Her Story
About Chanais
Chanais Lew is a Senior Supplier Quality Manager at AstraZeneca, working as a contractor within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. With approximately seven years of professional experience since earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bowie State University in 2018, she has built expertise in supplier quality management, vendor communications, continuous improvement, and GMP/GxP compliance. In her current role, Lew collaborates with global teams across the United States, Europe, and Asia to gather critical information, identify and address quality gaps, develop CAPAs, and ensure suppliers meet established quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Before joining AstraZeneca, Lew developed valuable experience within a contract manufacturing organization, giving her a well-rounded understanding of supplier relationships from both the client and manufacturing perspectives. Her background includes quality assurance, investigations, deviations, CAPA management, change controls, quality systems, audits, and risk-based assessments. She is recognized for her ability to collaborate across functions, navigate complex quality requirements, and translate technical expectations into practical solutions. As a proud HBCU alumna of Bowie State University and a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, Lew also values leadership, community, and professional development.
Lew attributes her professional success to being present, asking questions, and maintaining a genuine sense of curiosity. She has frequently found herself among the youngest professionals in the room, but has consistently sought opportunities to contribute meaningful ideas, learn from others, and add value. Curiosity, accountability, and collaboration are central to her approach to both work and life. She encourages young women entering the industry to pursue challenging opportunities, build relationships with humility, and remain confident in their ability to contribute while continuing to learn and grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chanais
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace growth opportunities. I've never been afraid to ask questions, learn from others, or contribute my perspective, even when I was one of the youngest people in the room. Over the years, I've learned that some of the most valuable lessons come from experiences outside of work as well. Becoming a mother and taking time away from my career gave me a new perspective on leadership, balance, and purpose. Those experiences helped shape the professional I am today and reinforced my belief that success isn't only measured by professional achievements. It's also measured by the people you uplift, the communities you serve, and the opportunities you create for others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to be present, stay curious, and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Early in my career, I was often one of the youngest people in the room, which could feel intimidating. Over time, I learned that fewer years of experience doesn't mean you have less to contribute.
I learned to ask questions, listen to understand, and trust that my ideas and observations could add value alongside those with more experience. That advice gave me the confidence to speak up, take on new challenges, and continue learning throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to be open to opportunities that challenge them, even when they don't feel 100% ready. Some of the biggest moments of growth in my career came from stepping outside of my comfort zone and trusting myself to learn along the way. Stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek guidance from those around you. At the same time, don't underestimate the value of your own perspective. Your experience, background, and voice bring something unique to the table.
Most importantly, remember that careers are rarely a straight line. Every experience, both professional and personal, can help shape you into a stronger and more capable leader.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is coordinating work across global teams, time zones, and competing priorities. Quality and compliance initiatives often require collaboration from many different stakeholders, all of whom are managing their own responsibilities. At the same time, I see this as one of the greatest opportunities. Building relationships and creating alignment across diverse teams allows us to leverage different perspectives and experiences to achieve better outcomes. Some of the most rewarding projects I've worked on have required collaboration across regions and functions, and they've reinforced the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork. The more connected our industry becomes, the more valuable those relationship-building skills will be.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are curiosity, accountability, and empathy. Curiosity drives me to keep learning, embrace new challenges, and remain open to new ideas, especially as industries continue to evolve through technology and innovation.
Accountability for me means following through on commitments, being someone others can rely on, and taking ownership of both successes and challenges. Whether in my professional or personal life, I believe trust is built through consistency and integrity.
Empathy has become increasingly important to me over the years, especially after becoming a mother. It has helped me better understand different perspectives, build stronger relationships, and approach both leadership and collaboration with greater understanding. I believe some of the best outcomes happen when people feel heard, valued, and supported.
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