Christina, Kim, Cindy, Kathy, Melissa, and Hannah

As Cook celebrates Women’s History Month, we wanted to take a moment to share stories and insights from some of our employees. Christina, Kim, Cindy, Kathy, Melissa, and Hannah talk about their Cook stories, their passions outside of Cook, and the women they look up to.

What is Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Other countries like UK and Australia also celebrate this in March. International Women’s Day, March 8, is recognized globally.

At Cook, we aim to bring equal recognition not only to one’s achievements, but to one’s own agency in the world. The right of women to take up space in areas where there is none or to voice their story where women before them have strived to do so, is something we will always support. The effort and tangible work put in by generations of women will never be forgotten but passed down for years to come. We hope you enjoy their stories and learn more about the women working with you side-by-side or across the world under one Cook.

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Christina Anné

Vice President, Governance, Contracts & Audits

What is your “Cook story?”
Cook is my life! 30 years ago, I started my career with Cook in 1990 as a territory manager in Belgium-Luxemburg. Over the next few decades, I became a European product manager, EMEA sales and marketing manager, and, in 2008, the vice president and global business unit leader for Reproductive Health. In 2018, I was named vice president of the Distribution Channel Management operational unit, and recently, I was named vice president of the newly created GCA function (Governance, Contracts & Audit). I have been blessed to lead great teams, and I gained a lot of experience in the various roles throughout the company and regions of the world. Needless to say, it is been a great ride!

What are you passionate about outside of work?
My passions outside the company are many. First of all, my family and friends. Also, I’m a passionate golfer, skier, and traveler and I spend most of my spare time combining it all. All of my vacation time in the past few years has been used to travel around, play golf, ski, and explore the world and its many cultures. It has given me drive, focus, and makes me even more productive at work so I can complete my responsibilities efficiently.

Who is your woman role model and why?
So many great women have inspired me along with my career: Audrey Hepburn, Coco Channel, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Christine Lagarde, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, just to highlight a few. They are all role models who represent and expand what is possible. They have inspired me to be more ambitious, more competitive, and aim higher. They demonstrate the mindsets and behaviors of how to rise. But the one woman who has inspired me most is my grandmother, Magdalena Christiaensen. She was a strong, ambitious, fearless, and modern individual, who never gave up and always brought solutions. She taught me to believe in myself, to go after my dreams, and to never, never, never, give up.

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Kim Reid

Manager, Field Support, Divisions

What is your “Cook story?”
A former Cook AAA clinical specialist recommended me for a clinical specialist role in AI. The job was offered to someone who was moving back to this area. Brandon Meyer reached out to me sometime later and asked if I was interested in interviewing for the clinical role with PI. Once I got the job, I knew it was the right for me. That’s where my passion lies! Nicky James and Dennis Windsor were instrumental in mentoring me early on.

What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I am passionate about a few things. One is my reliance on God. I pray a lot! Seek guidance and wisdom from above in all I do. I am also passionate about helping the less fortunate around my neighborhood. I donate clothes to a women’s shelter in Hackensack, New Jersey, and recently I am getting involved in the campaign for Kristin Richardson Jordan, the first openly lesbian New York city council candidate for the 9th district of Harlem. Her passion lies in getting the less fortunate access to healthcare and mental health resources. Also, I’m passionate about my family! Without them, the void is too immense to think about. Before COVID-19, we had regular Sunday dinners together, played games, and just hung out. Oh… and passionate about helping any person who has been dealt the diagnosis of cancer. Being able to support them that way is beyond rewarding to me.

Who is your woman role model and why?
This one is easy! A role model is for sure my “she-ro!” My mom! She managed me being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 3 and my younger brother without the help of my father. She put herself through nursing school so my brother and I would have a chance at better!! She showed up!! She is strong and resilient! Never looking for a handout, she never allowed me to quit anything without seeing it through. I was very athletic as a kid. She wanted me to be well-rounded, so she signed me up for gymnastics and ballet. I went to gymnastics and told them I couldn’t do a somersault because I might risk breaking my neck! I hated ballet! She wouldn’t let me quit. She said, “You don’t get to quit life, Kim! Look at me! We fight! We keep going even when we have nothing left! I will not raise my children to be ungrateful and give up because it’s easy.” My she-ro for sure! She gave me roots and she gave me wings to be me!!!

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Cindy Ho

Area Manager, Divisions (APAC)

What is your “Cook story?”
I was 35 years old when I joined PI of Cook Medical. Before joining Cook, I was the ophthalmology sales rep. Coming to Cook in a different department and product was a challenge for me, but also made me very excited. During my 13-year journey at Cook, there were a lot of difficulties, as well as a sense of accomplishment. I learned how to be a good rep, and, in the last 5 years, become a leader. Because I started as a rep, I have the empathy to lead the team and I can understand the business situation. I also appreciate many people at Cook who give me a lot of help. I am still passionate about work at Cook, and I enjoy it.

