Janeen T. Uzzell
Global Operations Manager, External Affairs & Technology Programs
GE Global Research
New York, N.Y.
Janeen T. Uzzell?s decision to leave engineering and attend business school led to an international career with General Electric Corp. that has culminated in her position today as global operations manager with the External Affairs & Technology Programs team of GE Global Research. Eleven years after receiving a bachelor?s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University, she obtained an MBA in international business from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and was promptly recruited by GE for its health care business. ?It was here that my journey began as a P&L leader, a critical thinker, a high-performing leader and eventually a global executive,? she states.
In 2009, Uzzell was named director of global health care programs, with emphasis on Africa and Asia. ?This is where I experienced what it feels like to be truly in the zone ? the intersection of my education and training, and my true vocation,? she says. ?My life as an expatriate has made me a better leader, a better business strategist, a better Christian, a better person.? In her current role since 2014, she identifies trends and needs to build global, government and commercial partnerships. ?There are so many people that have helped to nurture and shape my destiny. I certainly attribute my success today to my parents who invested in my education and socialization,? she says.
Uzzell has received many awards for her professional achievements, but has learned not to take herself too seriously. While she enjoys fun times, travel and adventure, her passion for serving others led her to establish The H.O.P.E. Mission, which provides health care support in Africa. She is a board member for the International Black Women?s Public Policy Institute, where she advocates for the causes of women worldwide, and co-chairs the Medical Device Task Force for the Innovative Working Group hosted by the United Nations.