Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation
Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation
EAST LANSING, October 30, 2024 – The Michigan Celebration of Women in Computing (MICWIC), hosted by the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) at Michigan State University on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12, brought together a diverse community of students and professionals to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and connect with industry leaders. This biennial event, affiliated with ACM-W: ACM’s Women in Computing, aims to increase the meaningful participation of women in computing and foster a strong support network across Michigan’s tech ecosystem.
“It was so empowering to be surrounded by students and professionals from diverse backgrounds and to learn from each other’s experiences and knowledge,” said Rehab Jadallah, MCWT Scholar and University of Michigan student. “The panel discussions were invaluable, and Dr. Barbara Ericson’s keynote really stood out to me—showing how one person can drive change across multiple industries through computing education. It has been a privilege to connect with so many amazing women and to reconnect with MCWT scholars, volunteers, and staff who have supported my journey, including my mentor, Victoria Jackson.”
The MICWIC conference featured dynamic discussions with influential women in computing, including a keynote from Dr. Barbara Ericson, who highlighted accessible tools for learning computer science and programming. Attendees also engaged in meaningful conversations with leaders like Juman Doleh-Alomary, who shared insights on navigating challenges with resilience in the tech industry.
“MICWIC 2024 has been the most impactful event for university students during my time with MCWT. Seeing the enthusiasm and engagement from students and professionals alike reinforces the importance of creating these spaces,” said Katina Cloutier, MICWIC program manager. “As someone passionate about fostering opportunities for women in tech, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the connections and growth that emerge from this conference. MICWIC isn’t just an event—it’s a catalyst for empowerment, inspiring participants to pursue their goals and make lasting contributions in the field of technology.”
The event also provided a platform for students like Rehab to form lasting connections, explore career opportunities, and strengthen relationships with mentors and professionals in the field. The MCWT team, including Kathy Church, Marisa Bahn, Katina Cloutier, Dr. Orletta Caldwell, and a large group of volunteers, worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success, continuing MCWT’s mission to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology.
About MCWT Foundation: The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation strives to inspire and grow girls and women in technology fields, with a vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization supports Michigan’s female tech workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences for professionals and students. Find more information at www.mcwt.org and connect via Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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