STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 28, 2008 – Maria Parkos, an engineering director of Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI - News) will be honored by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame at its15th annual gala and induction ceremony on Oct. 30 in Hartford. Parkos is among 19 other women in industry and academia to be honored during a segment of the program titled, “A New Century of Women in Science’.
“Maria is a true role model in engineering and science,” said Kevin Connolly, vice president engineering and global supply chain, Pitney Bowes. “She represents the true qualities of a leader, motivating and inspiring others to achieve the highest and best results. She is an asset to the engineering team at Pitney Bowes.”
Parkos is currently director of systems integration and test with extensive experience in interdisciplinary product development including managing all engineering functions, marketing, operations, service and finance. Parkos started at Pitney Bowes in 1987, becoming a program manager in 1994. She is well known for leading a team that launched the first high speed ink jet mailing machine. Parkos holds a total of 13 patents and was twice named Pitney Bowes’ Inventor of the Year for her outstanding contributions. In 2005, she received a National Research and Technology award from the National Women of Color Association. Parkos was born and raised in Mexico City and speaks English, Spanish and German.
“We are thrilled to be recognizing Maria Parkos for her vision and leadership in product development at Pitney Bowes and her efforts to mentor the next generation of engineers,” said Katherine Wiltshire, executive director, Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. “Maria personifies the extraordinary intellectual talent that women are bringing to Connecticut corporations and beyond.”
According to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, criteria for women scientist honorees include: 1) innovative and creative approach; 2) strong leadership qualities; 3) exemplary role model; and 4) successfully garnered grants or funding for their product or industry.
About Pitney Bowes:
Pitney Bowes is a mailstream technology company that helps organizations manage the flow of information, mail, documents and packages. Our 36,000 employees deliver technology, service and innovation to more than two million customers worldwide. The company was founded in 1920 and annual revenues now total $6.3 billion. More information is available at www.pb.com.
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