MICWIC 2007 was a HUGE success!
Thank you to all the presenters, planners, participants, and sponsors who helped make MICWIC 2007 such a fantastic opportunity! On March 30-31, 2007, over 100 people converged on Kellogg Biological Station to learn about the rewards of careers in computing and in advancing technology through broader representation of women. We learned about exciting student research projects, discussed issues women face in industry and academia, were inspired by the accomplishments of our incredible featured speakers, and stayed up until the wee hours at the Game Night.
We had an amazing turnout: 57 undergraduate and graduate students, 20 college faculty, and 28 industry professionals. Attendees overwhelmingly agree that MICWIC was an excellent networking opportunity, and valued seeing the success of technical women making advances in computing. Ninety-eight percent of attendees say they would encourage others to attend the next MICWIC conference!
Can't get enough MICWIC?
Download the PowerPoint presentation given by Teri Takai here.
View pictures from the conference here.
Did you blog about MICWIC, or post pictures on your own site? Let us know!
Want to help make MICWIC 2009 just as amazing? The Planning Committee needs your help!
What is MICWIC?
The inaugural Michigan Celebration of Women in Computing (MICWIC) is part of a nationwide effort to address the alarming decline of American women choosing computer science professions. This historic conference will focus attention on the research and career interests of women in computing and information technology. It will bring together students, faculty, and business leaders from across Michigan and neighboring states to discuss the role of women in today's technology fields, share experiences and strategies for success, and explore issues common to women working in these fields.
Location
MICWIC 2007 will be held at the Kellog Biological Station (KBS) in Hickory Corners, MI. KBS is Michigan State University's largest off-campus education complex and one of North America's premier inland field stations. The land and many of the buildings were donated by cereal magnate W. K. Kellogg, who believed that people should use their gifts and knowledge to help others. He was also an environmentalist who understood the importance of preserving the land and its resources.
Featured Speakers
Teresa (Teri) M. Takai
Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology
Teresa (Teri) M. Takai is the Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (DIT), serving as the state's Chief Information Officer. Appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in February 2003, her broad experience includes working for Ford Motor Company, EDS, and Federal Mogul. Ms. Takai led Michigan to the #1 ranking in digital government. She was named Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine in 2005 and has been named as one of the 100 Most Influential Women by Crain's Detroit Business. Ms. Takai received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Michigan.
Connie Fako Shomake
Vice President of Public Sector,
Americas, Central Region
IBM Corporation
Connie Shoemake is Vice President of Sales for IBM's 14-state Central Region. Connie is responsible for sales within the public sector, specifically local / state government, K-12 / Higher Education, Healthcare Payor / Providers, and Pharmaceutical clients.
Previously, Connie was the Director of Sales Operations. In this role, Connie was responsible for strategic and tactical enablement for the regional sales force, $8B in revenue and over 13,000 employees spanning the hardware, software, services business, crossing mid-market, emerging and large accounts.
Connie has held various executive and management positions in sales and technical development throughout her career. She joined IBM as a software sales engineer in 1981.
Connie is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Chicago Chapter of Women in Technology (WITI), and the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE). She is a board member of the Illinois Technology Association (formerly Chicago Software Association), Chicago downtown American Cancer Society and Chicago-based marketing company AGEOS Enterprises. Connie has been recognized by several Chicago organizations for her leadership and passion for the Technology Industry. In 2003, Connie was recognized by I-Street Magazine as one of the "Top 25 Technology Women in Chicago".
In addition to an active role in IBM's Chicago Women's Networking Group, Connie is dedicated to mentoring several individuals throughout IBM and outside of IBM including the Chicago Executive's Club Leadership program. Connie stays involved in school, community, and church outreach programs.
Connie earned her Master of Science degree in education administration from Northern Illinois University and her Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in special education from Illinois State University. Connie has attended several business seminars and college programs for executive management.
Connie and her family reside in Palatine, Illinois.
Tracy Teich
Information Systems Director, Enterprise Systems Operations
The Dow Chemical Company
Tracy Teich is a Global Information Systems Director for Enterprise Systems Operations at The Dow Chemical Company and is responsible for IT Services. In her current role, Tracy is charged with ensuring that Information Systems is meeting its cost, consumption and client satisfaction targets for all network, voice, workstation, and platform services within the company while at the same time investing in technology to continually improve services to clients.
Tracy joined the Dow Information Systems team in 1980 to work within the Dow Consumer Products department in Indianapolis, Ind. where she held several positions in application development. In 1986, she transferred to Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals in Cincinnati, Ohio, managing the end user computing and data administration teams. She later transferred to the company headquarters in Midland, Mich. and assumed the role of U.S. area data management manager in 1992.
Tracy soon transitioned to roles in Information Systems Planning and became involved in Dow's re-engineering and globalization efforts, which culminated in the role of global Information Systems human resources manager. In the late 90's she transitioned to management roles in infrastructure delivery, including operations, asset management, and security. In 2000, she was aligned to one of Dow's global business groups as their I/S director . She also led the company's knowledge management activities,. She then returned to Information Systems in the Enterprise Systems Operations organization in 2004 where she worked on the transition of infrastructure suppliers before assuming her current responsibilities.
Tracy holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and computer science from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.
