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Anna Young
Co-Founder and CEO
Professional Background
Anna Young is an innovative leader in the intersection of healthcare and technology, tirelessly advocating for the application of the Maker Movement to solve pressing health challenges. She believes that with the right resources and encouragement, everyday individuals can leverage their creativity to develop healing devices that can transform the way healthcare is delivered. Currently residing in Boston, MA, Anna takes a hands-on approach to enhance the natural problem-solving abilities of clinicians and patients by integrating prototyping tools and makerspaces into hospitals.
As the Co-Founder of MakerHealth - MakerNurse, Anna leads a program backed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), which aims to empower inventive frontline clinicians by providing them with the tools and resources necessary for innovation. Her commitment to health innovation not only helps improve patient outcomes but also fosters a culture of creativity and resourcefulness in the healthcare sector.
Anna's career is built on a rich foundation of experiences across various respected institutions and organizations. She has held prominent positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she served as a lecturer in the Little Devices Lab and a Research & Development Officer for Innovations in International Health. Her work at MIT underscores her deep understanding of how technology can act as a catalyst for change in global health initiatives. Additionally, she previously co-founded Salud del Sol, Inc., and held the role of Development Consultant at Grupo Fenix, further showcasing her dedication to international health solutions.
Education and Achievements
Anna's educational background is as impressive as her professional endeavors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Dayton, where she initially developed her analytical skills. Alongside this, her studies at Universität Augsburg focused on the Philosophy of Business Ethics and International Management, giving her a solid grounding in ethical leadership and global business strategies.
Her innovative approach to healthcare has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was recognized by LinkedIn as one of the top Health Innovators under 35, an honor that speaks to her impactful work in the industry. Following this recognition, in 2016, Fast Company highlighted her as one of the Most Creative People in Business, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in healthcare innovation.
Anna is also an esteemed speaker, having presented at notable conferences such as TEDMED and WIRED UK, where she discussed the significant role that the Maker Movement can play within healthcare—an area that continues to gain traction as technology and patient-centered care evolve.
Achievements
- Co-Founder of MakerHealth - MakerNurse: A program dedicated to empowering frontline clinicians through innovative resources and tools.
- Recognized as a Top Health Innovator under 35 by LinkedIn (2015).
- Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business (2016).
- Former lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she educated the next generation of innovators in the healthcare sphere.
- Engaged in worldwide health initiatives through various leadership roles at both the Innovations in International Health at MIT and Grupo Fenix.
With a foundation in economics and a passion for innovative health solutions, Anna Young exemplifies how creativity and resourcefulness can lead to transformative changes in healthcare practices. Through her ventures and initiatives, Anna not only inspires healthcare professionals but also empowers patients by cultivating an environment where innovation thrives.
