ROCHESTER ? The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation raised more than $290,000 on Nov. 23 from members and supporters at the Annual Signature Gala at the elegant Royal Park Hotel.
The fund raiser featured live jazz, gorgeous decked halls, women in evening gowns and men in tuxedos, and a silent auction that when combined with ticket sales and generous donations from sponsors ? including title sponsor Chrysler LLC ? raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that will be used to support women in all stages of their careers, as well as providing scholarships to those attending college.
?Chrysler?s involvement and support of the MCWT mission is making a difference,? said MCWT President Maru Flores. ?Scott Sandschafer has led his team to be engaged in giving back to the community through our programs, and he has supported forums like our CIO Breakfast and Technology Leadership Exchange. The company is spreading the message about the need for a strong, diverse workforce. ?
The many benefits that flow to women from the various MCWT programs comes at a time when Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education is a focus area of the educational and professional communities.
?Each year we are given the opportunity to award young women pursuing careers in technology through our scholarship program,? said MCWT Executive Director Janette Phillips. ?It is inspiring to see so many women interested in IT and it is because of our great partners and sponsors that we are able to continue to support their growth.?
If you know any women interested in applying for one of the scholarship programs funded by proceeds of the Gala, click on MCWT.Org The deadline for several scholarship programs is Jan 31, 2014.
MCWT has also recently expanded from Southeast Michigan to Mid-Michigan where the organization is gaining community support.
?With a strong presence and brand within the IT community, we?re at a point where we believe we can take MCWT to the next level,? said MCWT President Maru Flores. ?Our momentum has never been better and we find ourselves strategically turning the corner. We continue to raise the bar for ourselves and our objectives in our mission to inspire and grow women in technology.?
The Signature Gala truly bridged the gap between supporters and the women that benefit from the program. The Gala showed video testimonials and highlights of the many benefits this nonprofit provides to inspire and increase women in technology. Not only was it a fun networking experience, for me, but it provided a clear picture of the potential within the State of Michigan and for Women in IT.
Associate Editor Nicole Johnson leads MITechNews.Com?s efforts to foster STEM education, as well as provides coverage for her fellow women in computing. If you have a story idea for Nicole, email [email protected]
