DETROIT – Michigan business leaders will come together on Nov. 7 at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn for the Michigan Council of Women in Technology’s annual signature event – a fundraiser to support the non-profit group’s Foundation. The top auction prize – diner with top Michigan CIOs.

The MCWT Foundation’s mission is to encourage women’s interest in technology education and careers and provide scholarships, educational programs, girls’ summer IT camps and robotics grants.

Among other auction items, attendees will have a chance to bid on dining with the following information industry executives who have volunteered their time:

Justin Skelton and Tyler Best from GMACFSM

Joe Drouin from Kelly Services

Nick Smither, Vijay Sankaran, Paul Nussbaum, Tom Tremonti and Marcy Klevorn from Ford Motor Co.

Andi Karaboutis, Terry Kline, Kirk Gutmann and Nick Bell from General Motors

Ken Theis, the State of Michigan

The event is sponsored by Ford Motor Co. and co-hosted by Ford CIO and Group Vice President Nick Smither and Director of Global Information Technology Operations and MCWT Foundation President Marcy Klevorn. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, cocktails, entertainment and dancing.

“The high level of encouragement and interest we’ve received from Michigan’s technology community is so important,” said Adriana Karaboutis, MCWT president and General Motors’ global manufacturing & labor relations information officer in its Information Systems & Services organization. “We are thrilled that Michigan companies believe in strengthening technology in our state and bridging the gender gap in IT. Thanks to our corporate sponsors, members, supporters and volunteers, we can keep making a difference.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT jobs were among its list of the 30 fastest-growing careers, yet only a small percentage of computer and information science degrees are earned by women at Michigan colleges.

“If we’re going to influence change, we need to start early,” said Klevorn. “The Foundation has created programs to inspire and encourage girls, and show them that the industry is fun and rewarding. We’ve made great progress, but we still have a lot to do and many more women and girls to reach.”

Tickets for MCWT members are $125 and $150 for guests. The event is semi-formal and will run from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click on MCWT.Org

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