Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women in Quality Management with Joanne St. Andre

As we observe International Women's Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal roles women have played across different sectors, particularly in quality management. In this field, women have emerged as influential leaders, pioneering the development of quality systems and enhancing organizational operations. They have led quality initiatives with unwavering dedication and innovation. Even amidst various challenges, their resilience and determination have set a commendable precedent, inspiring upcoming generations of female leaders in quality management.

This article spotlights the remarkable path of an inspiring figure, Joanne St. Andre, who serves as the Senior Solution Engineer at ComplianceQuest. She has distinguished herself in the quality management sector, leaving a significant imprint on the industry.

What motivated you to enter the Quality Management industry?

Actually, I stumbled into Quality Management by chance. I was an instructional designer and trainer for 20 years, with a passion for software when it was a new concept in the business world. I ended up working for a Quality Management Software vendor, designing, and delivering training to quality professionals. I fell in love with quality because, as instructional designers, we are meticulous about the quality of the materials we create and how training is delivered. (Some might call that being a control freak, but I took it as a compliment in my role!) I also had the chance to collaborate with many quality enthusiasts who shared my passion for excellence.

What was your dream job as a child, and why?

Please don't laugh, but I dreamt of becoming an opera singer. I received professional training at the American Conservatory of Music and was a First Soprano in Chicago’s All City Choir, which was open to students from every high school in the Chicago land area. Throughout my youth, I believed that was my destined path. However, once I landed my first training role, singing became my secondary passion.

Describe a project or achievement that you consider the most significant in your career.

When I was new to a role in a division of my company, I took charge of the training function at a call center. The existing training was largely theoretical, focusing on screen information without adequately preparing employees for their roles. I revamped the course to be learner-centered, incorporating interactive elements like a game to identify the correct screen based on customer questions, leading to discussions and practical learning. By the end of the week, we held a team-based competition with prizes, fostering a fun and engaging learning environment. This approach significantly improved new hire understanding and effectiveness, validating my methods and marking a significant milestone in my career, despite initial skepticism and a tense two-week period where I feared for my job.

Do you feel you have sacrificed anything for your professional journey?

Fortunately, I don't feel I've had to make significant sacrifices. I’ve always approached life by assessing the importance and realism of various aspects, allowing me to set realistic goals. This perspective has helped me achieve my objectives without feeling I’ve missed out on other aspects of life.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership in Quality Management?

The challenges women face isn’t exclusive to Quality Management; women in any management position encounter obstacles. The extent of these challenges varies by company and leadership, as they can either exacerbate or mitigate gender disparities.

Who was an inspiring female leader to you growing up, and who inspires you now?

My mother was incredibly inspiring, owning her business, possessing a pilot’s license, and owning three boats in the 1940s, defying societal norms. She always encouraged me to pursue any ambition. Currently, I am inspired by Malala, who single-handedly stood up to oppression against women in her country, and Kamala Harris for breaking a long-held glass ceiling.

Have you faced gender discrimination in your career in the Quality Management sector, and if so, how did you address it?

While I’ve had moments of doubt, I have been fortunate not to experience overt discrimination. I acknowledge that this is not the case for all women, and I consider myself very lucky in this regard.

Do you believe the Quality Management industry needs to improve regarding women in leadership roles? What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

The Quality Management industry, like many others, has room for improvement but also showcases many women in senior roles. My advice to future female leaders is to stay true to themselves, pursue what brings them joy, aim high, and set personal expectations beyond what others may envision for them—yet do so realistically.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

My motivation stems from happiness. As long as I am content in my role, I am driven to excel and contribute more. Conversely, prolonged unhappiness prompts me to reevaluate my situation and consider alternatives. Life is too short not to prioritize happiness.

What is a key insight about EQMS (Electronic Quality Management Systems) that you want to share with the next generation of quality leaders?

The effectiveness of a Quality Management System hinges on how well it is utilized. When leaders grasp the significance of quality to an organization, prioritizing proper practices becomes second nature. Not only does this enhance quality, but a robust Quality Management System also yields crucial data for strategic decision-making and long-term planning. The right tools, like our ComplianceQuest product, can significantly improve an organization through superior reporting capabilities and insights, bolstered by advancements in AI and analytics.

Women in the Quality Management sector have achieved significant progress, breaking through gender barriers, and enhancing the industry with their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to quality.

In honor of International Women's Day, let's not only acknowledge the impressive contributions of these women but also inspire and support the upcoming wave of female leaders in Quality Management. This commitment helps foster a more varied, welcoming, and forward-thinking industry, advantageous to everyone.