So, what is Marian Croak famous for? Marian Croak’s legacy as a distinguished alumna of Princeton University from the Class of 1977, is the visionary mind behind the technology that facilitates communication on platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, and various other apps connecting individuals globally. Renowned for her significant contributions, Croak holds the patent for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). She has revolutionised how we make calls by enabling them over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines.
| Full Name | Marian Rogers Croak |
| Born | May 14, 1955, New York, New York, USA |
| Job | Vice President of Research Center for Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology |
| Works for | Google LLC |
| Primary Industry | Internet, Computer software |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence | Fair Haven, New Jersey |
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Croak’s journey of innovation began after completing her education at Princeton University and obtaining her Ph.D. from uscedu. She embarked on a career at Bell Labs-Nokia in New Jersey, focusing on creating technologies that serve humanity. Her professional trajectory continued at AT&T, and she currently holds the position of Vice President of Engineering at Google.
In 2022, Marian Croak achieved a historic milestone as one of the first two Black women inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, boasting a remarkable portfolio of over 200 U.S. patents. Notably, her inventive prowess extends to the text-to-donate function developed in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a tool that has since raised millions of dollars for various causes.
Beyond her groundbreaking inventions, Croak plays a pivotal role as the leader of the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human-Centered Technology at Google. The center’s mission is to ensure that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have a positive impact on users and the world, with a particular focus on uplifting marginalized communities.
Where was Marian Croak Born?
Marian Croak, was born in 1955 and raised in New York City. She discovered her passion for fixing things at an early age. Watching plumbers, electricians, and other workers in her home sparked her interest. Influenced by supportive role models like her high school math and science teachers and her father, who made her a home chemistry set, she decided to pursue a STEM career. Croak earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a doctorate in social psychology and quantitative analysis from the University of Southern California.
Marian Croak Career
In 1982, Marian Croak started working at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where she spent over three decades in various roles related to voice and data communication. Recognizing the growing influence of the internet, she aimed to transform it, leading to the development of VoIP. While at AT&T Labs, Croak also made significant contributions to technology in areas like voice and text messaging on mobile phones. One of her notable inventions is the technology that enables people to send text-based donations to charities.
Before departing from AT&T in 2014, Marian Croak held the position of Senior Vice President of Applications and Services Infrastructure. In this role, she oversaw a team of over 2,000 computer scientists and engineers and managed more than 500 programs. Currently, Croak serves as a Vice President in the engineering group at Google, where she is focused on expanding the capabilities of the Internet globally and enhancing access, particularly in the developing world.
Beyond her substantial patent portfolio, which exceeds 200 patents, Croak has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Edison Patent Awards in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, she was honored with induction into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. Additionally, Croak contributes as a board member for the Holocaust and Human Rights Educational Center and serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for the University of Southern California. Marian Croak, a mother of three grown children, finds joy in long-distance running.
Marian Croak Accolades
| Dr. Croak has received numerous awards for her outstanding contributions. |
| – Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Class of 2022. Recognized as a key developer of Voice over IP, credited for enhancing its reliability and contributing to its widespread adoption. |
| – Inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame in 2013. |
| – Elected as Vice Chair of ATIS, a technology development organization. |
| – Honored with the “Outstanding Technical Contribution – Industry” award at the 28th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2014. |
| – Listed in the Most Influential Women in Wireless by FierceWireless in 2014. |
| – Recognized at Culture Shifting: A Weekend of Innovation in 2014. |
| – Received the Edison Patent Awards in 2013 and 2014. |
Marian Croak Husband
Philip Croak and Marian joined in matrimony on February 11, 1950, at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Cleveland. The union is blessed with three children.
Marian Croak Networth
Marian Croak’s legacy as a highly regarded technology executive, has her having a net worth exceeding $100 million. Serving as the Vice President of Engineering at Google since 2004, her impactful contributions have revolutionized global communication. Croak is a visionary leader, playing a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies. Examples include 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and distributed computing. Her outstanding achievements have garnered numerous awards and accolades from esteemed organizations within the tech industry.
With decades of expertise in her field, Marian Croak is recognized for her innovative thinking and ability to provide solutions to intricate problems. Whether addressing financial planning or risk management, Croak’s net worth reflects her reliability. Renowned for her strategic insight, she has established herself as one of the industry’s finest. Entrusting your investments and finances to Marian Croak ensures they are in capable hands.
Marian Croak’s Legacy and Quotes
1st October 2020: “I think the most important thing is try to find different areas that you are most interested in because you will need to, you know, be inspired to keep going when things are hard. And it has to be something that you’re intrinsically motivated to work on.”
Marian Croak
Ever wondered how a Zoom call works? Well, Marian Croak, Google’s Vice President of Engineering, is the brains behind “Voice over Internet Protocol” (VoIP). This technology kept us all connected during the 2020 lockdowns and beyond, enabling work and family communication.
Can you imagine this is a lifeline technology developed in the 1990s? Croak explains how during that time “many people were sceptical – and they were right for that time. But with a lot of work and a lot of testing and experimentation, you see what we’ve accomplished today.”
How to Secure a Seat at Tech Table as per Marian Croak
To secure a seat at the tech table, Croak emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for others. She admits being comfortable as an outsider, is advantageous in gaining an objective perspective on gaps and the need for change. Croak believes that not fitting in allows for a unique viewpoint, essential for innovation.
While she appreciates the benefits of being different, Croak also stresses the need for diversity to progress. Her goal is to pave the way for the next generation, ensuring they have the opportunity to climb the ladder. When celebrating Black History Month, the success of Marian Croak, a woman of color in the tech world, is a success. The constant need to prove competence as a black woman and their increased visibility make the journey amazing.
What can tech innovators learn from kids?
According to Croak, embracing wonder and naivete is crucial. Children’s vivid imaginations drive invention, and adopting a childlike, uninhibited mindset fosters creativity. Matlali, working with disadvantaged teenagers, finds inspiration in their passionate and hopeful outlook on the future. She encourages nurturing imagination and passion to help them achieve their dreams.