mamatha said in her speech that 95-98% of problems occur only once. The problems you need to worry about are the ones that happen more than once! The best piece of advice she ever received from a mentor is that you should move to a place that you really like.
· Barbara Allushuski, President Great Lakes Region, Right Management
Barbara advised the crowd to learn how to “market” yourself. Learn your limitations and deal with them! Barbara defines personal success as leaving the world better than it was and feeling like you made a difference.
· Terri Lynn Land, Secretary of State, State of Michigan
Terri’s advice is to network – people can help people. It’s all about who is willing to work to get something done. Never burn your bridges. Terri’s definition of personal success is to leave politics out of it. Her children, husband family are her success.
· Lynne Ellyn, Senior VP & CIO, DTE Energy
Lynne makes her team members feel successful. You can’t be a leader if you don’t inspire them. For Lynne, personal success centers around finding something you are passionate about. She also warned participants not to stay where the soil isn’t fertile for you. Sometimes, you just have to go somewhere else.
Jane Sydlowski, MCWT Advisory Board Liaison
Janet MacQueen, VP of MCWT Strategy