Three years ago, Maria started her ALKU career in the Medical Device QA group, learning the ropes and becoming a vital member of the team. In 2022, she made the tough decision to take a risk by spearheading a start-up division, and thanks to her perseverance and leadership, it paid off immensely. From being named ALKU’s 2022 Med Device Recruiter of the Year, having an impressive spread high, adding a great amount in group spread in the first year of division launch, and developing a powerhouse team while running her own desk, Maria does it all with a smile.
Maria is a prime example of what embodying ALKU’s Have Fun Working Hard® mindset looks like. A founder and leader of ALKU’s DREAM Employee Resource Group, Maria helps to provide a safe space for employees to raise awareness of the immigrant experience by sharing and learning about upbringings, struggles, and citizenship processes while providing support and resources. From being selected for various presentations due to her optimism and communication skills, to being a cheerleader for not only Medical Device Sciences, but the entire Medical Device brand, Maria’s impact is felt across the entire company. In her new role, Maria will continue to provide guidance and leadership over the Medical Device Science division and Recruiting teams. Congratulations, Maria! We’re so excited to see all you accomplish in this new role!
“MZ!!!! I have been dreaming about the day I get to write this quote! My god, have you earned this promotion. There is something admirable about anyone who decides to leave their home group behind and venture into the unknown waters of an ALKU start-up. I remember our first sit down when you pitched to me why YOU were the perfect fit to start your own division. You had passion, grit, and confidence. While I always knew you were the girl for the job, what impressed me the most was that YOU knew you were the girl for the job. When we first started working together, it was the confidence you had in your recruiting abilities that made it clear you were born to start your own group. Now, it’s that same confidence that makes it clear you were born to manage that same group and officially join the Med Device Leadership team. You and Kristi – the ladies of Med Sci – have done such a fantastic job creating a lighthearted, yet accountable, culture. You manage your employees with passion, and I cannot wait to watch you grow this team. For those who have not had the chance to sit down and get to know Maria, I highly recommend it. I guarantee you will walk away with some bad a** recruiting tips, absolutely some fashion advice, and certainly some healthy version of a delicious dessert to bake. Maria – cheers to YOU and Med Sci!!!!” – Recruiting Director, Medical Device, Lauren Morse
“Maria! This is a fun quote to write. I remember the day we announced we wanted to launch this group. We asked a room of people if anyone wanted to step up and take on this new challenge, and to prove they were right for the job. Well damn, were you right for the job. You continue to outdo yourself. Your recruiting talent has always impressed me, and you continue to shine that talent. Now, watching you spread your knowledge to other Recruiters is very special. What’s even more special is watching you and Kristi dominate as a dual female group. Powering through adversity, getting creative, growing a very niche group – it’s all awesome. Congratulations on all the hard work and dedication, I’m honored to have you officially join our Leadership team!” – Senior Recruiting Director, Medical Device, Patricia Phillips
“It feels like only yesterday when Maria attended the ALKU Open House as a family guest, never imagining she would become an employee. I distinctly remember her responding, ‘It seems too boring for me,’ when asked about working here. How thrilled I am to have proven her wrong! This role has turned out to be anything but boring for Maria; it has provided her with the perfect challenges to foster her personal and professional growth. From day one, she has consistently surpassed our expectations, bringing an incredible level of enthusiasm, creativity, and ambition that has been truly refreshing to witness. It takes a strong and confident individual to leave behind an established group and venture into new territory, and we are so happy that Maria chose to join Kristi on this bold journey. These two individuals have fostered a culture of excellence, making this promotion truly well-deserved. Having a front row seat to her career here is exciting and I can’t wait to see what else she accomplishes. One thing is for sure: it’s never going to be boring! Congratulations, sis—I’m so proud of you!” – Sales Director, Medical Device, Kristina Kent