WISE from all sides: Spartans make their mark at the Future Leaders Symposium

On September 18–19, Michigan State University proudly participated in the WISE (Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence) Future Leaders Symposium 2025, hosted by the University of Arkansas. With the theme “WISE From All Sides,” the event brought together more than 30 universities, 15 undergraduate WISE chapters, and five WISE Beyond chapters for graduate and early-career professionals. The symposium created a space for students, faculty, and industry leaders to explore the many dimensions of supply chain careers through panels, workshops, and networking.

MSU was represented by senior Aleeza Rana, sophomore Nora Rolison, and faculty advisor Li Cheng, assistant professor in the Department of Supply Chain Management. Rana is a supply chain management major who has completed internships with Eli Lilly and GE Vernova, serves as a teaching assistant for SCM 479, and holds a leadership role on the SCMA Executive Board as WISE director. She also represents MSU nationally as chair of the Chapter Resources Committee on the National WISE Connections Advisory Board and is an AWESOME Scholar recipient. Rolison is a supply chain management major with professional experience as a marketing intern for MSU’s Department of Supply Chain Management and also serves as a WISE director on the SCMA Executive Board. Together, they represented the next generation of Spartan supply chain leaders, carrying forward Broad’s commitment to empowering women in business.

The symposium opened with a keynote address by Shelley Simpson, CEO of J.B. Hunt, who encouraged attendees to embrace “sweaty palm moments” as opportunities for growth. Over two days, participants engaged in sessions that spanned both technical and personal aspects of leadership. Breakouts explored the SCOR supply chain model—plan, source, make, and deliver—while panels emphasized authenticity, resilience, and work-life integration. A recurring theme was the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, with speakers urging students to not only seek guidance but also to find advocates who would actively support their advancement.

For Rana, the symposium was an opportunity to connect the lessons she has learned in the classroom with real-world leadership insights. “The conversations reminded me how important it is to lead with both confidence and humility. Hearing executives share their journeys gave me a new perspective on how to build a career that balances impact with authenticity,” she said.

For Rolison, the most impactful part was engaging with women leaders who were open about their personal and professional challenges. “It was reassuring to realize that even the most accomplished leaders face setbacks and doubts. That honesty gave me confidence to embrace challenges as part of my own growth,” she shared.

The MSU representatives returned to East Lansing energized to apply their takeaways. Rana and Rolison plan to expand WISE programming by hosting executive panels with alumni, strengthening peer-to-peer mentorship, and building more structured sponsorship pathways for members. Their goal is to foster a culture that reflects the inclusive and supportive spirit of the symposium, helping Broad students embrace all sides of their careers and personal lives.

Reflecting on MSU’s involvement, Cheng remarked, “Our students are not just learning supply chain theory; they are engaging in national conversations about inclusion, resilience, and leadership. That elevates MSU’s standing—and more importantly, it empowers future changemakers.”

The WISE Future Leaders Symposium 2025 reaffirmed that supply chains are as multifaceted as the people who build them. For students like Rana and Rolison, the experience was both inspiring and practical, equipping them with the tools, insights, and networks to continue advancing women in supply chain excellence at Broad and beyond.