MCWT’s Breakthrough Year Enables it to Expand Reach

SOUTHFIELD, Nov. 18, 2021 – The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation is reaching more girls and women throughout Michigan as a result of strengthened corporate support and state grants. The nonprofit experienced its biggest year to date for revenue generation that drives its programming.  

“We added 45 new partners this year for a total of 122 companies supporting our vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in tech,” said Chris Rydzewski, MCWT executive director. “Technology fuels our lives, businesses and our state. Only 25% of tech-related occupations are held by women in the U.S., so it’s critical that we use our collective influence to enable more women here to consider and advance in this exciting field.” 

MCWT raised $530,000 in gross proceeds from its 13th annual signature gala, the 2021 Champagne Ball, on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the MGM Grand in Detroit. The event is an opportunity to celebrate and empower area leaders who are changing the world through technology in Michigan. Forty-eight companies sponsored the event, including Stryker as the Host Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as the Visionary Sponsor, Intel and Dell as the Innovation Sponsors, and Check Point, Consumers Energy, E&Y, Ford, Stellantis, Thirdware, and Wipro as Empowerment sponsors, to name a few. In the summer, MCWT also raised record funds from two Golf Classics in Southeast and West Michigan.  

These fundraisers enable MCWT to carry out its holistic lifecycle strategy to inspire and grow girls and women in technology. In 2021, the nonprofit encouraged students in their technology journey and supported the advancement of more women in technology fields. A sampling of impact includes:  

– Provided $146,000 total for 40 scholars, more than half of which have previously engaged in MCWT programs and events.  

– Leveraged $150,000 in grants from the State of Michigan to expand GET-IT clubs to five more schools, four in West Michigan and one in Imlay City. 

– Connected 32 students with internships, matching students with tech-oriented companies in Michigan. 

– Hosted three events in partnership with The Girl Scouts to reach 124 elementary school students.

– Increased membership by 13% to 1,245 members, with a large increase in West Michigan.  

– Delivered two leadership clinics for women seeking positions in the C-suite. Each session was powered by three CIOs who served as executive coaches for 80 promising participants. 

– Impacted 929 technology professionals through our virtual Lunch & Learn and ConnectNet events. 

“The way that MCWT is intentionally building the diverse talent pipeline for Michigan is an absolute win in developing future female leaders in technology,” said Alan Douville, chief information officer and chief information security officer, Stryker. 

Jennifer Charters, MCWT’s president in 2021, and Executive Vice President and CIO of Flagstar Bank, believes MCWT is well-positioned to continue accelerating its programming. “Recently, 40 of our board members met for our annual strategy session,” Charters said. “The planning theme was Reboot, Refresh and Reach, and the ideas that came out of this meeting will fuel many more initiatives in 2022. What is clear is that we are well on our way to being the No. 1 state for girls and women in technology!”  

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