Jim Borowick (Electrical Engineering ‘85) is a dedicated advocate for advancing women in science and engineering at the University of Minnesota. As a senior engineering director in Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm Management division, Jim was instrumental in helping create and evolve the partnership between Medtronic’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) initiative and the WISE program at CSE. This robust collaboration has now grown to include a mentorship program, which pairs students with women working at Medtronic, a living learning community for first-year students, networking and professional development events, internships, scholarships, and more – all designed to equip women in STEM with resources for success.
As leader of Medtronic's volunteer engagement for this partnership, Jim's hands-on approach has driven its success. He oversees recruitment, directs funding, and reports on activities to strengthen the commitment. Jim's transition plan and careful preparation of a successor ensure ongoing progress, while groundwork is laid to expand to other underrepresented groups in STEM.
Jim also aids Medtronic's involvement as a liaison to multiple CSE department boards and committees. Through his network, he has engaged many CSE alumni from Medtronic, leading to representation on six department advisory boards. Jim's efforts highlight his substantial impact on gender equity in the realm of science and engineering, as well as the U of M community.