Donawa Fowler
Manufacturing
Peoria,IL
Summary
Dynamic Quality Team Leader with extensive experience at Caterpillar, excelling in quality management systems and operational excellence. Proven track record in enhancing inspection processes and training teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Strong analytical thinking and leadership skills drive effective problem-solving and ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Quality Team Leader
Caterpillar
East Peoria, Illinois
04.2025 - Current
- Assist the Supervisor with daily operations in the work area, including adjusting inspector assignments to ensure coverage for assembly lines.
- Train new team members on quality control requirements and inspection procedures.
- Manage the flow of incoming and outgoing materials.
- Collaborate with Reactive Technical Support (RTS) and Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) to ensure materials are inspected and processed through ETQ.
- Oversee system quality holds and relocate materials to the Point of Use (POU) location.
- Update spreadsheets and communications to ensure accurate material tracking.
- Conduct, report, and maintain records of weekly audits for incoming materials to MRB and MRDR.
- Assist inspectors with measurement techniques, print interpretation, and root cause analysis.
Quality NCM Coordinator / Internal Auditor
Caterpillar
East Peoria, Illinois
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Evaluate and manage nonconforming suppliers and damaged parts by applying appropriate rejection criteria.
- Leverage quality assurance expertise to assess and ensure parts meet specified requirements.
- Conduct and document weekly audits to monitor and track suspect materials within the Assembly Inspection environments.
- Maintain and update spreadsheets and communications to ensure accurate material accountability.
- Support Inspectors with manual measurements, print reading, lab checks, and root cause analysis.
- Assist with daily operations in the ASIN department.
- Oversee the flow of incoming and outgoing materials to ensure efficient processes.
- Create and manage Non-Conformance Material (NCM) reports and dispositions.
Quality Inspection
Caterpillar
East Peoria, Illinois
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Quality Specialist-4 (4Q61)
- Analyzed special cause quality issues from faulty methods or defective materials.
- Investigated process issues as the assembly first responder.
- Performed full part layouts using advanced precision inspection equipment.
- Supported field failure investigations.
- Assisted Reactive Technical Support (RTS) and Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) with inspections and further processing through ETQ, including manual measurements, print reading, lab checks, and root cause analysis.
Quality Team Leader
Rivian
Normal, Illinois
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed nightly (D Shift) operations for 8 employees. Monitored team performance and escalated concerns. Engage with support teams during support calls to resolve escalated problems
- Support manufacturing’s built in quality initiative by providing the last line of defense inspection of the product for the area. Execute product and process validation/ inspection plans
Assembly Team Leader
Caterpillar
East Peoria, Illinois
01.2018 - 02.2021
- Assist Supervisor in coordinating workflow and promoting team cooperation.
- Coordinate workflow and establish daily priorities.
- Promote cooperative team relationships and safe work practices.
- Provide feedback on Associate performance.
- Train Associates on work techniques and continuous improvement.
- Perform material handling and operational functions.
- Operate machines for weighing, banding, wrapping, packaging, and stenciling.
- Maintain records and reports.
- Use computer terminals to access and update information.
- Perform and assign housekeeping functions using mobile equipment.
- Report defects and repair needs on mobile equipment following safety procedures.
Education
No Degree - Cyber Security
Eureka College
Eureka, United States 06.2025 - 08.2025
High School Diploma -
Peoria Manual High
Peoria, United States 08.1989 - 05.1993
Skills
Analytical Thinking
Communication
Constructive Feedback
Critical Thinking
EtQ Reliance
Group Problem Solving
Leadership
Manufacturing Standards
Multicultural Awareness
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Prioritization
Process Improvements
Timeline
No Degree - Cyber Security
Eureka College
06.2025 - 08.2025
Quality Team Leader
Caterpillar
04.2025 - Current
Quality NCM Coordinator / Internal Auditor
Caterpillar
01.2024 - 04.2025
Quality Inspection
Caterpillar
03.2023 - 01.2024
Quality Team Leader
Rivian
06.2021 - 03.2023
Assembly Team Leader
Caterpillar
01.2018 - 02.2021
High School Diploma -
Peoria Manual High
08.1989 - 05.1993
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