About the MLM Awards
The Margaret Lyn McDermid (MLM) Awards recognize + celebrate women technologists making an impact in the greater Richmond area.
The awards program is named after Margaret Lyn McDermid who has had a direct impact on Central Virginia’s tech economy, Virginia’s image across the country, opportunities for women and young people in technology, and most especially our continued growth as an organization at rvatech/. Lyn should be an inspiration to any young person, especially any woman, who desires to become a technologist.
Join us on March 6th for the 2025 awards ceremony as we celebrate the many innovative, driven + impactful women in the Richmond technology community!
Event Details
March 6, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Bolling Haxall House
211 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
Registration
Coming in 2025!
Do nominees have to be local?
A nominee needs to have a local presence. By local we mean regardless of their location, they represent a Richmond organization and
their impact is on this community.
What makes for a well-written nomination?
Use concrete examples to persuade the judges that the nominee has made a mark. The best nominations provide deep insight
into the nominee’s achievements as it pertains to the award. When applicable, quantify results and/or impact on their organization or community.
How are the winners chosen?
Finalists and winners are selected by Awards Committee. The judges try to select finalists and winners that best represent the award
category. All honorees are subject to a vetting process.
Can I share a link to a web site?
You can include a link to additional information if you want. It could prove useful if they have further questions or seek additional
information.
Awards Details & Nomination Links
“Paula Gulak Memorial”
Impact on Community
The Paula Gulak Impact Award is awarded to the woman that made a significant impact on the Richmond community in the growth, enhancement, education, and promotion of technology in or outside of her organization.
Nominate for this award:
“Paula Gulak Memorial” Impact on Community”
Innovator
Innovator Award is awarded to a woman whose innovative use of technology enhanced processes, methodologies, and/or services to benefit the organization.
Nominate for this award:
Rising Star
Rising Star is awarded to a woman in the beginning stages of her technical career (1- 5yrs) who exemplifies potential and the future of women in technology. She is working in the technology trenches daily, making a substantive contribution to her organization or
field.
Nominate for this award:
Male Ally Award
Women in Tech Male Ally Award – An ally who has gone out of their way to improve the diversity levels of
women in IT, within the organization and/or in the wider community. Allies relentlessly
work towards changing the prevailing mindsets and attitudes. Successful nominations
must provide case studies or examples of how the candidate has gone of their way, or
strategically prioritized, getting more women into IT and/or supporting them in their
career.
Nominate for this award:
EmpowHER Award
EmpowHER is awarded to a woman who has accelerated her career (5-20yrs) beyond typical performance expectations by providing exceptional leadership and mentorship to advance the growth of women in the technology industry. This award recognizes a woman who advocates for and developed future leaders.
Nominate for this award:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to a woman who has demonstrated the highest degree of IT excellence, innovation and leadership and shone a light on the great things women in IT can achieve. Candidates should have not only have demonstrated outstanding business- and/or technology-focused achievements, but also acted as a positive role model and actively sought to bring more diversity to the technology industry throughout their career (20+ yrs).
Nominate for this award: