Her Story
About Gretchen
Gretchen Carroll is a quality and operations professional with experience in quality inspection, production control, logistics, materials management, and compliance. She currently works as a Receiving Incoming Quality Inspector at Leidos and previously held roles at OMCO Solar, Blue Origin, and Toyota Boshoku AKI USA. Her background includes quality assurance, documentation, data analysis, inventory management, scheduling, ERP systems, and process improvement. She also has training in business management and leadership, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gretchen
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family. I grew up in a family where ideas, theories and ideas were discussed at the dinner table. Education and an open mind was not an option. I was allowed and encouraged to ask questions. I still visit the library several times a month and have library cards to several local libraries. We’re big readers, books were always around the house. I’m very lucky that way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
For a terrible oversharer, and I am, because I feel like if I get you to understand where I'm coming from it makes it better. Doesn't always work with everybody. Personal and personnel are two different things. Never let them see you cry. That's another.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Embrace it! If you were called the weird kid, or the brainy kid, or whatever, embrace everything that makes you stand out and use it. Don't ever be embarrassed of it, because that's your gift. Don't let anyone tell you no.Don't let anyone put you down, or make you feel less, because you make them seem dumb.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In aerospace there is a huge push towards space exploration. It truly is The Final Frontier. At this early stage there are so many possibilities and the opportunities are endless. So are the challenges. But those 2 words are really the same thing- depending on how you approach it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My parents were very supportive of me and my brothers. Looks are gonna fade. Money can go away. Your brain is your number one thing that you should develop. If you can help out your team, and show the world you have integrity, because you're only as good as your word.
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