Carina Macorncan, PCQI, HACCP

I attribute my success to my determination and independence, especially as a first-generation college graduate whose parents were immigrants who didn't speak English. My parents didn't help me with my education or pay for any of my college - I paid for everything myself by working three jobs while going to school full-time because I was so determined to graduate. Even though I was tired, I pushed through because my mom had lost her job and I had to make sure I was working to help support my parents while also pursuing my degree. When I entered the food industry 10 years ago, I fell in love with it and saw how much quality assurance plays a critical role in our everyday eating. My goal was to move up the corporate ladder because I knew there aren't many Asian women in leadership positions in this field. My mom worked in quality assurance but never moved up because she felt the world was against her, so I told her 'No, Mom, I'm gonna move up.' I worked my way from QA tech to QA lead to QA supervisor and eventually to QA manager, proving that women and minorities can succeed in leadership roles. I'm very independent and driven - when my head is set on something, I'm going to achieve it no matter what it takes.

You can have a successful career and move up into managerial positions that challenge her but also push her into being successful and an excellent mentor to others.

I would encourage young women entering the food manufacturing and quality assurance industries to pursue leadership opportunities confidently and persistently. Women and minorities deserve greater representation in management and executive positions, and it is important that we continue supporting and uplifting one another professionally.

I believe it is essential to work hard, advocate for yourself, remain detail-oriented, and never allow barriers or stereotypes to limit your ambitions. There is significant opportunity within this field for individuals who are committed, disciplined, and willing to lead with integrity.

The biggest challenge in my field right now is that there aren't many quality assurance managers in the food industry, even though there are many job openings for the position. It's hard to find people who are very devoted and have extreme attention to detail, because in this career you can't make little mistakes - it's like being a surgeon. You have to be the kind of person who takes the role seriously, understands that quality assurance is like being the police, and is willing to be the bad guy to make sure everyone is following the rules and the food is safe. The opportunity is that for women who are willing to work hard and pay attention to detail, there's a real chance to move up into leadership positions and make a difference, because everyone has to eat and ensuring food safety is critical.

In my work, I give it 110% and I'm very devoted to attention to detail because in quality assurance, you can't afford to make mistakes when it comes to food safety. I take my role seriously as someone who protects the public, even if it means being the bad guy sometimes. I believe in working hard and being a good mentor to my team - I always tell my QAs that they're my eyes and ears, and we work together as one. Outside of work, I'm very passionate about giving back to my community through volunteer work. I love animals and have cats and dogs, and I enjoy hiking with my dogs, especially my English Spaniel. I donate money to animal shelters and have fostered cats in the past. I also volunteer at my church, help the homeless by donating clothes and blankets especially during cold months, and raise money for kids who need school supplies. When I was in college, I volunteered at Children Hospital working with burn victims and holding babies in the cancer unit whose parents were working and couldn't be there. Helping others and making a difference in my community is extremely important to me.