You joined Donaldson in 2019. What do you most enjoy about your work and the Donaldson culture?
"As a Principal Investigator (PI) on various projects, my role is to develop new technologies that ensure Donaldson maintains our competitive edge and identify solutions to address customers’ challenges. I derive immense satisfaction and fulfillment knowing my efforts address real-world needs. The ability to learn something new almost every day while being able to apply prior knowledge and skills is extremely gratifying!"
"There is an incredible sense of 'oneness' as a company – the workplace is highly collaborative, and I regularly work on projects with global colleagues, such as Belgium and India. There is a sense of trust from leadership in that the contributions of individuals are valued, and there are ample opportunities to be recognized (and rewarded) for excellent contributions. The company also invests in personal and professional growth through Individual Development Plans, courses, and programs meant to enhance knowledge and skills."
Many cite STEM activities for helping prepare students to become tomorrow’s innovators. You developed your interest as early as fourth grade, and you went on to receive a BS in chemistry. What would you tell others who share – or don’t share – this interest?
"I would like to encourage all students that being curious is essential to any endeavor. In my experience, performance and intellectual affinity for STEM are not the only, and most certainly not the most important factors for predicting success in STEM. Rather, it’s the determination and grit that is instilled when experiments fail and you keep trying alternative approaches."
You started at Donaldson as an intern in 2008. How have your responsibilities changed and what are you most excited about?
"I started as an intern in the Exhaust and Emissions group and I am currently Director of Engineering for Off-road Air Applications. When I started out as an Engineer, I was excited about the products I was a part of releasing into production; vehicles – buses, helicopters, tanks, excavators, etc. – I got to work on; and the problems I got to solve. As my career progressed and I began leading people, I became proud of the success of my team and their development. Today, coaching my team and seeing them grow and achieve their goals has become what drives me."
In your role you work closely with manufacturing facilities, labs, quality teams, development teams and your global counterparts. Is there anything unique to this collaborative environment that sets Donaldson apart?
"People at Donaldson are often open to criticism/feedback and always work towards a common goal. In any room, at any time, it doesn’t matter where the idea comes from as long as it is the best one to deal with the problem at hand. I enjoy being able to have a different position than those around me and still be able to proceed in a positive manner that either teaches me why I may be incorrect or reinforces the actions that are about to be taken. It’s a culture that promotes diverse ideas and the space to speak freely."
The Donaldson Foundation awards $1.2 million annually to nonprofits in the communities where employees live and work. Employee-led volunteer efforts are also a big part of the company culture. Do you participate in any of the company’s philanthropic initiatives?
"I have volunteered with and led the MS150 Ride to raise funds for people dealing with MS as well as the Full Cycle events that support unhoused youth. I have also participated in our JA Bowl-a-thon and have been an ambassador for United Way, which we support through a week-long annual fundraising event. Many of my friends and co-workers participate and everyone is encouraged and welcomed to help. Philanthropy is a large part of Donaldson’s culture and really helps our communities and connect people outside of daily work activities."
– Sheila Kramer, Vice President, Human Resources
What can you share about your career and experience at Donaldson?
"When I joined Donaldson, it was my first experience working in the Information Technology Division of the manufacturing industry. It was a completely different experience to be a part of a company that encourages research and innovation. I joined as a Sr. Technical Analyst in the Business Intelligence group, that is responsible for providing data and tools to the leadership community to make informed decisions."
"Donaldson also encourages employees to participate in training to keep up with new and upcoming technologies. I was provided with many opportunities to work on challenging projects and stretch beyond my comfort zone to acquire knowledge and build new skills."
What is the best thing about working at Donaldson?
"People at Donaldson are very friendly and instantly make you feel like a part of a close-knit family. Everyone is very passionate about their job and very knowledgeable in their field. They are always ready to help each other succeed. I also appreciate the flexibility Donaldson provides so employees can manage work-life balance. Being a working mother, I have been able to fully enjoy my work without feeling stressed or guilty because I was always there when my family needed me."
"The leadership team at Donaldson is closely connected with all the employees and provide their invaluable guidance to help them succeed. Their ability to make decisions for the better future of the company and their long-term vision gives me a sense of security."
What path led you to Donaldson?
"I joined Donaldson in February 2004 as IT System Engineer, China, to implement key IT infrastructure components for new Industrial and Engine plants. With these projects implementation, I gained much IT infra. related knowledge and soft skill which is required for project management. In August 2006, I was promoted as IT supervisor and led projects including key IT infrastructure consolidating to the global platform and implementing Checkpoint Firewall/VPN in Greater China."
"In 2010 I was promoted to IT Infrastructure Manager and lead IT infrastructure team implement Server virtualization project, Cisco VOIP project, and APAC data center project. The most impressive job that I managed is the APAC data center consolidation project and coordinated with global/local team complete project on budget, on time and on quality. Donaldson offered me the regional role of IT End User Service Manager, Asia Pacific in November 2017 with the responsibility of the service desk and IT field service management APAC wide. I have gained a lot of knowledge in my 16 years with Donaldson with the support of some great mentors and leaders."
What interests/motivates you?
"I like new technologies and enjoy helping friends and family use new technology; but I also like to travel to different countries and experience different cultures and foods. Working with Donaldson, I am collaborating with people from different countries across globe. Through working with the people from different countries, I am exposed to more and more cultures that I can learn from. This gives me the experience, broader view, and confidence to move my career forward."
