The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation is excited to announce the expansion of its prestigious MCWT Woman of the Year in Technology award. This year, the award will recognize two remarkable women in Michigan who are making significant impacts in the field of technology, specifically in the areas of Empowering Leader and Community Impact.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership in the field of technology.
- Embody MCWT’s mission of inspiring and growing women in technology.
- Lead positive changes for women studying, teaching, or working in technology.
- Make significant contributions to other tech-related careers and fields of study.
- Exhibit a commitment to empowering women in Michigan’s technology industry.
Empowering Leader: Recognizes women in technology who are making a meaningful difference in Michigan’s tech community. This award honors those who demonstrate strong leadership by empowering and uplifting others, providing mentorship, and creating supportive environments where women can grow and succeed in technology.
Community Impact: Honors individuals, business owners, and leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing girls and women in technology across Michigan. From teaching and mentoring students to driving opportunities in their communities, these trailblazers open pathways for women to thrive in tech.
Get inspired! Read more about previous recipients of the MCWT Woman of the Year in Tech Award.
- 2024: Learn About the 2024 Winners
- 2023: Jane Sydlowski enables more women to rise to leadership positions, with peers calling her the ultimate connector, sponsor, supporter, friend and mentor.
- 2022: Julie Spiller’s pay-it-forward actions are a reflection of our mission in action as she uses her skills to empower others to pursue fulfilling tech careers.
- 2021: Melanie Kalmar encourages and advances women in technology at all career levels, whether through her work with MCWT, in the community or at Dow. She is both a role model and advocate for female representation in technology.
- 2019: Diane Jones helps students realize their potential and power through involvement in Girls Who Code events, sponsorship of a student internship program, and the spearheading of a GET-IT Connection Summit at U of M’s campus.
- 2018: Judy Asher is contributing to Michigan becoming the place where women in tech thrive. Her leadership in STEAM initiatives inspire hearts and develop minds and MCWT programs have gained momentum thanks to her volunteerism and mentoring.
- 2017: Alison Gleeson is inspiring a new generation of female leaders. She founded the Women’s Action Network for Sales and Engineering at Cisco and is a frequent guest lecturer and mentor.
- 2016: Nancy Benovich Gilby is a tech entrepreneur who provides support, encouragement, and push so more women entrepreneurs can achieve their dreams. Students and local entrepreneurs nominated her for dedication to influencing future tech talent.
As an organization dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage nominations that reflect a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact awards@mcwt.org. For more information about MCWT Foundation’s vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology, visit mcwt.org.
The MCWT Woman of the Year in Technology award will recognize two remarkable women in Michigan who are making significant impacts in the field of technology, specifically in the areas of Empowering Leader and Community Impact. The 2025 award recipients will be announced on November 1, 2025, during the MCWT Celestial Ball at the MGM Grand in Detroit.
