Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT)

Our speaker and panelist lineup for MCWT’s upcoming Executive Connection Summit is here — and you won’t want to miss it. Get ready for powerful insights, inspiring conversations, and incredible leaders shaping the future of tech. ⏰ Registration closes May 27 — secure your spot now! https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN #MCWT #ExecutiveSummit #WomenInTech #LeadershipInTech Amanda M. Thomas Chris Rydzewski Jill Kummer Darlene Taylor Lori Koza Cortney Ventrone Lisa Davis Lila Lazarus Stacey Caster Scott Sandschafer Yvette Zhang Lori Koza Dr. Steven Craig Jay Modh Julia Tauro Mamatha Chamarthi Norman Marks Erica Klampfl Andrew Wilson Debbie Michel Rohan K.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Erica Klampfl to the 2026 Executive Connection Summit stage. As Executive Director of Industrial System AI and Analytics at Ford Motor Company, Erica leads the team transforming how one of the world's most iconic manufacturers uses #AI to strengthen vehicle quality, supply chain resilience, and material cost performance. Her perspective is shaped by 25 years at Ford — including 18 months as interim Chief Data and Analytics Officer, where she led a 2,000+ person AI, analytics, data, and platform engineering organization through Ford's migration to Google Cloud, enterprise adoption of generative AI, and the build-out of AI-powered solutions across Marketing, Sales, and the Industrial System. Dr. Klampfl holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University. She is an INFORMS Fellow and has been recognized as one of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry (2025), the #DatalQ 100 US (2025), and CDO Magazine's Data Leaders 100. Beyond Ford, she is a sought-after keynote speaker at #CES, #MobileWorldCongress, and #NAIAS — and a longtime champion of women in math and computer science through Girls Who Code, the Grace Hopper Institute, and the #InstituteforMathematicsandItsApplications. Join us on June 3 at Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi to hear how Erica is leading transformation at scale, and what it takes to deploy AI with purpose across a global enterprise. Forward Together: Connect. Transform. Accelerate. Deadline for registration is May 27. Register now! https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN #MCWT #ExecutiveConnectionSummit #ForwardTogether #WomenInTech #AILeadership #DataAndAnalytics Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer Erica Klampfl

This summer, MCWT is, again, proud to host Camp Infinity — an inspiring program that empowers girls, from 4th to 12th grade, to explore the exciting world of #technology through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences. Camp Infinity has always been more than just a summer camp. It’s an opportunity to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help shape the next generation of women leaders in #STEM. To make this experience possible, we’re looking for community support: #Volunteers – Help mentor, guide activities, and inspire students as they discover new possibilities in technology. Take a look at our volunteer opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/gyURnn_i #Sponsors – Your support helps us provide resources, programming, and opportunities that make Camp Infinity accessible and impactful for every participant. When we invest in young women today, we invest in a stronger, more innovative future for all. If you or your organization would like to get involved and support this incredible mission, we’d love to connect. Email nicola.white@mcwt.org. #CampInfinity #MCWT #WomenInTech #STEMEducation #VolunteerOpportunity #Sponsorship #FutureOfTech #GirlsWhoCode #CommunityImpact #IamMCWT Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer

We’re proud to spotlight Julia Tauro, an inspiring MCWT Scholar Award recipient who will be joining us as a speaker at the Executive Connection Summit on June 3. Julia’s journey with MCWT began in 2015 as a Camp Infinity participant and has continued through the past four years as an MCWT Scholar. This spring, she graduates from the University of Michigan with a BSE in Computer Science and a minor in Business. Her impressive accomplishments include internships with Ford, Google, and Meta, and after graduation, she’ll begin her career as a Software Engineer at Meta in Menlo Park, CA. Beyond academics and internships, Julia has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the founder of Innovation for Impact and as Technical Director of the Michigan Pops Orchestra. Julia’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent, determination, and opportunity come together. We’re excited to hear her insights at the Executive Connection Summit and celebrate all she has achieved as part of the MCWT community. Join us in congratulating Julia on this incredible milestone and wishing her continued success in this next chapter. You can find out more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Lisa Riachi Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer #MCWT #ExecutiveConnectionSummit #WomenInTech #FutureOfTech #Leadership #UniversityOfMichigan #TechCareers

What does one evening of generosity actually build? A stronger pipeline of women in Michigan technology — measured not in moments, but in girls and women whose paths just got clearer. MCWT's Vino Voyage brought a remarkable community together at Little Caesars Pizza headquarters in Detroit for an evening of wine, connection, and shared purpose. Six tasting stations, a craft bar, a silent auction, and a room full of people who believe #Michigan can be the No. 1 state for women in technology. But the real story is what the night makes possible. At MCWT, $5,000 funds a Camp Infinity camp where girls discover that technology belongs to them. $3,500 opens the door to a scholarship for a woman pursuing a technology degree — paired with a mentor who walks the journey with her. The support raised at Vino Voyage translates into roughly six Camp Infinity camps and ten scholarships — with more still fueling K-12 classroom programs and mentorship across the state. One of those scholarship journeys came to life on stage. MCWT scholar, Ritika Parikh, shared her story — a reminder that behind every number is a person, and behind every person is a community that showed up for her. To our sponsors, THANK YOU for making this evening possible: Little Caesars Enterprises, P.I.E. Management L.L.C., and Sumo Logic (our Grand Reserve and venue sponsors) plus BorgWarner AHEAD, Zscaler, NetApp, Rapid7, Semperis, Choice Telecommunications, Inc. - ChoiceTel Arista Networks Nutanix United Wholesale Mortgage Sabio Creator TV® Varonis Onspring Airlock Digital together with our spirits partners Shankar, Stumblebum, and Gypsy Vodka. Your investment doesn't end when the last glass is poured. It shows up in a camp classroom, a tuition bill, and a mentor's calendar....for years to come. Since 2002, MCWT has awarded 452 scholarships, and Camp Infinity has reached nearly 3,000 girls. Thursday night, that legacy grew. This is what it looks like to inspire and grow #womenintechnology. Together. #MCWT #VinoVoyage #WomenInTech #WomenInSTEM #Michigan #CampInfinity #DetroitEvents #TechCommunity #ScholarshipsMatter Lori Koza Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Anita Klopfenstein Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Brian Schneble Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer Stacey DeRoche

