Mallory Carroll’s Journey: From Lake Forest to Leading Innovation at Google
A Transformative College Experience
Mallory Carroll ‘15 has taken the lessons learned from her sociology and anthropology major at Lake Forest College and elevated them to a global stage at Google. It’s a journey that underscores the importance of diverse perspectives within technology.
During her college years, Carroll was captivated by the discussions and insights from her SOAN classes. The vibrant debates among classmates from varied backgrounds equipped her with critical thinking and empathy—skills she now leverages at Google to foster inclusivity in technology.
Breaking Boundaries at Tripadvisor
After graduation, Carroll’s career began in market research and quickly moved towards user experience (UX). Her time at Tripadvisor marked the beginning of recognizing underrepresented identities in research. Her advocacy led to essential changes in how consumer data is analyzed, factoring in demographics like age, gender, race, and economic background.
According to Lake Forest College, Carroll’s holistic approach and open letter to Tripadvisor’s CEO resulted in creating a team aimed at enhancing product inclusion and equity, with initiatives still impacting today’s user experiences.
Pioneering Involvement at Google
Seeking growth during the unpredictable times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carroll transitioned to Google. Here, she has initiated efforts in expanding Google’s audience reach, with an emphasis on gender and inclusivity across products. Carroll works on innovative solutions in the wearable tech space focusing on women’s health and safety.
Under Carroll’s leadership, programs like “Google Player Labs” have been established to tailor technological solutions for women athletes, targeting health metrics tracking and training needs.
A Mission Driven by Personal Experience
Carroll’s work is deeply rooted in her experiences and the realities faced by marginalized communities. She is a courageous voice, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in critical areas like clinical trials, and passionately advocates for equitable tech developments.
“I’m one of the people that has the power to make important decisions and build this technology that impacts billions of people,” Carroll explained. “It’s a big responsibility and I won’t waste that privilege,” she further emphasized the importance of her role in bridging gaps in technology.
Looking to the Future
By bringing diverse voices into decision-making rooms and focusing on gender disparity, Carroll envisions a future where technology genuinely serves everyone. Her continuous efforts demonstrate the potential of tech to address unmet needs and to empower individuals in living better, more inclusive lives.
Carroll’s ambitious journey from academic curiosity to actionable change highlights the profound impact that thoughtful sociology-inspired innovation can have within the tech industry.
