Society of Women Engineers’s deputy executive director Karen Horting becomes executive director and CEO, beginning January 1, 2014, reports the organization.

 

“Karen will bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the role of executive director and CEO, while at the same time maintaining good continuity between staff and volunteers. Karen’s intimate knowledge of SWE and her past performance make her the ideal choice for our next leader,” says Stacey DelVecchio, SWE’s president.

 

Horting, who joined SWE nine years ago, supervised all aspects of fund development for the global organization, building the Corporate Partnership Council into a thriving panel of more than 70 influential organizations within the industry. Horting was also instrumental in molding much of the society’s portfolio for those in the engineering industry, including the professional development, K-12 outreach, the SWE annual conference, and SWE’s international expansion.

 

In addition, Horting brings more than 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and fund development. Prior to joining SWE, she served as director of strategic planning at New York Academy of Sciences, where she oversaw development activities and longrange organizational planning. Her experience also includes time at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. There, Horting managed both marketing and fund development on a global level for Science’s Next Wave, a groundbreaking career development website for graduate students and post doctorate students in science, math, and technology. Her previous experience also includes more than ten years in the paint and coatings industry in a variety of technical service and marketing functions.

 

Chrysler Group Expands Commitment To The Michigan Council Of Women In Technology

Chrysler Group LLC expanded its commitment to the Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT) with a $15,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to support undergraduates who pursue a course of study that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The announcement of the grant was made November 23 at MCWT’s eighth annual Signature Gala in Rochester, MI.

 

“Chrysler is committed to ensuring that a diverse group of leaders drive the next era of innovation,” says Scott Sandschafer, vice president and chief information officer, Chrysler Group LLC, who delivered the keynote address at the gala. “We hope this grant from The Chrysler Foundation will enable more women to fulfill their dreams of attaining an education that leads to careers in information and communication technology.”

 

In addition to the grant, Chrysler Group was the title sponsor for MCWT’s Signature Gala, which raised $291,000 in net proceeds for programs that help inspire and grow women in technology.

 

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology strives to inspire and grow women in technology fields, with an aspirational vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization offers networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences for professionals and students. Through its nonprofit foundation, it delivers programs and funds to support the education and orientation of young women throughout school, as well as and fostering women in various stages of their professional lives.

 

“Chrysler’s involvement and support of the MCWT mission is making a difference,” said MCWT President Maru Flores. “Scott Sandschafer has led his team to be engaged in giving back to the community through our programs, and he has supported forums like our CIO breakfast and Technology Leadership Ex change earlier this year. The company is spreading the message about the need for a strong, diverse workforce. This generous scholarship grant will only help further our cause and encourage more women to pursue IT as a career"