Despite more women in supply chain, more still needed at the top

A symposium in partnership with the W. P. Carey School of Business and the ASU Supply Chain Executive Consortium prop up female talent in the industry.

A symposium in partnership with the W. P. Carey School of Business and the ASU Supply Chain Executive Consortium prop up female talent in the industry. 

While supply chain organizations have been focused on the effects of COVID-19, they’re still committed to the pursuit of gender equality. Gartner, Inc.'s 2020 Women in Supply Chain Survey reveals that among 177 supply chain professionals, 17% of chief supply chain officers are women — a 6% increase compared to 2019.

Despite the progress, there are proportionally fewer women at the vice president and director levels.

To help advance women’s progress further, W. P. Carey School of Business is working in partnership with the ASU Supply Chain Executive Consortium to host the second annual ASU Women in Supply Chain Symposium, on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. Arizona/Pacific time. This year, the event will be presented virtually and focus on advocating for women in supply chain. Students will hear from female leaders of companies such as E&J Gallo Winery, W.L Gore, Starbucks, Dell, Intel, and Cisco.

Cindie Blackmer, a W. P. Carey supply chain lecturer, has advice for women pursuing a career in supply chain. “After spending 25 years at Intel as not only a woman in supply chain but also as a non-engineer, my best advice is to push forward, ask great questions, and be willing to listen and learn,” she says. “Eventually, you become the person that people seek out because you’re the one that is seen as an expert.”

All interested students will be able to hear from top supply chain experts during the symposium. “I’m excited to participate because I look forward to hearing from other leaders in supply chain,” continues Blackmer. “I love the diversity of our speakers and learning how they make an impact. This event brings to light the message that although supply chain careers can be perceived as male-dominated, diversity in supply chain leadership is alive and well.”

“I hope students, faculty, and visitors beyond the classroom leave with a sense that supply chain is a career for everyone,” says Blackmer. “It requires people who enjoy finding innovative solutions to challenges. We need the best minds at the table to make the greatest impact.”

Lori Osterback, Cisco Systems chief of staff and senior director of supply chain operations, will be the featured keynote speaker. “I’m deeply invested in the empowerment and education of the people who make supply chains run in the digital era,” Osterback says. “Being a mentor across Cisco has given me the ability to help with workforce enablement, and assist the next generation of women who are striving for a strong culture of inclusion and innovation.”

“Be bold, invest in yourself, and invest in personal and professional relationships,” Osterback adds. “Create a brand and have your elevator pitch ready at all times. As you move toward internships and the corporate world, remind yourself that you have a seat at the table and a voice. Don’t wait for permission to participate. If your coworker or manager has invited you to attend a meeting, then assume your informed opinion matters. Speak up and share your point of view.”

Osterback stresses that supply chain isn’t a spectator sport. “It’s incredibly fast-paced and offers a diversity of career opportunities,” she says. Once you step into the supply chain arena, you might find it a bit chaotic initially, but if you can think on your feet and are a problem-solver, you will find your footing and enjoy the challenges each day brings.”

Learn more from Osterback and Blackmer and other top women supply chain leaders. Register for the virtual ASU Women in Supply Chain Symposium, on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m Arizona/Pacific time. The event will conclude with executive networking roundtables via Zoom. Students can attend breakout sessions and hear more on topics ranging from negotiating your worth, to diversity and inclusion, as well as get their career questions answered about the supply chain industry.