The Woman who Made Skype & Zoom possible

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

March 16, 2023 – Marian Croak is a visionary, inventor, and developer who has made an immense impact on the world of technology.

Her groundbreaking work on Voice over IP (VOIP) has revolutionized online communication, leading to the development of popular video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype.

She believed “the world is very open to change.”  That mindset has led her to make several world changes, like becoming the second black woman inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Her dedication to creating the future of online technology has earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in technology.  She continues to inspire young minds in STEM while advocating for gender equality in the industry.

“Marian Croak continues to create the future of online technology,” said co-host of the American Talk Show ‘The View,’ Whoopi Goldberg, as Croak was honored for her incredible work on the first day of Black History Month 2023.

Croak’s unconventional upbringing fueled her curiosity and passion for innovation, leading her to become the Senior Vice President of Research and Development at AT&T and now the Vice President of Engineering at Google.  Her exceptional contributions to technology have earned her over 200 patents, with numerous applications still pending.

Despite her many accolades, Croak remains grounded and focused on her mission to stir change.  She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, recognizing the importance of creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Her commitment to making the world a better place through technology is unwavering, and she continues to inspire future generations with her innovative spirit and dedication to excellence.

The creative pioneer strides forward with her father’s encouragement to keep asking “why” in mind, changing the world one invention at a time.