Inclusivity and actionable advice at the Women in Supply Chain Panel

On Nov. 14, the Michigan State University chapter of Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence hosted its second annual Women In Supply Chain Panel, an event designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in supply chain management.

With an engaging lineup of speakers, over 90 attendees and a focus on actionable advice, the panel created a meaningful platform for students of all levels — freshmen to seniors — to connect, learn and grow. The event was organized to highlight the achievements of women in the supply chain industry, provide practical career guidance, build connections and encourage leadership development.

Panel discussions underscored the importance of inclusivity in the supply chain industry. The field of supply chain management remains male-dominated, especially in leadership positions. Women aspiring to these roles often face unique challenges, including a lack of representation and systemic barriers. Events like the WISE panel address these issues directly, offering students the inspiration and tools to overcome them. Although WISE primarily focuses on empowering women, its events are open to all genders. By promoting collaboration and mutual growth, WISE strives to create a better, more equitable industry for everyone.

WISE at MSU is a dedicated subgroup of the Supply Chain Management Association, aimed at fostering leadership, confidence and community among women in the supply chain field. Founded by Addison Kiteley in spring 2024, the chapter has already grown to an impressive 70+ active members. As the organization continues to flourish, its focus remains on hosting impactful events designed to empower members to grow both personally and professionally while fostering meaningful connections within the supply chain community.

The event featured four accomplished panelists, each of whom brought a unique perspective on leadership and success in the supply chain industry. Keynote speaker Marlo Vitous, senior vice president of purchasing and supply chain at Stellantis, shared her journey to leadership. She emphasized the value of starting early and building resilience to navigate challenges. Her advice to students was, “Make every moment and opportunity count! And save for retirement now!”

Amy Scott, vice president of strategic technology partnerships at Stellantis, encouraged students to focus on their mindset, stating that self-belief is critical to recognizing opportunities. “If you believe you’ll work it out, you’ll see opportunities. If you don’t believe, you’ll see obstacles,” she said. “Be the energy you want to attract.”

Denise Kingstrom Fernandez, supply chain director, Coatings Americas at BASF, and Kara Grasso, head of strategy and revenue at 360ofme, shared insights on building confidence and the importance of taking risks. “Say yes to all growth opportunities, even if you feel underqualified or uncomfortable. You will be surprised what inspires you,” Grasso said.

The panel was designed to be interactive, with students actively participating in discussions, asking questions and engaging with panelists during the Q&A session. The evening ended with a networking session, allowing attendees to speak one-on-one with panelists and peers. Stellantis generously pledged $1,000 to help MSU WISE expand its initiatives and impact for students looking to enter the industry after graduation.

WISE chair Aleeza Rana reflected on the impact of the event: “Hearing the panelists’ journeys made me realize that leadership is not just about titles — it’s about how you approach challenges and the impact you leave on others,” she said. “I feel inspired to take risks, push myself, and embrace every opportunity that comes my way.”

WISE director Addison Kiteley was recently named a recipient of the prestigious AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship, along with Anita Alkatib, previous WISE Chair and current member of the SCMA E-Board. AWESOME, which stands for Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply chain Operations, Management and Education, has helped aspiring female supply chain leaders for the last decade. Broad Spartans have been selected for this award for many years, utilizing them to build strong academic careers that create a smooth transition from campus to careers.

“The AWESOME scholarship has been instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals by connecting me with an incredible network of inspiring women leaders in supply chain management,” Kiteley said. “Through this opportunity, I have gained valuable industry insights, developed critical skills and advanced my professional growth while being motivated to pursue leadership in the field of supply chain management.”

Alkatib highlighted the experience of joining a network of other AWESOME scholars. “The AWESOME Excellence in Education scholarship has been incredibly valuable to my academic journey,” she said. “Upon receiving this award, I had the privilege of joining a network of 19 other student leaders studying supply chain from universities across the country. About once a month, we come together virtually to engage with industry professionals who share their insights and experiences. These sessions not only broaden my understanding of the field but also provide me with the opportunity to learn from other women in supply chain, helping me grow both professionally and personally.

“Being part of this dynamic and inspiring group has been an enriching experience, and I’m grateful for the connections and knowledge I’ve gained through it.”

To see more events like this or if you are interested in getting involved with WISE, check out their Instagram or LinkedIn.