Historically, women have been underrepresented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workforce. Mars has been working to change that. Today, women at Mars are making their mark in the STEM industry and are inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
There are numerous stories of women thriving in STEM across our diverse brand portfolio, from pet nutrition to our iconic treats. In honor of STEM Day, we’re spotlighting interesting facts on a few of them.
Anne’s Role:
As VCA’s Veterinary Epidemiologist, my job is to help VCA use the data collected through everyday operations to advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve pet health. Additionally, I assist practicing veterinarians, residents, and interns with their clinical research, advise hospitals on infectious and zoonotic disease prevention and control, and work with the larger Mars Veterinary Health patient safety and quality groups.
Career Highlight:
By far the welcoming, encouraging, and innovative work environment at VCA. I have felt so much enthusiasm for my role and am excited to continue to grow the epidemiology program, using it to create a better world for pets.
Annelie’s Role:
To improve our understanding of the underlying science of Mars Wrigley products. Using that knowledge we can solve challenges or create new product opportunities. As an example, we might look at the effect of new ingredients on the hardness of our M&M’s and Maltesers.
Favorite Mars product:
Dark chocolate peanut M&M's
Anne’s Role:
Ensuring regulatory compliance for Food within Australia, New Zealand and to all export markets in SE Asia, and Regulatory Affairs, working closely with Corporate Affairs and industry groups in influencing the future of food regulation in Australia and to protect the future of Mars going forward.
Career Highlight:
Being selected as an ANZ Regional Finalist in the Make the Difference awards 2016 for my work on enabling our global Mars Food Health and Wellness Philosophy. What a great opportunity to present my work to the senior leaders of the business and the family.
Carolyn’s Role:
My focus is on Veterinary Technician & Veterinary Assistant Development. My goal is to support our technicians and assistants in a variety of ways including advancing patient care skills, helping to develop educational resources, supporting professional opportunities, encouraging leadership development and discussing career paths. As part of the Medical Operations Department, I collaborate with our hospitals to identify ways to focus on the experiences of our patients, clients and our Associates and see what positive differences we can make.
Career Highlight:
The VCA Technician & Assistant Career Development Program and being the National Technician member of the Medical Operations Team.
Christine’s Role:
As a new member of the Medical Operations Team, my focus is concentrating on advanced clinical nursing and leadership development in our Specialty and Emergency hospitals at VCA. Since veterinary medicine is multi-factorial, we believe there are unique needs in general and wellness care that could be different than those of specialty and emergency. Clinically, my goal is to craft a long term, clinically satisfying succession for veterinary technicians and assistants that looks to the future.
Career Highlight:
Mars affords everyone a new perspective on where we could go. Interestingly, identity may be individual or collective. In VCA, I’ve loved knowing who I am at the core through affiliation with the medical standards our company has marked for success.
Jennifer’s Role:
I create new gum products for our global brands, from the early beginnings of an idea through the first production of finished product. This includes coming up with product concepts, making prototypes, consumer testing, and scaling up formulas in our factories around the world.
Favorite Mars product:
Twix
Lilian’s Role:
My mom said that for as long as she could remember, I’ve never been interested in little baby dolls, I’ve always been interested in the stuffed animals and wanted to take care of those more than any other dolls. So being a veterinarian is something I think I was born with and I’ve always had an interest in taking care of animals.
Favorite thing about working at Mars/Banfield:
It’s great to work for a company that encourages finding time to give back to the community and provides those opportunities. I feel like that’s the best thing about the company for me – that keeps me going and I’m happy to be a part of that.
Sabrina’s Role:
I am responsible for ensuring that only safe, quality product is released into the market, and it is compliant with all regulatory requirements.
Career Highlight:
The collaborative work environment and high level of engagement. We are currently in the process of implementing a new line with new technologies at the site, and the level of collaboration is one I have never experienced with other companies.
and we need to hire more than 70,000 new Associates in the next decade — many of those positions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By creating an inclusive environment today, Associates can rise and reach their full potential.
Women of Mars in STEM push boundaries, solve complex problems with new solutions, and work hard to make a positive impact at Mars. We're excited to see what the next generation will bring.
