What’s your name, job title and how long have you worked here?
Mary Ellen Clark - Associate Director of Manufacturing in Biologics - Frederick Manufacturing Center and I've been with the company for 20 years
What do you like most about your job?
There is no better feeling then knowing that each day that I come to work that I am producing life changing medicines for patients.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
When I am not at work I enjoy working with my family in agriculture. We own and operate several crop farms supplying corn, wheat, soybeans, straw, and hay to the state of Maryland. I spend many of my evenings and weekends taking care of our animals, operating tractors and machinery on the farm with my family.
Do you have a family and pets?
My husband Matt and I have two children, Caroline 13 and Preston 9. They keep us super busy with their activities in school and the local 4-H program. We own and exhibit sheep across Maryland and have a flock of commercial breeding ewes and registered Leicester Longwool sheep.
What’s your work/life balance experience been at AZ?
I have been very fortunate throughout my career with AZ having a strong management team that appreciates how important it is to be present at work and also with my family. There are always going to be stressors present in many aspects of our lives, so with proper management we can achieve anything.
How do you network with other women both inside and outside of AZ?
I network within the organization through the N.O.W. organization. I have participated in numerous events from establishing mentorship relationships, being a member of the Women’s Summit planning committee, and a participant in the Women in Leadership program. Outside of AZ I network through the University of Maryland Alumni chapter, in addition to supporting a local community college’s biotech advisory panel.
What would you like other women to know about joining AZ as a new employee?
As a new employee within the AZ network you will be exposed to so many opportunities, you will only be limited by your willingness to learn and grow. Looking back at where I was 20 years ago in an entry level position until today, having the responsibility of a manufacturing plant is an awesome reflection. I have taken advantage of all of the learning experiences that have been afforded to me, I have traveled the globe supporting projects, started up new plants, and been able to raise a family all at the same time.
What has been your favorite memory while at AstraZeneca?
Since I have been with the organization for such a long time I have established working relationships with my colleagues and consider them as family. We have all grown together, experiencing life changing events; buying homes, attending weddings, and many baby showers. There is not one specific memory that stands out because all of them in total is the reason that I keep coming back, it is about family.
How do you feel AstraZeneca best supports your career as a female employee?
I have always felt supported throughout my career with the organization. We have strong programs that start prior to graduating from college as an intern, through trainings offered as you change roles, to then participating in programs that allow you to network across the globe. Being a female leader within the organization has always been a positive experience.
