OrthoWorx announced the recipients of its Partner of the Year Award at its annual meeting Tuesday. This is the second year for the awards program, which recognizes an outstanding individual and organization for their contributions toward the educational, scientific and civic initiatives undertaken by OrthoWorx. OrthoWorx recognized Marlene Mulero-Betances as the Individual Partner of the Year. “Marlene models a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship as a professional woman in the medical device industry,” said Sheryl Conley, OrthoWorx CEO. “She embodies the OrthoWorx mission, which is to work collaboratively with others in the community to build upon our collective strengths for the benefit of the entire community.” Mulero-Betances’ recognized achievements include: • OrthoWorx Diversity Council member — active member since the council’s formation; served as event leader for the OrthoWorx Diversity Council’s programming at the Warsaw Community Development Corporation’s First Friday in September. • Leadership Team member, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Indiana-Warsaw Region — instrumental in launching HBA Indiana-Warsaw Region in September and serves in advisory role on the team. • Full-time professional in the medical device industry, serving as an information technology professional at DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. • Entrepreneur — formed her own company, providing support to the medical device industry. • Community volunteer — serves as a board member for the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. OrthoWorx named Ivy Tech Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center as its Organizational Partner of the Year. “We have seen great progress through collaboration with Ivy Tech OAMTC representatives, who serve as members of the OrthoWorx Advanced Manufacturing Committee, a subgroup of the OrthoWorx Talent Development Initiative,” Conley said. “This, combined with the receptiveness of Ivy Tech leadership to incorporate industry experts’ input to the programs, results in a more qualified, knowledgeable workforce. It also provides more options for students pursuing advanced manufacturing as their vocation. “A knowledgeable, qualified workforce is essential to the success of the orthopedic industry. In addition to skills needed to produce highly sophisticated medical devices, increasing global regulations require working knowledge of quality regulations governing the manufacturing of orthopedic devices.” Seelpa Keshvala, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean, Ivy Tech Warsaw Campus, accepted the award on behalf of Ivy Tech and OAMTC. Milestone achievements of the Ivy Tech OAMTC working with OrthoWorx Advanced Manufacturing Committee include: • October: Orthopedic Training Program and Academic Degree Showcase, hosted by OrthoWorx Advanced Manufacturing Committee – a celebration of collaborative progress through Ivy Tech OAMTC, medical device industry experts and OrthoWorx leaders; a showcase of student progress and talent through OAMTC programs. • February: Orthopedic Technical Certificate Program launch – incorporated orthopedic quality standards and introduction to production processes in a LEAN manufacturing environment. • November 2011: Tim Meyer, chair, OrthoWorx Advanced Manufacturing Committee, named OrthoWorx Individual Partner of the Year 2011. • Adopted National Institute of Metalworking Skills as a recognized industry standard for advanced manufacturing professionals Conley said OrthoWorx appreciates and recognizes the contributions of its Partners of the Year. “We thank them and the many stakeholders who contribute through their dedication to the industry and our community,” she said. “By constantly working to facilitate collaboration between the community and the industry, we can ensure we are moving ever forward, and that we are realizing the theme of our annual meeting, advancing orthopedics for generations to come.” Formed in 2009 with initial funding from the Lilly Endowment, OrthoWorx (www.orthoworxindiana.com) is a community-based initiative that works strategically and collaboratively with the orthopedic industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the Warsaw region continues to reap the social and economic benefits that derive from its position as The Orthopedic Capital of the World.™
