FALCON FOCUS – KATY RODRIGUEZ
by: Joseph Rodriguez
Our core values state that “Our products are always connected properly and tested, never compromising on quality.” We take that very seriously and know that lives of those who use our product depend on our diligence. Katy Rodriguez, InterConnect’s Lead Auditor, is a leader of our company when it comes to a quality product. I recently talked with her to find out how she lives out that Core Value of Connections Matter.
Could you tell me about your role?
As the Lead Auditor, my goal is that InterConnect always has a quality product for our customer. I take that very seriously because not only do we want to conform, but we want to excel in the product that we’re putting out. I make sure that we are staying compliant with all of the strenuous requirements of AS9100 and ISO 9001. Did you know that to be compliant and truly be an exceptional quality business, you must perform internal audits all year long? You do. A couple of the departments I audit are Document Control and Inspection.
How does Document Control and the Inspectors Connect to others?
Document Control is like the big file cabinet of the company. Every single document that we have goes through there to be controlled into our EQMS, UniPoint. They map out from start to finish all the connections that will be made for the job. They also give transparency and traceability, should a customer need something years down the road. Our Inspectors lay hands and eyes on the product during different parts of manufacturing and ensure that it’s the way that it’s supposed to be.
How do you live out the core value of Connections Matter regarding Products?
There are three metrics that I check all the time: on time delivery, quality acceptance, and complaints. I make sure to share any findings through various meetings, so that the team is aware of ways we can improve. But I also like to try to be proactive and help us see ways where errors can be avoided. I focus on processes and human errors and do companywide teaching on those topics.
Why do you enjoy working at InterConnect?
I like the atmosphere here. It’s very much family oriented. I try to get involved with all the people that work here by engaging in some of our extracurriculars like softball or bowling. It’s important to know people as people, not just as positions and to connect with them on a personal level too. I also like and am proud to know that the aircraft we support can be counted on as far as the wiring goes and that we won’t settle for mediocrity.
What did you do before working at InterConnect?
I was a teacher and Vice Principal before InterConnect. It’s interesting that running a school is a lot like managing. You have to pay attention to a lot of the processes and develop good logistics. Working with people and analyzing data to get measurements of effectiveness are also important in both fields.
Katy was born and raised in Fort Worth Texas. She has four children who are all grown up. She received her undergrad degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, her MEd from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a School Leadership Certification from Creighton University. In her spare time, she enjoys playing softball, bowling, and reading thriller novels.