We’re excited to again welcome Lila Lazarus as emcee for this year’s MCWT Executive Connection Summit. An Emmy Award-winning news anchor, proud University of Michigan alumna, extreme athlete, and dynamic storyteller, Lila brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and inspiration to every stage she steps on. With decades of experience engaging audiences—and a fearless mindset shaped by extraordinary challenges, from swimming the Straits of Mackinac to cycling solo across the Pyrenees—she embodies bold leadership in action. Named Michigan’s Hero of Health by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lila is passionate about helping women step into discomfort, lead courageously, and redefine what’s possible. When Lila takes the stage at ECS, expect connection, laughter, momentum—and the kind of inspiration that stays with you long after the summit ends. Register here to join in a day of high impact keynotes, executive conversations and curated networking. https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN #MCWT #ExecutiveConnectionSummit #WomenInLeadership #Leadership Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer

We’re excited to spotlight Yvette Zhang from AlixPartners as a featured speaker at the June 3rd, 2026, MCWT Executive Connection Summit. With almost 20 years of consulting experience spanning corporate internal strategy teams and prominent professional services firms, Yvette brings a global perspective on transformation in the automotive and mobility sectors. She has partnered with automakers and suppliers worldwide to drive meaningful change through growth strategy development, supply chain optimization, re-engineering, and operational excellence. Yvette is a trusted advisor to business leaders across a wide spectrum—from emerging startups to multi-billion-dollar global enterprises. Her expertise extends into the rapidly evolving high-tech domains shaping the future of mobility, including electrification, autonomous driving, SDV and shared mobility. Yvette is very passionate about supporting and empowering next generation of female leaders in automotive and technology industry. Join us to hear Yvette’s insights on navigating transformation and innovation in today’s dynamic mobility landscape. Learn more about the summit and register here: https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN #MCWT #Leadership #Mobility #Automotive #Innovation #WomenInTech Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer Yvette Zhang

Happy Mother’s Day from the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT)! Today we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, mentors, caregivers and role models who help shape the next generation of leaders. Your encouragement, strength and support create confidence in young women as they explore technology, leadership and their future. You are often the first person to believe in their potential and that belief can change everything. To every mom and mother figure in our MCWT community, thank you for inspiring curiosity, courage and possibility. We celebrate you today and every day. Happy Mother’s Day! 💐 Lori Koza Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Lisa Riachi Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer

MCWT is excited to have Stacey Caster as a featured speaker at the 2026 Executive Connection Summit on June 3. With 25+ years in executive leadership and operations (much of that tenure at #Michigan's meteroric Rocket), Stacey has built a reputation for turning complexity into clarity and guiding C-suite leaders to peak performance. But her work goes deeper. After years inside high-stakes leadership environments, Stacey uncovered a critical blind spot: top performers weren’t failing from lack of strategy; they were burning out physically. That insight reshaped her career. Today, Stacey works at the intersection of leadership and human biology, helping executives optimize performance through nervous system regulation, gut health, and subconscious alignment. Her approach blends executive coaching with science-backed wellness to drive sustainable, high-level decision-making. Stacey is the co-author of the Amazon best-selling book "Leadership Navigator: Chart Your Course to Leadership Mastery;" is the co-founder and co-host of the Leadership Moments podcast; and a sought-after keynote speaker, whose talks have been described as "inspirational and powerful" and "an absolute game changer."   Stacey's message? “Activate what’s within to create the change you seek.” You won’t want to miss this session. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eFJY-niN #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #WellnessAtWork #PeakPerformance #ExecutiveConnectionSummit Lori Koza  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock Anita Klopfenstein Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer Stacey Caster

Tonight is the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) Vino Voyage 2026 in Detroit! In a few hours, we will raise a glass at the Little Caesars Pizza's Global Headquarters for Vino Voyage 2026 — an evening of wine, connection, and impact for women and girls in tech across Michigan. Quick reminders for our guests: Doors: VIP 5 PM | General 7 PM Valet: Corner of Woodward & Elizabeth (use The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward, as your GPS). Pistons playoff game tonight — approach from Elizabeth Street if you can. Auction: Live until 8:45 PM sharp → https://lnkd.in/gM8UACvB Attire: Spring Chic. Bring a layer — coat check and heated terraces are ready. Every ticket and every bid fuels real opportunities for women and girls in tech. Thank you for showing up! See you at 5:00 PM EDT! #VinoVoyage2026 #MCWT #WomenInTech #Detroit Lori Koza Anita Klopfenstein  Andre Arbelaez Darlene Taylor Chris Rydzewski Ellece Campbell Kathleen Norton-Schock  Susan Prokop Boyd, MBA, SPC6 Beckie Riss, Jill Bowen Priya Gurumurthy (she/her/ella) Patrece Hamblin, M.Ed, CHTS-IM Bhavani Koneru Amy Palazzolo CHRISTINE SHOOK Cortney Ventrone Loretta Yakima Loretta Alexander Diane Smith Noha White Feei Ang Karen Rasche Antonia Nitza Harpe Tammy Doroshewitz Lisa Riachi Amanda M. Thomas Brian Schneble Jennifer Weise Marcy Farrell Chelsea Hurst Regina Kolarchick Jill Kummer  Callie Kimble