Media Contact: Jason Lalak
Women Impacting Public Policy
415-434-4314
jlalak@wipp.org
Detroit, MI – July 27, 2010 – Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) has named three Detroit women as recipients of AT&T Innovator of the Year for the Detroit area.
The women were recognized at a recent conference on healthcare in Detroit hosted by WIPP for their effectiveness in strengthening the healthcare industry by leveraging technology in their own businesses.
Marisa Smith is the President of the Whole Brain Group and single-handedly designed the company’s most innovative offering, AccreditStation. AccreditStation is an online web-based tool to automate the preparation of application materials for the accreditation of human research protection programs. With this tool, research administrators at hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies assemble documentation to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards quicker and with fewer errors. Smith shares her knowledge and expertise by teaching monthly workshops and speaking frequently to groups about how to use technology to maximize work efficiency.
Dr. Joan K Bradley is the Founder, President, and CEO of The JB Ashtin Group, Inc, a scientific communications agency that provides services to support the development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of pharmaceutical and biotech products for the company’s clients. Dr. Bradley has leveraged technology in her business to provide creative solutions for her clients, including developing a web-based platform to support a pharmaceutical company’s large scale speakers’ bureau program. The specific tool developed, called the “Global Participation System” or GPS, has allowed clients to coordinate programs and report tremendous positive ROI from using this platform.
Amanda Christides is President of Plymouth Technology Inc., a firm that provides boiler cooling, wastewater and treatment chemicals, equipment and consulting services to manufacturing facilities. Christides identified a need to industrial wastewater pollution control systems and helped to develop the Metals Removal System (MRS) concept. This technology helps decrease thousands of pounds of waste, chemical usage, and helps manufacturers comply with federal and state local regulations. Due to her pioneering efforts in the development, patent and commercialization of MRS technology, Plymouth Technology has emerged as a leading provider of industrial water treatment and solutions.
“It is important to recognize the women who have produced innovations for improving the healthcare industry and to showcase those limitless possibilities to other female entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses are the leaders in the economic recovery of our country. We are proud of their achievements,” said Barbara Kasoff, President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy.
“AT&T plays a key role in the healthcare industry with innovations available through our network, and we are proud to recognize the women for their accomplishments in this field,” said Dan Youmans, President of AT&T Washington.
The three awardees will be eligible to win the National AT&T Innovator of the Year Award to be presented at the WIPP Annual Conference on September 28th in Washington, DC.
Women Impacting Public Policy is a non-profit, national nonpartisan group with over half-a- million members. WIPP is The Collective Voice in Washington, DC, for 49 national women and small business organizations. WIPP advocates for and on behalf of women and minorities in business in the legislative process of our nation, creating economic opportunities for members and building alliances with other small business organizations. Visit www.wipp.org.