What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, my hobby is raising dogs. I have two dogs, one male and one female. Keeping a dog is a fun thing, people who don’t have a dog can’t fully understand it. Keeping a dog has taught me to be more tolerant of others and have a forgiving heart.

Who is your woman role model and why?
Regarding a woman role model, that I don’t have right now.

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Kathy Shelton

Manufacturing (AMER)

What is your “Cook story?”
My Cook story began on May 6th, 1996. This year I will celebrate 25 years at Cook Medical. I started in the Metals department as an assembler building AcuSnares. Over my 25 years, I have worked in several different departments. I worked for many years in Quality Control. While in Quality Control I worked in the Sets department, QC Packaging, and helped with the PSS processing. My current role is in the Label Control department, where I also work as a trainer to help others learn different jobs within Cook.

What are you passionate about outside of work?
In my free time, I love going camping and spending time with my husband, my two children, and my grandchildren. I feel very blessed to have 5 grandchildren. I love riding ATVs with my entire family, and we all love going to the beach.

Who is your woman role model and why?
I would have to say my mom was my role model. She taught me about values and to set goals. She taught me to treat others how you would want to be treated and that anything was possible if you work hard for it. She encouraged me to always be myself and never give up.

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Melissa Price-McDonald

Clinical Programs Manager, Data Strategy-Vascular Division (AMER)

What is your “Cook story?”
My Cook story started when I was 6! My dad started his career with Cook when I was 6 years old, and I had the privilege of watching the company grow throughout the years from a local medical device company to a global supplier. When I was growing up, my family attended many company outings throughout the years, from drum and bugle corps competitions to visiting the farm Bill Cook helped to restore to the festivities at Park 48 before the official opening. I worked 3 summers at Cook on Curry Pike as a college student in the warehouse, QC Wire guides, and packaging. I wouldn’t join the Cook family officially until 2017. I had been working to complete my Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration and management and began applying to hospitals throughout south-central Indiana in 2016 only to experience first-hand what it was like to be rejected for every position I thought I was qualified for. I was very discouraged, and one Saturday morning over breakfast expressed this to my dad. He gave me some very sage advice and said, “You can keep applying to hospitals and if that is truly what you want to do, I will support you—but have you ever considered going corporate? Cook would be an excellent place for you to learn and grow.” The rest is history. In 2016, I applied for a position in regulatory reporting and was hired to work under the late Rita Harden. It was a great place to learn about our quality system, regulatory expectations, and the myriad of products we supply worldwide. Rita encouraged me to pursue my master’s in public health through the Cook Pathway and became a confidant and friend. When I had the opportunity to interview for my current role in Vascular, she gave me interview dos and don’ts, but mainly said to just be me. This is the beauty of our organization; we have a culture unlike any other. I was able to see it throughout my father’s 40-year career with Cook and now experience it for myself.

What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I love to spend time with family, whether that be family dinners or swimming in the summers, I enjoy the laughter and togetherness. When I am not with my family I enjoy traveling and look forward to resuming that very soon!!

Who is your woman role model and why?
My late paternal grandmother was one of my greatest female role models. When my dad and his brothers started playing baseball, she picked up balls and gloves to throw with them and even hit balls for them to practice fielding. She even learned to drive and got her driver’s license so she could take them to and from sporting activities as well as attend each one—no matter how far away they might be. She was widowed when I was 10 and never remarried, telling others that her family was her greatest priority and the love of her life, besides those who knew my grandpa would tell you there was no replacement for him! Growing up, I cannot remember a time when she was not in the stands watching us play ball or attending a band or choir concert, sitting in the sun along a parade route, or clapping at the end of a musical. She told anyone who would listen she was the richest woman alive and point to us—her family—as her crowning jewels. She didn’t need a fancy house or a big car; the greatest titles she ever bore were that of mom and grandma. It was my privilege to sit at her feet as she took her last breath in this life. The lessons she taught me are too many to tell in a sentence or two. Although I may never perfect her pie recipes, I hope to carry on where she left off—loving others with big love, prioritizing family, and spoiling grandchildren.

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Hannah Chudleigh

External Communications Specialist, Corporate Communications (AMER)

What is your “Cook story?”
My Cook story begins about six months before the pandemic. I just finished my master’s degree in communications and I was excited to jump into the career world. Health communications had always been a huge passion of mine. When I started college, I had originally considered being a nursing major because of how much I loved the medical field. However, I quickly discovered that a clinical setting is not the right place for me. I’m thrilled to have a job where I can use my writing skills while still being able to help patients.

What are you passionate about outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I love being outside. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. I also love cooking, learning new languages, and writing for fun.

Who is your woman role model and why?
My women role models are my teammates. They’ve shown me how to work hard, manage tense situations with calmness, and support others both inside and outside of work. They are examples of what I strive to be!

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