Call for Nominations: Woman of the Year in Tech Awards

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., Jan. 23, 2025 – The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation is seeking nominations until Feb. 14 for its ninth Woman of the Year in Technology awards. The recognition celebrates women making an impact in the field of technology for girls and women in Michigan. 

To qualify, the nominee must be a woman in Michigan who embodies MCWT’s mission of inspiring and growing women in technology. This individual will be honored for her leadership and drive in promoting and advancing opportunities for girls and women in technology careers or fields of study.  

“At MCWT, we love to recognize women who use their talent and time to positively impact Michigan’s tech community,” said Judy Asher, MCWT president. “This award program highlights the influential people working to help close the gender gap in IT, through innovative leadership, mentorship and a variety of other engaging ways. By sharing their stories, we elevate what’s working and what’s possible as we all continue to drive change.” 

People can submit in four categories: community impact, education, emerging leader and women empowerment. Last year, MCWT recognized the following tech leaders:   

• Gina King, chief vCISO, DiverseIT, encourages girls to explore possibilities in cybersecurity. She aims to close the gap between underrepresented communities and the tech sector.  

• Tamara Shoemaker, VP, CyberPatriot, co-founder Midwest CISSE Chapter, Buchanan School Districts, develops the capabilities of young women in cybersecurity as the Michigan director of the Airforce Association’s nationwide CyberPatriot program.  

• Shivani Raina, director – Automotive Data Products, Stellantis, founded the company’s Connect.Mentor program and pioneered Stellantis Connecting Women in Technology initiative to foster the development and empowerment of women in tech at Stellantis. 

• Christine Burkette, director – Digital Equity & Inclusion, City of Detroit, launched the “City of Detroit Certified Tech Hubs” that provide residents at or below poverty access to digital equity resources. She is CEO of PICF, Inc. and the Michigan Youth STEM, Tech & Aeronautic.  

Recipients do not need to be members of MCWT to win. Nomination forms are available on the nonprofit’s website. All submissions must be emailed to awards@mcwt.org by Feb. 14. There is no fee to submit. Nominations may be made by the nominee or by someone else on their behalf.   

MCWT will present the award at its International Women’s Day Celebration on March 28. The 2^nd annual event is centered on convening women tech entrepreneurs for professional development and networking.  

With a vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for girls and women in technology, the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation delivers programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring and robust technology experiences. Find more at mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn, Instagram  and Facebook. 

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