The Woman Behind the Transformation of Digital Communication
If you’ve ever wondered who transformed the way the world connects digitally today from the days of relying on traditional phone lines, meet Marian Rogers Croak – an African American engineer known for her voice over IP related inventions and who has over 200 patents to her name.
Revolutionising Digital Communication
Marian Croak’s work on VoIP technology during her tenure at AT&T marked a major breakthrough in the world of communication. By enabling people to make phone calls over the internet, Croak’s innovations not only made international calls more affordable but also helped pave the way for the creation of widely-used communication platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom – tools that are now widely used in modern communication, both in personal and professional settings.
You need to be a childlike. A little naive and not inhibited by what’s possible.
But Croak’s contributions didn’t end with VoIP. She also played a key role in the development of technologies for online payments, cloud services, and other crucial innovations that have shaped today’s digital infrastructure. Her ability to identify needs in the market and create technologies that met those needs has made her a respected figure in the world of telecommunications.
Using Technology for Charity and Social Good
Though Croak’s technical achievements are widely celebrated, her deep commitment to social good is just as impactful. She has made significant contributions to disaster relief efforts, an area where communication can make a life-saving difference. In times of crisis, fast and reliable communication is crucial, and Croak’s work on improving communication infrastructure in emergency situations has proven invaluable. Her innovations helped streamline coordination between aid organisations, first responders, and affected populations, ensuring that help was delivered more efficiently.
Championing Diversity in STEM
As one of the few women in engineering at the time she entered the field, Croak faced many challenges. However, rather than being discouraged, she used her experiences to mentor and advocate for more women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science and technology. She has often spoken about how important it is for the tech industry to reflect a wide range of perspectives, emphasising that diverse teams are better equipped to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions.
Looking Back: A Passion that Began in Childhood
Born and raised in the United States, Marian Croak was drawn to technology from a young age. She opened up about early inspiration in a Women’s Tech Summit in 2017, sharing how as a child she was enamored with plumbers, electricians, and other workers who would come into her house when things broke. This childhood fascination laid the groundwork for her wanting to have the ability to “fix things” or make things better.
She recalled how her high school math and science teachers and her father, who built her a home chemistry set, worked as role models for her to pursue a STEM career.
She studied electrical engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and later a master’s degree from Princeton University. Later in her career, she was one of the few women to rise to the level of leadership in a large tech corporation, having spent more than 30 years at AT&T in various roles.
Legacy and Recognition
Croak has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including recognition from the National Academy of Engineering and the Silicon Valley Engineering Council. Her contributions to VoIP and communication technology are considered foundational in the industry, and she continues to be regarded as one of the most influential figures in digital communication.
She has inspired many by demonstrating that technology can not only drive progress but also serve a larger purpose. Today, Croak’s work continues to influence the fields of telecommunications, disaster relief, and diversity in STEM, ensuring that her contributions will be felt for many years to come.
– Written by Ahona Azad Choyti for Spring ACT
