Marian Croak, born on May 14, 1955, is a distinguished engineer who has significantly advanced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP converts voice data into digital signals, allowing seamless transmission over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Her groundbreaking work has revolutionized audio and video conferencing, making them integral parts of modern communication. In 1982, Croak began her career at Bell Labs (later AT&T) in the Human Factors research division, exploring how technology could enhance people’s lives. She soon transitioned to network engineering, where she envisioned the potential of digital telecommunications. Instead of using separate methods for voice and internet data,
roak and her team focused on transmitting voice traffic digitally via the internet, ensuring reliability and high quality. Today, VoIP technology is essential for remote work, conferencing, and personal communications. During her career, Croak and her team developed a text-to-donate system for charitable organizations. This technology was first widely used after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, raising $130,000. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the system generated $43 million in donations. In 2014, Croak joined Google as vice president of engineering, leading the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology. She has spearheaded efforts to bring broadband to developing countries in Asia and Africa. Additionally, she is involved in racial justice initiatives at Google and advocates for encouraging women and young girls to pursue careers in engineering.
Croak attended Princeton University for her undergraduate studies and earned her doctorate from the University of Southern California, focusing on statistical analysis and social psychology. With over 200 patents to her name, Croak is a prolific inventor in voice and data communication fields. Her contributions have earned her induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022.
Marian Croak continues to expand the capabilities of the internet and increase access to it in the developing world. Her work at Google and her enduring commitment to technological innovation and social justice make her a pivotal figure in modern engineering. As Vice President of Responsible AI and Human Centered Technologies at Google, Croak remains at the forefront of developing technologies that transform how we communicate and connect globally.
