Board Member
Maria Walden is an accomplished engineer with over 25 years within the computer industry focused on Hardware and Software Development, Supply Chain and Business Operations. Currently, she serves as a WW Alliances Manager for the Lenovo Corporation. She is responsible for the key strategic corporate alliances across several Lenovo Business Units (DataCenter, ThinkStation, and Commercial). This work consists of working with the Business Units and the partners on defining/closing joint innovations, strategies, and execution in a means to create a win/win solution.
Prior to moving to Lenovo, Maria spent 16 + years within the IBM corporation. Maria possesses a broad engineering background which encompasses project engineering, process engineering, test evaluation, design/development, and people management. She has worked in a variety of different organizations providing both direct and matrix management support across multiple functional areas.
Maria is very ambitious, highly respected by her employees, peers, and upper management, and is someone who strives for excellence. She works well under pressure and with others on all levels, is extremely motivated, has superb leadership and communication skills, and is very structured and organized. Maria received a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University in Electronic Engineering Technology and her Master of Science Degree from North Carolina A&T State University in Electrical Engineering, graduating magnum cum laude and summa cum laude, respectively. At IBM, Maria received her Master’s Certificate in Project Management and has attended/led various leadership/enrichment courses to continue to enhance her skills.
Outside of her professional career, Maria has spent time as an adjunct professor at North Carolina A&T State University where she taught a first-year C programming class for approximately 4 years. Although her primary goal was to teach students mastery of the C programming language, she also utilized that opportunity to help enhance their professional marketability outside the classroom. This consisted of exposing the students to valuable resume and interviewing techniques, the importance of co-op/internship opportunities, as well as an array of real-life corporate activities such as giving oral presentations before their superiors. Maria also mentors and provides career tips to several people today.
While at IBM, she was involved in several organizations consisting of the Women of Technology International, Black Diversity Network Group and Women’s Leadership BRI (Building relationships and influence). In Lenovo, Maria served as the chair for the US WILL (Women in Lenovo Leadership) employee resource group for three years. While under her leadership, she grew the organization across the US along with incorporating a board of Women leaders to help continue the efforts. “WILL” provides a platform where women can enhance their leadership skills and continue to grow their network.
Maria has also served on several boards focused on community and Women leadership and equality consisting of the YMCA, Board of Directors for the YWCA in Greensboro and she is currently a board member with Triangle Women in STEM focused on career development from K-12 to retirement. On the personal side, Maria enjoys traveling, working out and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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