DETROIT- The Michigan Council of Women in Technology drew 450 IT leaders to the GM WinterGarden at the Renaissance Center in Detroit last month for the organization’s annual black-tie gala and silent auction which. generated $180,000 that will go towards scholarships, research grants, technology camps and robotics programs for women in metro Detroit.
Co-hosted by General Motors, the event struck a chord with area philanthropists, prominent business leaders, and companies as they came out in full force to support increasing the number of women in technology fields.
?We are thrilled that other local companies, like us, believe in supporting technology in Michigan and bridging the gender gap in IT,? said Adriana Karaboutis, president of MCWT and global purchasing and supply chain information officer for GM. ?The economic climate demands we increase our competitiveness in technology innovation, and programs like this help accomplish this by attracting, advancing and retaining women in the field.?
Not only were high-profile CIOs in attendance, but a number agreed to put themselves up for auction in the executive lunches category for the evening?s silent auction. Individuals bid on an opportunity to dine with CIOs from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Borg Warner, Chrysler, DTE Energy, General Motors, the State of Michigan, Takata, Valassis and Wayne State University.
Because of MCWT?s 100-percent volunteer staff and support from corporate sponsors and community partners, MCWT and its Foundation have impacted many hundreds of girls and women.
With diverse programs including girls? summer technology camps and robotics competitions to patent design programs and web development contests, the Foundation exposes the challenges and rewards an IT career can bring. Last year, $67,000 in college scholarships and laptops were awarded, and the organization renewed previous scholarship winners? awards for an additional $25,000. To date, 100 percent of MCWT?s multi-year scholarship winners have renewed their scholarship or graduation, meaning each woman stayed in her technical degree program. Money raised at MCWT Fire Ball will fund the scholarship program as well as all of the other Foundation initiatives.
?Many of our focused goals wouldn?t be realized without the strong generosity of our sponsors,? said Karaboutis. ?With collaboration like this, I?m confident we?ll continue to attract young women to this field, encourage top IT talent and strengthen Michigan businesses and the overall regional economic climate.?
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to correcting the dramatically growing trend of gender disparity in the information technology field. The Foundation accomplishes this by attacking the problem at several of its roots–the education and orientation of young women throughout school, and the fostering of women in various stages of their professional lives–with a variety of educational and inspirational programs and support. For more information about the foundation, click on MCWTF.Org
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