MCWT Raises $187,000 for Programs to Inspire and Grow Women in Technology

SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, July 29, 2020 – Technology professionals from 75 area businesses together raised a total of $187,000 for programs that inspire and engage girls and women in technology. The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation’s 14th annual Golf Classic on July 20 at Indianwood Golf and Country Club in Lake Orion demonstrated collective support in continuing to build a thriving technology talent pipeline in Michigan.

“While MCWT pivoted this year to convert our in-person programs and events to virtual formats, our Golf Classic enabled us to safely convene outdoors in a socially distant way to raise critical funds,” said MCWT Executive Director Chris Rydzewski. “Thanks to careful planning with Indianwood and the precautions gladly taken by our guests, we raised money that will help us enable more girls and women to pursue a technology career.”

The success of the 2020 Golf Classic helps MCWT deliver programming such as summer technology camps, robotics grants, website design competition, college scholarships and mentoring. These programs positively enhance the business environment and strengthen Michigan.

Nicole Nelson, a multi-year MCWT scholarship recipient, addressed attendees, demonstrating the power in MCWT’s approach. Over the past 15 years, MCWT has awarded over $1.27 million to fuel the educational pursuits of 210 of the state’s future technology talent.

“Our partner companies remain committed to a long view and together we are working to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology,” said Rydzewski. “It is a business imperative to attract more women to tech careers, and the programs that this fundraiser supports helps us do just that.”

Sentinel One served as the Golf Classic Sponsor for the Day. The following organizations also supported the fundraiser: Ahead, BCBSM, CBI Secure, Donyati, Dynatrace, Epitec, Fast Switch – Great Lakes, FortressIQ, Google Cloud, HPE, Microsoft, Nutanix, Optiv, Optomi, Palo Alto Networks, Pegasystems, Perficient, Pure Storage, Secure 24, Service Now, TEKsystems, Trace 3, Vaco and Zscaler. MCWT also welcomed new community partner, Women’s Security Alliance, (WomSA), a nonprofit focused on promoting women in cyber security careers. 

“A great day was had by all,” said John Bonapace, MCWT fundraiser and chief marketing officer of Secure 24, an NTT, Ltd company.  “This event was a tremendous success, especially so during the pandemic. We are thankful for our sponsors, volunteers and staff to come together to execute another great event, and build new relationships, renew acquaintances, and raise funds for our mission.” 

MCWT understands the challenges and rewards a technology career brings and builds programs that connect women with technology-based opportunities throughout the year. The nonprofit recently published research, “Explore, Focus and Grow: A Technology Career Journey in Michigan,” revealing that a tech career attracts girls and women with opportunities to create positive impact, solve problems and be creative. 

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation’s vision is 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 mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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Contact: Chris Rydzewski, MCWT executive director
chris.rydzewski@mcwt.org
248.514.0306