When I created the Women in Supply Chain award five years ago, it was during COVID-19 when my two kids were e-learning from a shared space we created in our loft area (what was then my home office). Juggling my Teams meetings amid their Zoom classes and all of the hiccups in between posed quite the challenge. But I launched the award anyways, in hopes that it would provide hope, awareness and recognition to those wonderful supply chain females fighting the good fight.
Although we're past the pandemic present day, the true women in supply chain continue to shine -- building, innovating and making sure everyone -- both men and women alike -- can be a part of an industry that values perseverance, safety, tenacity and all of the qualities that make us unique and human.
This year's winners showcase how mentorship, collaboration and self-advocacy pave the way for future female leaders. And, as I reminisce about the day when I launched the award -- during a time when the world was dark, parents were wearing multiple hats and the supply chain was operating in a fashion no internship, degree or entry level job could prepare you for -- I am humbled knowing that even in the dark, there can be light.
The Women in Supply Chain award, sponsored exclusively by Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast and Blended Pledge, continues to celebrate the real movers and shakers of the supply chain industry. From truck drivers to CEOs, this award provides a safe space for women to support other women, for men to support their female counterparts and for women to even advocate for and support themselves.
And this year's applications were especially profound. These women are doing remarkable things for their communities, organizations and teams. They are doing things that make a difference. From mentoring young professionals and creating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs to optimizing and streamlining networks and instilling a positive company culture, this year's winners exemplify the future of supply chain.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners.
And, hope to see you in Atlanta Nov. 12-13 for this year's Women in Supply Chain Forum. This year’s theme, “Shattering Glass Ceilings: A Woman’s Impact on Supply Chain,” will bring together leading logistics experts to discuss mentorship, self-advocacy, collaboration, closing the gender gap and what it takes to move the needle and pave the way for future female leaders in logistics. Head to www.WomeninSupplyChainForum.com to learn more.
