Faith, Leadership, and Global Impact

Maureen Matu, MBA ’12 is a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Germany. Based in the Kenyan office, she navigates complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance and managing quality assurance processes to enhance market share for human and animal health products in East Africa. 

With a Master of Business Administration and a Healthcare Administration Certificate from Bushnell University, Matu credits her education for equipping her with essential project management and leadership skills that have been invaluable in her career. Prior to joining Boehringer Ingelheim, she gained extensive experience in regulatory and medical affairs, quality control, and pharmacovigilance across Eastern and Southern Africa. 

Matu’s journey reflects her faith-driven commitment to service and excellence. She emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and putting God first in all endeavors. 

In this Q&A, Matu shares how her time at Bushnell shaped her professional journey, the challenges she overcame, and the fulfillment she finds in advancing healthcare across the globe. 

Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?
I am currently a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company with its Headquarters in Germany. I’m currently working from the Kenyan office. My typical day involves navigating regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance, and managing quality assurance processes to enhance market share and sell health products for both humans and animals in East Africa (www. boehringer-ingelheim.com). 

How did your education at Bushnell University prepare you for your career path?
My education at Bushnell, formerly Northwest Christian University, provided me with essential skills that have been invaluable in my career. 

What experiences or opportunities at Bushnell University were most influential in shaping your career?
The most impactful opportunities for me were the projects I undertook, which significantly improved my project management and leadership abilities. 

Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?
A significant challenge I faced was adjusting to life in Oregon, particularly the rainy weather, as I come from a warm climate. However, I was fortunate to be paired with a welcoming American family who had been missionaries in Kenya for over 20 years. Their support made my transition much easier and more enjoyable. 

What advice would you give to current Bushnell University students who are interested in pursuing a similar career?
I encourage students to embrace a lifelong learning mindset and to always put God first in their journeys.