Was there a spark that ignited your professional journey? Maybe it was a person, an experience, a moment that set or changed the direction of your career. For me, that spark was lit long before I ever started college, attended a single meeting, or earned any professional certifications. It began with my grandfather, Arthur Bender Jr., one of the original founding fathers of the American Society for Quality. Though I never got to see him lead a business discussion or presentation in a conference hall, I grew up hearing stories of his unwavering belief that quality could change lives. He was committed to advancing excellence through collaboration and continuous improvement and carrying his legacy into my own leadership journey has been both an honor and an inspiration. 

But like many who join ASQ, I didn’t fully understand just how transformative the organization could be until I experienced it firsthand. My involvement with ASQ has opened doors I didn’t even know existed. These doors to growth, credibility, and community shaped not only my career, but my understanding of what leadership in the quality profession truly looks like. 

Learning Through ASQ 

The learning opportunities available through ASQ are unmatched. Of course, ASQ can help you establish a solid foundation in quality concepts. But after I joined, I quickly realized how much more there was to explore. Through Quality Progress, webinars, industry-leading books, quality conferences, standards, and the extensive library of quality resources, I found myself armed with tools that enhanced my work and expanded my thinking. 

What sets ASQ apart is that its learning is not theoretical, it’s immediately applicable. Whether it’s a deep dive into process capability, a new perspective on risk management, or insights into evolving regulations, ASQ provides exactly what today’s professionals need to stay ahead.  

Quality Certification 

Without a doubt, one of the most impactful decisions I made was earning my first professional certification from ASQ. The process to get my certification challenged me, stretched my knowledge, and forced me to think more critically and systematically. Certifications like my Certified Quality Engineer aren’t just letters after my name, they are globally recognized signals of expertise, discipline, and professional credibility. 

Earning an ASQ certification opened new career opportunities for me several times throughout my career. But more importantly, it increased my confidence and solidified my place in the quality profession. ASQ didn’t just give me a certificate; it strengthened my ability to contribute, lead, and influence. 

Connections with Quality Thought Leaders  

But perhaps the greatest value ASQ has brought to my professional career is connection. Whether you’re meeting fellow professionals at a local section event, collaborating with peers on myASQ, or networking across divisions, the sense of community is powerful. I’ve met mentors who shaped my thinking, colleagues who became friends, and emerging professionals whom I’ve had the privilege to mentor in return. 

Being part of 40,000+ like-minded professionals creates a sense of belonging, but also a shared responsibility to lift each other up. Through ASQ events, leadership roles, and volunteer opportunities, members can contribute to something much bigger than themselves. 

ASQ's Medical Device Division: A Place to Learn, Lead, and Make an Impact 

My involvement with the Medical Device Division (MDD) deepened my connection to both ASQ and the industry I care deeply about. With a mission to empower medical device quality professionals and a vision to be the community of choice for thought leadership, MDD embodies the best of what ASQ stands for. 

In MDD, I’ve grown not only through educational webinars, case studies, and expert discussions, but through leadership roles. Our motto—Develop Your Skills, Expand Your Network, Advance Your Career—isn’t just a slogan. It’s what we see every day in members who step into opportunities, push themselves, and achieve new milestones. 

A Journey That Comes Full Circle 

When I look at where ASQ has taken me: Board Member, Past Chair, mentor, leader, and lifelong learner - I can’t help but think of my grandfather. His early contributions shaped the organization, but ASQ shaped me. The growth I’ve experienced, the community I’ve found, and the impact I’ve been able to make all tie back to a legacy that he and others started decades before my career began. 

Today, I stand on the shoulders of pioneers like him—but I also stand alongside thousands of professionals who, like me, believe that quality can elevate industries and improve lives. 

ASQ is more than an organization. It’s a journey. A community. A catalyst. And for anyone willing to invest in their skills, their network, and their future, it can be the spark that changes everything, just like it did for me.