With a father and stepfather interested in design and engineering, Wendy Baker had an early advantage in her career: She was taught that women had a place in a technological world. Her parents created an atmosphere where she was encouraged to seek, analyze, learn, and implement alternate solutions. Those attributes served her well at Purdue University as she pursued a degree that combined art, engineering, architecture, and computers. In her present position as a program manager for L-3 Communications, Wendy is able to utilize these skills to develop highly specialized products that meet the needs of diverse clients, including the Department of Defense and other government agencies.
She has not forgotten the assistance she received along the way from Craig Miller, professor of computer graphics technology, and many others who encouraged her career path. Wendy hopes to offer the same encouragement to others as part of MentorNet, an e- mentoring network for diversity in engineering and science.
Outside of her professional life, Wendy is active in the Salt Lake City area. She was a host and volunteer for the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Committee and for General Electric during the company board’s visit for the Olympics. Since 1999, she has run two marathons, one half-marathon, several trail and adventure races, and more than 100 5k and 10k charity races.
Wendy and her husband, Noel, reside in South Jordan, Utah, with their son.
This was originally written for the Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards in 2007.