MAKER

“I like researching to determine the root cause of a problem and aid in producing solutions.”

Malisa Diaz-Smith

MEET MALISA

  • Hometown

    Hartford, CT

  • Position

    Quality Manager

  • Employer

    Altek Electronics
    Torrington, CT

Q&A

What led you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

When I was 20 years old, I worked for a company that is known as the MEP center in Connecticut —CONNSTEP Inc. I was the receptionist, oversaw customer proposals for orders, and managed our third-party services providers that provided services in lean manufacturing, ISO registrations, continuous improvement, etc. I helped translate the content used for classes and trainings in Spanish and I visited manufacturing companies. That made me start to think about the endless possibilities in a career in manufacturing.

What has your journey been like?

I started at Altek Electronics in March of 2012 as their receptionist. Within three months I became an estimator, and after six months I was offered the role to manage their quality management system. In 2014, I moved into a buyer role in the purchasing department and continued to manage the QMS at the same time until November 2019.

I left Altek Electronics to pursue an opportunity at another electronics manufacturing company as their quality engineer. I learned all about the processes within production, managed the quality team of seven, became the point of contact for all third-party audits (customers and registrars), and became a certified trainer in IPC 610 and J-STD-001 standards.

After 14 months I was given an opportunity to come back to Altek Electronics as a project manager in March of 2021. And in October I happily accepted the quality manager role.

What have you learned about yourself?

The product quality realm in manufacturing is not an easy area to work in and enjoy. But I can honestly say this is what I enjoy doing. I enjoy attending audits and figuring out ways to improve the QMS and the processes we have in place. I like researching to determine the root cause of a problem and aid in producing solutions. For things to get better, you must embrace the fact that things need to continually improve.

Do you have any advice for people interested in a career in manufacturing?

A career in manufacturing offers many opportunities. We have individuals that start on building product and end up becoming supervisors or managers of the areas. People can even transition into the office environment and learn other roles in the company such as document control, purchasing or customer service. Manufacturing is a suitable place to determine what it is you would like to pursue for a career.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy traveling whenever possible and camping during the summer and fall. I spend time with my 15-year-old son, and I am also going to school to pursue my bachelor's degree in business management.