DETROIT, MI /diversitybusiness.com/ The Michigan Council of Women in Technology launched today, providing Michigan professional women a highly valuable, built-in network of services and programs. The Council's goal is to serve as a continuing resource for leadership, networking and professional development for the Michigan technology community.

The group, comprised of noted executives from IT, manufacturing technology, professional services and entrepreneurial organizations, plans to offer valuable events, providing opportunities to share knowledge and exchange ideas on personal and professional growth. The organization is geared towards women at all levels of career growth, and is marketed to those that are producing, using and selling technology.

"As active members in the Michigan technology community, we have witnessed an ongoing, critical need for leadership and support for young women seeking positions in the technology arena," said Sandy Moore, President of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, and President of the Great Lakes Technologies Group, based in Southfield, Mich. "The Michigan Council of Women in Technology provides women executives, managers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to invest in a priceless commodity - the future."

The group's managing board is comprised of notable professionals from the Michigan technology community. Among its founders are:

• Sandy Moore, President, Great Lakes Technologies Group
• Blanca Fauble, Director, International Internet Services, Ford Financial
• Jill Jordan, Senior Consultant, Gundersen Partners, LLC
• Murem Sharpe, CEO, B2Bquarterback LLC
• Rosemary Bayer, Chief Architect, GM Global Enterprises, Sun Microsystems
• Tracey Kilbey, Account Manager, Airfoil Public Relations
• Mary McDonald, President, USA Federal Credit Union

"We are excited to be launching such a positive initiative, geared at such an important community," continued Moore. "We are confident that the organization will become a powerful force within the Michigan technology community."

The organization's first networking event will be held on Monday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Carvers Restaurant, located at 24275 Sinacola Court in Farmington Hills, Mich. The event will serve as the formal kickoff for the Council, and will highlight plans for upcoming professional development programs.

The Council will distinguish itself from regional professional associations in its longer-term goal of providing professional support to Michigan educational institutions offering technology programs to young women.

About The Michigan Council of Women in Technology
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology provides leadership, mentoring, outreach, professional development and service to professional women within the Michigan technology community. The organization is committed to the open sharing of ideas among peers. Further, the organization fosters growth and continued development for tomorrow's technology leaders. The organization will offer compelling programs, opportunities for relationship- building, and outreach initiatives. The group's long term goals include the provision of organizational support to Michigan's educational institutions, to foster the growth and profile of women in technology fields.