Njairé McKoy, Design Integrity Supplier Quality Engineer II

Throughout my life, I’ve had the experience of being the “only” in the room: Only Black person. Only woman. Only Black female engineer. And at Medtronic things are changing. This International Women’s Day, I #ChooseToChallenge gender and racial norms in STEM, and to strive for a more equitable workplace where the presence of my femininity is not seen as a weakness but rather an important, cherished, and welcomed asset in a diverse working environment.

My mother was my first introduction to a woman in STEM. As a 6’1” Black female immigrant physician, I’ve watched her challenge gender and racial bias, inequity, and microaggressions my entire life. And she persevered. Watching her never give up gave me strength to put myself out there and show up in the world as my best authentic self, which Medtronic champions for all employees.

At Medtronic, I’ve seen a commitment to advance diverse women in STEM roles. Our Inclusion, Diversity and Equity goals are reinforced by employee networks such as the Medtronic Women’s Network and African Descent Network. While we have a way to go to achieve true equity, I’m confident in Medtronic’s dedication to recognize the personal worth of all employees, which in turn creates a more inclusive world.