MCWT and its Partners Invest in the Next Generation of Female IT Leaders

Nineteen technology-oriented women received scholarships at a Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation event on June 13 in Southfield. The women are pursuing degrees that will prepare them for future careers in areas such as cyber security, machine learning, software engineering and electrical engineering.

Over the past 13 years, MCWT has awarded $1,157,455 to fuel the educational pursuits of 164 of the state’s future technology talent. A strong network of partner companies who support a diverse IT industry in Michigan make the program possible. 

“MCWT is working toward its vision of making Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology,” said Rebecca Bray, MCWT president. “A core piece of that work is the scholarship program, which supports young women pursuing technology-related degrees, and provides opportunities such as mentorship and access to our powerful network of leading technology professionals. 

“Ultimately, it is our hope that these young women will join the IT workforce in Michigan and inspire the next generation of female technology leaders in our state.”

MCWT’s 2018 scholarship recipients include:

Friends of MCWT Foundation Scholarship: Nicole Nelson (Hartland, Mich.), Katherine Nicholson (Alpena, Mich.), Arsha Ali (Troy, Mich.), Meghana Somsaale (Canton, Mich.), Sonia Bhakkad (Canton, Mich.), Jenna Sultes (Utica, Mich.)

Marcy Klevorn Friends of MCWT Scholarship: Ritika Parikh (Canton, Mich.)

DOW Chemical MCWT Scholarship: Marlina Bowring (Milford, Mich.), Jonette Howell (Detroit)

NITS Solutions MCWT Scholarship: Arushi Arora (Novi, Mich.), Mackenzie Maschke (East Lansing, Mich.)

Credit Acceptance MCWT Scholarship: Mackenzie Schliem (Grand Rapids)

Lear Corporation MCWT Scholarship: Megan Blaesing (Centerline, Mich.), Megan Worrel (Troy, Mich.), Veronica Buss (Portage, Mich.), Baylie Burkowski (Northville, Mich.)

Consumers Energy MCWT Scholarship: Kamryn Dates (Sterling Heights, Mich.), Katelynn Dubiel (Ortonville, Mich.), Aria Cusenza (East Grand Rapids, Mich).

Lawrence Technological University student and 2014 scholarship recipient, Andrea Salamay, spoke to the new class of awardees.

“The opportunities that MCWT made available to me have truly changed my life,” said Salamay. “I have made amazing professional connections and obtained a phenomenal internship.” 

Scholarship donors this year include MCWT partners Consumers Energy, Credit Acceptance, Dow Chemical, Lear Corporation and NiTS Solutions. MCWT supporters also contribute to scholarships.

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation strives to inspire and grow girls and women in technology, aspiring to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization supports Michigan’s female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences. Find more information at www.mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn and Facebook.