November 8, 2019 -- As a young engineer in the automotive industry, Anne Maher was honing her skills and laying the foundation for a successful career. But there was something missing.

“I loved the role,” she recalls. “But I was looking for something that connected with my personal values and made a bigger difference in people’s lives.”

Maher brought her skills to Medtronic, where her keen ability to focus on the patient has made her a valuable engineer to the med tech community. Only three years into her role, Maher has already made an impact on the company’s line of cardiac monitoring systems. 

“I feel challenged and supported here,” she says. “I want to make sure we’re pushing ourselves, trying new things, and creating a culture where we’re encouraged to continue innovating.”

That spirit of innovation was honored in November at WE19, the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in technical and engineering roles. Maher was a recipient of the Distinguished New Engineer Award, which honors women who have demonstrated outstanding technical performance and leadership in the first 10 years of their career.

“I’m still in shock,” she says. “It’s so heartwarming to receive it.”

Great ideas need great leaders willing to be champions for new possibilities.

Carol MalnatiVice President of Research and DevelopmentCardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure, Medtronic

The WE19 conference — an annual event for the Society of Women Engineers — brings together more than 14,000 people for professional development, education, and networking. It also honors women in the field. Maher wasn’t the only Medtronic engineer to be recognized.

Carol Malnati, Vice President of Research and Development within the company’s Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division served as the conference’s keynote speaker. She was also recognized with the Suzanne Jenniches Upward Mobility Award, given to a leader who demonstrates personal achievement in the field, while also empowering the next generation. 

“The best innovations happen when the idea is transplanted from the original mind and put into other minds where it can be transformed and grown into something even better,” she told attendees.  “And great ideas need great leaders willing to be champions for new possibilities.”

Suzy Orr, a research and development leader at Medtronic won the Prism Award, which recognizes women who have charted their own path in technology fields.

The trio of awards highlights the inclusive culture that exists at Medtronic. In addition to an employee-led resource group, the Medtronic Women’s Network, the company has a strong SWE chapter with thousands of members focused on outreach to young women engineers. The goal is to recruit and retain top talent for women in all areas of leadership.

More than 200 Medtronic employees attended WE19.

“It was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by other strong women in this field,” says Maher.