SOUTHFIELD – The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation hosted its 17th annual signature gala on Nov. 1 at the MGM Grand Detroit, bringing together 700 tech professionals and corporate partners.
Dubbed the Celestial Ball, the evening supported by host sponsor Borg Warner pledged around $475,000 in gross funds to further the nonprofit’s mission of inspiring and growing women in tech. MCWT spokeswoman Kathleen Norton-Schock provides the details in this MITech TV video interview.
Throughout 2024, MCWT demonstrated notable impact, awarding $171,500 in scholarships to 49 female students committed to pursuing tech careers in Michigan. Since 2002, the nonprofit has awarded 409 scholarships totaling more than $2 million to deserving women pursuing technology-focused degrees.
Today, nearly 50 women are participating in other MCWT programs such as Reignite and Elevate – Level Up, which support women returning to the workforce or transitioning into tech and becoming leaders in the tech community.
Woman of the Year in Tech Announced MCWT revealed its 9th Woman of the Year in Technology recipients during the evening’s programming. The recognition celebrates women who embody MCWT’s mission, making an impact in the field of technology for girls and women in Michigan.
The 2025 Woman of the Year in Technology winners are:
Community Impact – Rosemary Bayer, State Senator, Michigan District 13: Shortly after co-founding MCWT, Bayer started building and delivering technology programs, such as MCWT’s summer camps, high school GET-IT clubs, and scholarship program. She volunteered with schools to work with girls on programming and robotics and has mentored young women and senior women looking for support in career development. More recently, she has provided state funding for tech programs in Michigan. In her role as a state senator, Bayer speaks to groups around the state with the goal of inspiring girls and women to help others grow. She has since worked to increase equity in funding as well as adding more technology-based programming and tools across the k-12 education system.
Empowering Leader – Mamatha Chamarthi, Digital and Software Leader: Charmathi helped shape MCWT’s lifecycle approach and vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in tech when she served as a board member. She also launched MCWT’s summer internship program and founded the West Michigan chapter, engaging local companies and extending MCWT’s reach across the state. She is the founder of T200, a community dedicated to empowering women in technology through mentorship, leadership development, and connection. Charmathi has guided hundreds of women across Michigan and beyond, helping them not only reach leadership roles but also thrive once there.
Bayer and Charmathi join a community of 11 other past Woman of the Year in Technology awardees. The evening’s success was made possible through the support of 57 sponsors including host sponsor, Borg Warner, and empowerment sponsors, Ahead, Comerica Bank, Dell, Masco, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Zscaler.
About MCWT Foundation: The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation strives to inspire and grow girls and women in technology fields, with a 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
