Christine Burkette, Director of Digitial Equity & Inclusion, named Woman of the Year in Technology
- Woman of the Year in Technology awards presented at Michigan Council of Women in Technology’s 11th Executive Connection Summit
- Burkette named Women of the Year in Technology for her work empowering women in the tech space
Christine Burkette, Office of Digital, Equity, and Inclusion Director, is one of four leading women who have earned the title of “Woman of the Year in Technology” by the Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT). Burkette was recognized for her work promoting and advancing opportunities for girls and women in tech careers or tech fields of study. MCWT celebrates women making an impact through its Woman of the Year in Technology awards, and each honoree embodies the nonprofit’s mission of inspiring and growing women in technology.
Burkette has made significant accomplishments during her tenure at the City of Detroit. With her most recent project, Christine and her team launched “Certified Tech Hubs” throughout the city, providing low-income residents with access to digital resources and digital literacy training. She seeks out opportunities to support women and influence positive change in minority communities. Christine provides mentorship to women and teaches tech courses twice weekly. She also encourages her teams to build on their skills through tech certification courses and leadership classes. In addition to her work at the City of Detroit, Burkette is CEO of PICF, Inc. the only female, Black-owned IT consulting firm in Michigan, and CEO of the nonprofit Michigan Youth STEM, Tech & Aeronautic.
"This is such a tremendous honor. Being a leader in tech requires an ongoing effort to keep women at the table, which is something I am very passionate about,” said Burkette. “Here in the City of Detroit, we take Digital Equity very seriously and are always looking for more opportunities for our residents to gain skills in digital literacy and access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Burkette’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and innovation has been instrumental in advancing digital inclusion in Detroit. Her work continues to make a positive impact, ensuring that all residents have equal access to high-speed internet and effective technology. Christine has been acknowledged for her work in digital equity locally and nationally, measuring her impact and how to develop a plan strategic plan focused on community engagement, digital literacy, IT workforce training and her work to bridge the digital divide in the City of Detroit.
“We are proud to have Christine leading this important work in the City of Detroit”, said Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer for the City of Detroit. “What she has accomplished in the past 13 months, working to provide digital equity resources and to help bridge the digital divide for Detroit residents, is nothing short of amazing. We will continue to support her efforts as she moves this work forward.”
Christine was presented her award by MCWT at its Executive Connection Summit on May 14. The event brought together hundreds of tech leaders and business professionals from across Michigan to explore thought-provoking topics and provide learning for professional growth.
The MCWT awards’ 8th year brought expanded categories – community impact, education, emerging leader, and women empowerment – enabling MCWT to widen the spotlight and create visibility for more changemakers.
“It was energizing to see the nominations pour in for this honor,” said Dr. Orletta Caldwell, MCWT executive director. “While we have more work ahead to achieve greater representation in the tech field, this annual tradition reinforces just how many smart, driven and influential women in Michigan are committed to the cause and creating ripple effects of opportunity and positive impact.”
The other three 2024 Woman of the Year in Technology winners honored are:
- Community Impact: Gina King, Chief vCISO, DiverseIT: Through her non-profit initiative, G.I.N.A.S (Giving, Information, Networking, Advocacy, and Support), King encourages girls to explore possibilities within the tech industry, specifically cybersecurity.
- Education: Tamara Shoemaker, VP, CyberPatriot, Co-Founder Midwest CISSE Chapter, Buchanan School Districts: Shoemaker inspires participation and develops the capabilities of countless young women in cybersecurity as the Michigan director of the Airforce Association's nationwide CyberPatriot program.
- Emerging Leader: Shivani Raina, Director - Automotive Data Products, Stellantis: Raina leads innovative, B2B2C and B2B tech products, such as her trailblazing work in the development of monetizable data as a service and data products for Usage Based Insurance.
About MCWT Foundation
With an aspirational mission to make Michigan the No. 1 state for girls and women in technology, the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation delivers programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring and robust technology experiences. Find more at mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn and Facebook.