SOUTHFIELD, MICH., May 15, 2023 –The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) has named Jane Sydlowski its “Woman of the Year in Technology.” Sydlowski, founder and CEO of AMI Strategies, was recognized for her leadership and contributions to the technology community in Michigan.
MCWT’s annual award honors women who are leading or driving change for other women in technology careers or fields of study. MCWT President Jill Maiorano presented the award at the nonprofit’s 10th annual Executive Connection Summit on May 11 at the Suburban Showplace in Novi. The hybrid event, sponsored by Stellantis, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, brought together more than 400 participants to connect, learn and engage with leaders in the technology community.
“Jane has long been a change agent, blazing trails that have enabled more women to rise up in tech leadership positions,” said Maiorano. “Her infectious energy, optimism and commitment to diversity and inclusion produces a ripple effect. She’s proven herself as the ultimate connector, sponsor, supporter, friend and mentor to countless women – many of whom have gone on to be leaders and sponsors themselves.”
Sydlowski founded AMI Strategies, a tech company driving innovation in vendor invoice and asset automation. Throughout its 32 years, AMI has held a technology-forward philosophy, bringing artificial intelligence and multiple Industry 4.0 technologies into production to deliver customer experiences through hyper automation. Under her leadership, AMI has been awarded the Innovation of the Year Award and the Giving Back Award by its industry peers.
Sydlowski’s conviction and commitment to equity stems from her first time joining AMI’s industry association. After noticing the lack of female representation on the board and an agenda not conducive to inclusivity, she submitted her application and was elected as the first woman on the board. Within three years, her industry association board elected five more female board members and as of 2023, the first female board president.
Throughout her career, Sydlowski has been recognized for her expertise and leadership by Crain’s Detroit Business as a “Notable Woman in Tech,” Michigan State University as a “distinguished alumni,” Lawrence Technological University as a “Leader and Innovator,” and the Rhonda Walker Foundation as a “Powerful Woman of Purpose.” She also serves on the board of Greenpath and Wayne States Information Systems Management’s Advisory Board.
For more than 20 years, Sydlowski has worked to inspire and grow women in tech by advancing strategic partnerships with MCWT and the Society of Information Managers; championing a message to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in tech. While serving as the MCWT president in 2019, Sydlowski and her team achieved a record year in membership growth and created an MCWT scholarship endowment that brought together the MCWT Foundation and past presidents to establish a fund that will continually support annual student awards and scholarships.
The annual Executive Connection Summit was a fitting moment to recognize Sydlowski’s achievements as the event theme was “Be the change… Find the ‘yes’ in you!” The event unites technology leaders from various parts of Michigan to discuss how they are shaping current and future industries. Attendees learned from diverse speakers on topics such as “Say yes, embrace change,” “How to gain and sustain a competitive advantage,” and “The A.I. dilemma.”
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation delivers programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring and technology experiences. Find more at mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn and Facebook.
