While part of the Richmond section, we had an opportunity to work with a local charitable organization to revamp their donations using 5S and Lean Principles.
When I reflect on the experiences that shaped me professionally and personally, ASQ is very near the top of the list. From the first section meeting I attended in Richmond, VA (Section 1104), I felt a connection with the people there, many of whom are still dear friends to this day. As with many new members, I initially joined ASQ for the Certified Quality Auditor certification. Another colleague and I from my company joined a study group informally put together by a few section members to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam and receiving the certification, I quickly realized that to maintain it, without taking the test again, I needed to get involved.
My first member leader role was membership chair. This provided an easy way to get to know people very quickly. The traditional dinner meetings opened my eyes to the broad scope of topics within the quality profession, as well as to new local restaurants! Each meeting presented an opportunity to reconnect with existing friends and to reach out to new attendees to share the hospitality and welcoming afforded to me when I walked in the door unsure of what to expect from a room full of strangers for the first time. As the years progressed, I took on other roles including the Chair position, which enabled me to participate in the most wonderful ASQ event, WCQI.