Gabriela Gonzalez, LEAN Engineer III, is based out of Huntsville, Alabama. Prior to starting at BASF in November 2014, Gabriela worked in the medical device industry for 11 years and held various manufacturing and quality positions. As an engineer in the Operational Excellence group, Gabriela focuses on process improvements throughout the site using LEAN tools and methodologies. One of her current priorities is implementing a sustainable 5S Program at the site.  In addition, she is leading a Green Belt LEAN Six Sigma project that aims to reduce scrap in one of the coating lines at the facility. Gabriela’s favorite part of her job is working with all departments and employees to learn about the different businesses and implement solutions using LEAN tools.

After the work day is done, Gabriela likes to curl up on the couch with popcorn, a glass of wine and her small dog, Chico, to watch one of her favorite movies, “Dirty Dancing.” When she needs a break from the norm, Gabriela loves to travel with family and friends. Travel is a perfect opportunity for Gabriela to salsa dance all over the world. In 2016, she visited Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan – where she performed a salsa dance routine at the Milan International Salsa Congress. Despite her love of dance, her ideal vacation involves a relaxing trip to the beach.

When she’s not traveling, Gabriela teaches salsa classes in Huntsville. With years of dance under her belt, she and her team of salsa dancers traveled to Las Vegas in 2017 to the Salsa and Bachata Congress – one of the biggest dance events in the U.S.

It’s no surprise that one of her proudest accomplishments revolves around dance. Before “Hamilton” there was the Tony award winning musical, “In the Heights”, by Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Gabriela was proud to choreograph the salsa club scene in her local community theatre production of “In the Heights,” which later won the Best Choreography Award in the community theater’s annual awards program.

As an active volunteer in BASF’s community outreach programs, Gabriela helps plan and volunteers at the local chapter of You Be the Chemist – a national competition that encourages students in grades 5-8 to explore chemistry concepts through real-world applications.

Meet Gabriela Gonzales, Lean Engineer III, at BASF’s Huntsville, Alabama site.