Cook Medical Women in STEM: Fiona King and Annemarie Beglin

Fiona King: Engineering a Better Future

Fiona's journey into engineering began with a childhood fascination for taking things apart. "At about age seven, I had quite a penchant for disassembling and assembling things," she recalls with a smile. This early curiosity, combined with a love for chemistry fostered by an inspiring teacher, set the foundation for her future in engineering. 

For Fiona, the appeal of engineering lies in its practical application of science and mathematics to solve real-world problems. "Engineering is taking mathematics and science and applying it to a technical problem where you need to get a good economic benefit," she explains. This problem-solving mindset has been a driving force throughout her career at Cook Medical. 

Fiona's path hasn't always been straightforward. She shares a pivotal moment when, after years in the industry, she decided to pursue further education. "I went back and did two Master's while I was working," she says, stressing the importance of continuous learning in STEM careers. This dedication to self-improvement has been crucial in her progression to her current leadership role in R&D.   

Annemarie Beglin: Quality at the Heart of Patient Care

Annemarie's route to becoming Quality Assurance Director at Cook Medical is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. With a background in analytical science and applied biology, Annemarie initially faced challenges in breaking into the industry. "Getting that start was the hardest part," she reflects, "Most places wanted somebody with experience, but you were trying to gain that experience." 

Despite these early hurdles, Annemarie found her calling in quality assurance, a field that perfectly matched her analytical skills and organisational prowess. Her 29-year journey in quality has been marked by continuous growth and a deep commitment to ensuring product safety and efficacy. 

One of Annemarie's most valuable lessons came from a setback. After missing out on a promotion, she took a proactive approach: "I actually said, okay, what do I need to do to improve, to actually achieve it?" This determination to improve has been a key factor in her rise to a leadership position at Cook Medical. 

How Cook Medical Supports Women in Leadership

The stories of Fiona and Annemarie are set against the backdrop of Cook Medical's progressive and inclusive culture. The company's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) is evident in its impressive statistics, according to Cook Medical’s 2024 Limerick Gender Pay Gap Report, women held 55% of management roles and represented 54% of senior leadership teams at the Limerick organisation.

Lessons for Women Building STEM Careers

Reflecting on their journeys, Fiona and Annemarie offer invaluable advice for aspiring STEM professionals: 

Listen to the Cook Medical Podcast Episode

As we continue to champion the message that #GreatnessHasNoGender, the journeys of leaders like Fiona and Annemarie serve as beacons of inspiration. They show us that with passion, perseverance, and the right supportive environment, the possibilities in STEM are limitless. 

Join us in creating a future where innovation knows no bounds and where greatness truly has no gender.