Connecticut Technology Council Seeking Nominees For Women Of Innovation Awards

HARTFORD — Do you know a woman whose outstanding work in science, technology, or engineering should be recognized? The Women of Innovation Planning Committee of the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) is seeking candidates from throughout the state for its Fourth Annual Women of Innovation awards program, which recognizes women — students as well as those in the workforce — who are innovators, role models, and leaders in their fields.

Award recipients in eight categories will be recognized during the 2008 Women of Innovation Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on January 30.

Nominees may be researchers, educators, managers, business owners, or service providers in technology, science or engineering, and may work in fields including biotech, pharmaceuticals, telecom, software, computer hardware, electronics, alternative energy, nanotech, medical devices, IT, networks, communications, and robotics. These women should exhibit the energy that powers a company or institution and should be hardworking, entrepreneurial, motivated to excel, and inspirational to others.

“This program honors women who have been fearless in their endeavors,” said Dr Nita Maihle, professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and recipient of the Research and Innovation Leadership Award in 2007. “These women were at one time out of their comfort zone, whether they were pioneers as the first women in their office or in their industry, or perhaps the first women in their field at all. They have amazing stories about their experiences in fields typically dominated by men and are a source of inspiration and encouragement for other women considering a career in the sciences.”

“In addition to honoring women’s amazing achievements in technology, science, and engineering, this awards program celebrates their status as esteemed role models,” added Beth Alquist, chair of the planning committee for the Women of Innovation awards program. “These are women whom both their peers and women, in general, admire and respect, and they are an inspiration for the innovators and leaders of the future.”

High school, undergraduate, or graduate students who are excelling as young inventors, are academically proficient in a science or technology curriculum, or who have experienced an extraordinary and unique accomplishment in technology are also eligible for the awards.

“Our past winners inspire other women to become involved,” said Matthew Nemerson, director of the Connecticut Technology Council. “The program provides the invaluable opportunity to find camaraderie and a professional network of other women who strive for excellence. Each year, the number of applicants grows.”

To submit a nomination or view the full list of criteria for the Women of Innovation Awards, visit CTC’s website, www.ct.org. Contact Mike Scricca at 860-289-0878 or mscricca@ct.org with questions regarding the program or nomination guidelines. The deadline for nominations is November 2.

The Connecticut Technology Council is the state’s industry association for the technology sector. CTC’s mission is to “connect people, ideas, and opportunities to the global technology and innovation community.” CTC provides members with business assistance and specialized programs, in addition to promoting and supporting public policies that position Connecticut to have a globally recognized “culture of innovation” that helps attract great ideas and entrepreneurs to in turn develop new jobs and wealth for the state.