Women to Watch: Maxine E. Walker

Maxine E. Walker

Vp, Western Division Claims Manager

Factory Mutual Insurance Co.

Plano, Texas

Age: 47

Maxine Walker joined Factory Mutual Engineering & Research in 1981 as a loss prevention consultant, and later joined Arkwright Mutual Insurance Co. where she was assistant claims manager of southern operations. After Arkwright joined the other two Factory Mutual companies to form Factory Mutual Insurance Co., which does business as FM Global, Ms. Walker became claims manager for the forest products operation. She was named operations claims manager in New York in 2003 and assumed her current position earlier this year.

Advice to young women: "Do not limit your career opportunities based on gender. Determine what your career goals are, and always strive to be the very best. Embrace the challenges and opportunities which may come your way and allow yourself to take risks. You will be amazed to discover what you can accomplish through your hard work and commitment."