Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation

Tech Her Forward: Innovate, Empower, Belong 

Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.*
Western Michigan University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
4601 Campus Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
 

Inviting High School Girls to Join the GET-IT Connection Summit at Western Michigan University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences 

Step into the world of technology with a day full of inspiration, learning, and fun. Meet accomplished women in tech as they share their stories, offer advice on navigating college and careers, and discuss the latest trends in the tech industry. 

This year’s theme, Tech Her Forward: Innovate, Empower, Belong, celebrates the creativity, confidence, and inclusion that drive the next generation of women in technology!  

  • Innovate: Spark creativity with hands-on tech.
  • Empower: Build confidence through mentorship and real-world skills.
  • Belong: Create inclusive spaces where every girl sees herself in tech

Engage with Industry Leaders 

Students will explore hands-on Innovation Zones, connect with mentors during Empower Hour, and join Belong Circles designed to encourage leadership, teamwork, and belonging in tech. 

How to Register 

  • For Educators & School Faculty: If you’d like to sign your students up, please email our Program Manager, Nitza Harpe, at nitza.harpe@mcwt.org with the subject line “W MI GET-IT Connection Summit Interest” before Friday, February 20, 2026 to begin the registration process. All registrations must be completed by Friday, February 27, 2026. 
  • For Parents: If you’d like to sign your child up but aren’t sure if their school is participating, please contact Nitza Harpe at nitza.harpe@mcwt.org with the subject line “W. MI GET-IT Connection Summit Parent Interest” by Friday, February 20, 2026, for more information. 

Additional Details 

  • Meals: A light breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided. 
  • Transportation: Schools bringing 20 or more students can request transportation assistance. 
  • Space is Limited! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore tech and connect with inspiring women in the industry. 
 Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors:
       
*as of 9/28/2025 the event day was rescheduled from 10/15/2025 to 3/12/2026

GET-IT stands for Girls Exploring Together – Information Technology. MCWT’s main goal for the GET-IT programs is to invite students to learn technology in a fun and engaging way that will empower them to pursue a tech career in Michigan.

To stay up to date, we encourage you to subscribe to our K-12 Newsletter here.

The West Michigan GET-IT Connection Summit invites high school girls to explore the exciting world of technology. Students will discover innovations, uncover career paths, and explore education opportunities that can shape their future. 

Success stories

Meet Vanette Hill, a powerhouse IT manager at BCBSM breaking barriers in the tech world. Benefiting from the support of MCWT, she has risen from participant to lead of our ELEVATE cohort program. 

We hope you’ll feel inspired by Vanette’s experience and the history our organization is making as we inspire and grow women in tech. 

Vanette Hill
MARIAM MAHMOUD

MCWT scholar Mariam Mahmoud shares her journey to success with her MCWT mentor match. All MCWT scholarship recipient are partnered with a mentor to guide and support them throughout their college career. To learn more about Mariam’s story, keep reading.

Mariam Mahmoud
CHELSEA CARTER

Friends of MCWT Scholarship Recipient, Chelsea Carter shares her personal story of how MCWT fueled her passion for technology. Carter’s story serves as a prime example of how the MCWT lifecycle continues. To learn more about Chelsea’s journey, keep reading.

Chelsea Carter
FAY GHOUJEGHI

Fay Ghoujeghi’s learning journey of professional development with MCWT has reached new heights. As an MCWT member,  Ghoujeghi had an opportunity to experience a 6-month scholarship program. To learn more about Fay’s journey, keep reading.

Fay Ghoujeghi
ANGELA MATTA

Angela Matta shares her story on how her engagement with MCWT has led to scholarship and internship opportunities. Throughout the years of her involvement, MCWT has been the spark of Matta’s interest in computer science. To learn more about Angela’s story, click the button below.

Angela Matta

MCWT multi-year scholar, Himaja Motheram shares her personal story on how the GET-IT programs made an impact on her interest in technology. Throughout her course of the program, she grew closer to a community of girls who were just as eager to learn and engage as she was. To learn more about Himaja’s journey, click the button below.

Himaja Motheram

Taking scholars to the next level in their tech career is apart of MCWT’s goal to continue the lifecycle of girls and women in technology throughout Michigan. Take a moment to read this success story on Vonnita Jones, a former MCWT Scholarship recipient who was able to stay connected and engaged with MCWT on a career level.

Vonnita Jones

MCWT Scholar, Jenna Sultes shares her success story on how she has been able to grow into the MCWT community and continue her engagement as a former scholarship recipient.

Jenna Sultes

Learn more about the impact of MCWT’s Ignite! Mentoring had on Tatiana Duggan. This connection has led Tatianna to accomplish her goals and share her success story with MCWT and other young girls in tech.

Tatiana Duggan

Arial Magyar shares her story on how MCWT’s high school GET-IT program fostered her interest in design, coding, and programming, as well as how her skillset in technology has.

Arial Magyar

Have questions about our programs?

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