Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWTF) 501(c)3 non profit organization is dedicated to inspiring and assisting girls and women in Michigan to pursue technology education and careers. We do this by providing educational programs and scholarships, as well as ongoing support as they move through the educational system.  If you would like to contribute to MCWTF programs click here!  Your donation is 100% tax deductible.

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Camp Infinity Application Now Available!

Camp Infinity is scheduled July 14th-18th, 2008 at Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI

The MCWTF Girl’s Technology Camp is made possible by funding from the foundation sponsors and Lawrence Technological University.

The program, designed to introduce young women to computer and Internet technologies through hands-on activities, will be attended by 40 Metro Detroit-area fourth through seventh grade girls selected through an application process.

According to the National Council for Research on Women, the percentage of women enrolled in undergraduate computer science programs has drastically declined over a 15-year period. In 1984, the percentage of science degrees earned by women was 37 percent. The percentage dropped to less than 20 percent in 1999, when 90 percent of high school students taking advanced placement tests for computer science college credit were male, the NCRW said in its study, “Balancing the Equation: Where Are Women and Girls in Science, Engineering and Technology?” The study concluded that young women benefit from math and science programs that are designed exclusively for them and that use a cooperative, hands-on approach rather than stress competition and individual learning.

Forty girls, grades 4th – 7th,  ages 9-12, from the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb school district will be attending the upcoming camp.  The forty students will be divided into two groups of 20 – (20 4th and 5th grade students and 20 6th and 7th grade students.)

Camp Highlights: The girls will work in teams to create graphics, content and technical website components under the direction of university students, faculty, and women professionals. The camp will provide opportunities to meet women professionals who work in technological fields, develop a website sharing interests and camp experiences in technology, participate in fun, interesting and educational activities associated with technology.

When: July 14-18, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI

Click to Download Application!

MCWT’s third annual career-building symposium, sponsored by Sun Microsystems and Accretive Solutions, was held on Friday, February 12th.  It provided a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from a prestigious lineup of speakers and workshop leaders. The event conveyed vital business skills to university students and corporate professionals.

Kicking off the mid-day keynote was renowned author and researcher Susan Kaufmann. As author of Michigan Women and the High-Tech Knowledge Economy, Kaufmann is relied upon as an expert on Michigan’s technology industry and the role women play in propelling the workforce. 

Following the networking lunch, guests chose to attend three or four 50-minute interactive sessions facilitated by accomplished executives and entrepreneurs.  The sessions were:

1. Communication hints and tips for the global workplace, Eugenia Schwalm, managing director of Lighthouse Consulting Partners
2. Building and cultivating powerful relationships, Jill Jordan, co-founder of Smart Women’s Coaching
3. The mobile office of the future, Brendan Newell,technology specialist,Microsoft Corporation
4. Mastering the personal excellence toolkit, Barry Demp, Master Certified Coach and owner of Barry Demp Coaching
5. Feng Shui for the office, Catherine Hilker, owner of Creating Sanctuary, Master Teacher of Interior Alignment™ and graduate of Western School of Feng Shui.™
6. Negotiating for amateurs – It’s not as bad as you think, Eugenia Schwalm, managing director of Lighthouse Consulting Partners
7. Cultural collaboration, Jasdeep Sandhu, quality management practice lead, Accretive Solutions

A high-level panel discussion, moderated by MCWT Vice President Michelle Pallas, entitled Women Empowered: An Executive “How-To” followed the interactive sessions.  Participants included:

• Cherri Musser, group VP & CIO GMAC Financial Services
• Mary Ann Ellsworth, VP, Comerica Bank
• Jennifer Nash, VP, Employee & Administrative Services for Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

During the closing keynote, Donna Ventimiglia, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Products Sales at Compuware, spoke on facing adversity and rising to the top. Ventimiglia is responsible for Compuware’s global sales organization. Starting out as a paralegal and office manager for a law firm, Ventimiglia took on a position at Compuware where her energy and motivation helped her advance quickly into a senior role.

The event was attended by over 150 members and guests.

MCWTF High School Website Contest – A Great Success!

The final judging for the MCWT Foundation High School Website contest took place on 12/8/2007.

Click Here For More Information!