Avia Johnson
Avia Johnson is a dedicated Quality Assurance professional with experience ensuring compliance and excellence in the life sciences, medical device and clinical drug industries. Currently serving as Quality Coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific, she plays a key role in upholding rigorous quality standards, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. With a strong foundation in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and batch release procedures, Avia brings technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.
Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, Avia honed her skills at Envista Holdings Corporation as a Quality Control Inspector and at B. Braun Medical Inc. as a Quality Control Specialist. In each role, she contributed to product safety and reliability by ensuring quality standards were consistently met. Her professional journey highlights her adaptability and steady growth in the healthcare and scientific industries, where attention to detail and teamwork are essential.
Alongside her career, Avia has her associate’s degree in human services from Lehigh Carbon Community College, strengthening her interpersonal and problem-solving skills to complement her technical background. She is passionate about bridging quality assurance with a people-focused approach, recognizing the importance of both precision and collaboration in her work. Open to new opportunities in Quality Control and Assurance, Avia is driven to continue contributing to organizations that improve lives through science and innovation.
• Lehigh Carbon Community College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to patience and hard work. Patience allows me to approach challenges with a thoughtful, steady mindset and remain committed to long-term goals, while hard work ensures that I consistently deliver high-quality results and continue developing in my profession.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best quality control advice I’ve received is to focus on the process, not just the final product. Consistently checking each step helps catch issues early and prevent defects. Clear standards, attention to detail, and open communication with the team are key to maintaining high quality and improving overall efficiency. The best advice I’ve received in human services is to listen first and act second. Truly understanding a person’s needs requires empathy, patience, and respect. Building trust, maintaining clear boundaries, and staying committed to helping others without judgment are essential to making a real difference.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the quality industry, my advice is to be confident in your attention to detail, speak up when something seems off, and never stop learning. Quality is about more than checking for errors it’s about improving systems and making things better for everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge processes, or suggest improvements. Your voice and perspective are valuable. Build strong communication skills, stay current with industry standards, and remember that consistency, integrity, and critical thinking are your biggest strengths in this field. For young women entering the human services field, my advice is knowing your value, set healthy boundaries, and lead with empathy but not self-sacrifice. This work is deeply meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Take care of yourself so you can truly care for others. Speak up, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles your voice matters. Surround yourself with mentors, support systems, and never stop learning. Most importantly, trust your instincts and always advocate for both your clients and yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenges in quality include keeping up with fast-changing technology, managing complex systems, and balancing speed with thorough testing. Working across global teams and adapting to new regulations can also be difficult. Biggest challenges in human services are managing heavy caseloads, dealing with emotional burnout, and navigating limited resources. Building trust with clients and addressing complex social issues can also be tough.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, compassion, and service to others. I am deeply committed to supporting women’s shelters and volunteering for causes that address the needs of women and mental health, as I believe in creating safe spaces and opportunities for those facing challenges. My children are my greatest inspiration, motivating me every day to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience—values I carry into my professional work and community involvement.