About The National Center For Women and Information Technology
NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,240 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women — at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability status — in the field of computing. NCWIT equips change leaders with resources for taking action in recruiting, retaining, and advancing women from K–12 education through careers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.
About Aspirations in Computing (AIC)
NCWIT AiC changes what’s possible for women in technology from K-12 through career by offering the kind of encouragement that combats isolation, enables long-term persistence, opens doors, and changes lives. AiC uses program elements that spark interest in computing (AspireIT); recognizes and celebrates women’s technical aspirations and abilities, as well as the educators who support them (AiC Award Recognitions); and, provides an expansive, supportive network (AiC Community). Find out more about each of these program elements at www.aspirations.org.
Why AiC Matters

These Skills Are Essential – Computing and computational thinking are increasingly important 21st-century skills. These skills lead the way for innovative solutions to long-standing problems at national and local levels. Given that technology increasingly permeates every aspect of society, experience in computing and technology is in high demand by virtually every industry.
Our Passion
Mission
NCWIT Wisconsin relies on the academic community to support our mission, vision and values. Our mission is to recognize, encourage & tap into the potential of young women who show interest in Computer Science & Technology while supporting people who educate the young women. We also strive to provide positive role models and examples of Women in the Technology field VISION
Vision
To provide more inclusiveness of Women in in Technology, sustain our annual event with ongoing inspiration, outreach, connection of resources with support for women/girls in underrepresented groups
Values
Technical Knowledge, Inclusiveness, Diversity, Innovation, Hard Work
Goals
Foster promotion of ongoing academic and career potential aspiring more women to join the professional sector of technology.
History
Wisconsin Affiliate Launch Year: 2011-2012
Alumnae base: total unique honorees through 2020: 418 (some are multi-year honorees)
Number of National Honorees: 27 (5 were awarded national recognition in each of two years)
Number of Collegiate Award honorees: 1
Number of Aspire IT grant honorees: 6 (one has received 2 grants), 5 unique honorees
Board Members
Chair:
Joe Kmoch -JK Consulting
Vice Chair:
Cheryl Nowak – TAPCO
Directors:
Aspirations in Computing Applications and Review
Joe Kmoch – JK Consulting
Aspirations In Computing Awards Event
Cheryl Nowak – TAPCO (chair)
Sharon Skinner – Alverno College
Megan Cindric – Refinitiv
Academic Engagement – Collegiate
Laura Schmidt – Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition
Academic Engagement – K-12
Molly Schuld – Northwestern Mutual
Academic Engagement – AspireIT
Tina Gleason – Golda Meir School
Alumnae Engagement
Megan Choy – Northwestern Mutual/UW-Madison student
Community Outreach
Megan Cindric – Refinitiv
Diversity Engagement
Lita Mallett – Milwaukee Excellence Charter School
Finance/Treasurer
Christine Gay – Advocate Aurora Health
Marketing and Digital Presence
Steven Hartl – PDS Inc
John Miller – PDS Inc
Joan Nordick – PDS Inc
Shalisha Porter – Firefly Multimedia
Sponsorship
Mary Acuna – UW-Whitewater
Dele Ojelabi – Comcentia
At Large Directors:
Kathy Lang – Kathy J. Lang & Associates
Tina Rock – Advanced Hires