MCWT and Partners Invest in the Next Generation of Female Tech Leaders 

Thirty-six technology-oriented women received scholarships at a Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Yazaki at the Yazaki North American Headquarters in Canton, Michigan on May 27.  The women are pursuing degrees that will prepare them for future careers in areas such as computer science, robotics, data science, cyber security, software engineering and artificial intelligence.  

Over the past 25 years, the nonprofit has awarded over $2.31 million to fuel the educational pursuits of 293 of the state’s future technology talent. A strong network of partner companies and individuals who support a diverse Tech industry in Michigan makes the program possible.  

As Christine Shook reminded everyone: 
“This is about much more than the scholarship itself. It’s about joining a community that will be here for you.”  

MCWT’s 2026 scholarship recipients include: 

MCWT President’s Award: Arunima Vasudev (Troy, Mich.) 

Victoria “Katie” Sweet Memorial Scholarship: Emma Thelen (Pewamo, Mich.) 

Ally Scholarship: Ruaa Alhareeri (Meridian Township, Mich.); Emma Andruszko (Goodrich, Mich.); Marwa Djomehri (East Lansing, Mich.) 

Amerisure Scholarship: Shruti Balla (Canton, Mich.) 

AThingZ Scholarship: Isla McCubbin-Green (Freeland, Mich.) 

Consumers Energy Scholarship: Megan Hicks (Grand Rapids, Mich.); Sophia Sass (Temperance, Mich.); Faith Szczepanski (Frankenmuth, Mich.); Vidya Vuyyuru (Novi, Mich.) 

Detroit Diesel/Daimler Truck Scholarship: Eera Bhatt (Troy, Mich.); Delainey Carrigan (Midland, Mich.); Kirsten Malabanan (Temperance, Mich.); Moumita Ray (Hamtramck, Mich.) 

Ford Scholarship: Brenna Gilbert (Flint, Mich.); Shmaria Hearns (Flint, Mich.) 

GTS Scholarship: Amanda Mackin (Avoca, Mich.) 

Joe & Jodi Fadool Scholarship: Jenny Huynh (Canton, Mich.); Kajal Modi (Canton, Mich.) 

Little Caesars Scholarship: Nubah Uddin (Detroit, Mich.) 

Masco Scholarship: Alexis Bliesener (Mason, Mich.); Monique Hannan (Washington, Mich.); Beverly Jackson (Detroit, Mich.); Ashlynn Mulka (Howell, Mich.) 

SIM Detroit Scholarship: Heba Abdelhadi (Shelby Township, Mich.); Alishbah Farhan (East Lansing, Mich.); Esha Kalaimani (Farmington Hills, Mich.); Malia Klumpp (Fenton, Mich.); Pranavi Kumar (Troy, Mich.); Adriana Lippolis (Linden, Mich.); Emily Liston (DeWitt, Mich.); Shriya Chakravarthi (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 

UWM Women’s ERG Scholarship: Adelynn Terwilliger (Ithaca, Mich.) 

Yazaki Scholarship: Jenna Beaudoin (Calumet Township, Mich.); Saige Rothey (Macomb, Mich.) 

Wayne State University graduate and three-time scholarship recipient, Nuri Hannan, spoke to the new class of awardees about the impact her affiliation with MCWT has had on her journey. 

“MCWT is a family community that helps girls like me reach their goals. I’ve been with this organization since I was 12 years old and it has provided so many opportunities for me and connected me with so many successful women. To see women who are like me, in positions that I want to be in the future, helps me understand that my dream isn’t impossible, it is reachable!” 

Scholarship donors this year include MCWT Presidents and partners including Ally, Amerisure, AThingZ, Consumers Energy, Detroit Diesel/Daimler Truck, Ford, GTS, Joe & Jodi Fadool, Little Caesars, Masco, SIM Detroit, UWM Women’s ERG and Yazaki. MCWT supporters also contribute to scholarships. In 2021, the family and friends of Victoria “Katie” Sweet established a scholarship fund to honor her memory and her passion for technology. MCWT is honored to award the sixth scholarship in Katie’s memory this year. 

In addition to the financial award, each recipient is paired with a mentor who meets with the scholar throughout the year to provide guidance and support as she navigates her academic journey. MCWT Scholarship Task Force Lead Kathy Church (Softtek) served as emcee for the program, sharing details about MCWT’s University Program. The scholarship program runs annually from October through April, with mentoring extending from June to June. This year’s scholarship recipients represent 13 colleges and universities across the state of Michigan.  

In addition, MCWT’s nine-year-old Internship Program connects female technology-focused students with Michigan-based companies seeking talent and has facilitated more than 226 internships since its inception. More information about these programs is available at MCWT.org or by contacting MCWTintern@mcwt.org.   

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.