Employee Ambassador Spotlight: Harriet Doig

I am currently in a short-term assignment as the European and Canadian (EUCAN) Lead for Merck for Mothers and have been working at Merck for nearly seven years. When I first joined the company as a Public Policy Manager, I couldn’t have imagined how much the community across our company would shape my professional journey.

Coming from a background in patient advocacy, I have always been passionate about helping others overcome barriers that limit access to health care. I’m grateful that the team at Merck shares these values and remains committed to making an impact for people around the world.

Before joining Merck, I received a master’s degree in rehabilitation and disability studies at the University College Dublin and I hold a bachelor’s degree in social science from Dublin Business School.

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mom of two energetic daughters, Rachel and Anna, who keep me grounded and inspired. I love to run, read and travel. I have had the opportunity to visit places like Cuba, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand and several parts of Europe. One of my favorite hidden gems is Ljubljana, Slovenia. Experiencing different cultures has shaped how I view the world and has broadened my perspective.

1. How did you first hear about Merck for Mothers and what motivated you to take part in the initiative?

From the moment I joined Merck, I was drawn to Merck for Mothers. My introduction came through a supportive manager who encouraged me to get involved. As I became increasingly aware of common hurdles faced by women seeking maternal health care, I happened to be pregnant with my first daughter. My appreciation for the quality care I received grew significantly and efforts spearheaded by the Merck for Mothers team became more and more personal. In turn, I became highly motivated to support our company’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for all.

Upon returning from maternity leave, I connected with peers that served as Merck for Mothers employee ambassadors and organized a virtual lunch and learn for colleagues in Ireland. This informal event provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about our company’s activities through Merck for Mothers and spotlight case studies that demonstrated the initiative’s tangible impact in fueling momentum for maternal health.

This engagement opened the door to further opportunities, including a short-term assignment with the Social Impact and Sustainability (SIS) team. The SIS team aims to improve access to health by advancing efforts in sustainable practices, social and impact investments and mission-aligned initiatives. Merck for Mothers is the team’s flagship global health initiative. As part of my role within the SIS team, I contributed to the selection process for the 2023 Global Grants program. My experience directly supporting the Merck for Mothers team was personally and professionally enriching.

3. What are the most rewarding aspects of your current role with Merck?

No two days are ever the same and I find my day-to-day has been wonderfully varied. In my role supporting the Merck for Mothers team, I’ve focused on raising awareness and helping to address the challenges that limit access to quality maternity care for women globally. In this capacity, I collaborate closely with colleagues to develop and implement initiatives that promote enhanced access to quality maternity care across the EUCAN region. Every day, I am inspired by the opportunity to help implement meaningful programs in support of and for the benefit of women and communities around the world.