CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—Sept. 18, 2023 — Dr. Maria Jesus Saenz has been named as one of the winners of this year’s Women in Supply Chain Award by Food Logistics, a publication focusing on the movement of product through the cold food supply chain, and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, a publication covering global supply chains. The award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.
Dr. Saenz is actively involved in initiatives and professional organizations that encourage women to enter the field, excel in their careers, and assume leadership positions. As the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Management master’s programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL), she has played a pivotal role in shaping the education and development of future supply chain leaders. Her appointment as the Director of the MIT Digital Supply Chain Transformation research lab showcases her visionary thinking and expertise in leveraging digital technologies for supply chain optimization. Dr. Saenz has also spearheaded initiatives to transform supply chain education and bridge the gap between academia and industry. She has taught at the Master’s, PhD, and Executive Education levels and has introduced innovative curriculum enhancements, including the integration of emerging technologies, to equip students with the skills required to navigate the complexities of modern global supply chains.
Dr. Saenz has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications, and has had a global impact on supply chain education through her leadership of academic and business programs in her native Spain, across Europe, and worldwide through the MIT Global SCALE Network of SCM research and education centers.
“MIT CTL, our students, and our industry partners have all benefited from Maria’s experience, ideas, and innovations,” said Prof. Yossi Sheffi, MIT CTL Director. “Her thought leadership over the past two decades has helped to make MIT CTL and the entire SCALE Network among the most respected graduate programs in supply chain management anywhere in the world. We are especially proud that her contributions to the advancement of women in the supply chain management profession have been recognized with this prestigious award.”
Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, noted that this year, the publications received a record 400-plus submissions. Notably, 118 of those applications were submitted by male colleagues nominating their boss, co-worker, or associate, up from 75 last year. Also this year, 39 women self-nominated, compared to just 12 self-nominations last year. “This shows progress. This shows hope that one day, we won’t need an award like this because men and women in the supply chain will be equal,” Mayer said. “While there’s still more work to be done, what we’re doing is working. From truck drivers to CEOs, what these winners are doing matters to the future of all supply chains.”
“Women have been making a significant impact in supply chain management, contributing to the growth and innovation of the supply chain industry,” said Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, founder of the “Let’s Talk Supply Chain” podcast and Blended Pledge project, both exclusive sponsors of the Women in Supply Chain award. “As more women join the supply chain workforce, they bring diverse perspectives that can help address complex supply chain problems and improve global supply chain operations.” Barnes noted the importance of empowering, recognizing, and elevating women’s achievements through initiatives like the Women in Supply Chain Award, adding, “Congratulations to all the winners, those who nominated others, and the bravery of those who nominated themselves.”
The full list of winners can be found at https://foodl.me/fdx1zi. Recipients will be honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum, set to take place November 14–15, 2023, in Atlanta. Go to www.womeninsupplychainforum.com to register and learn more.
About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector and the logistics sector who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Supply & Demand Chain Executive covers the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development, and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.foodlogistics.com and www.sdcexec.com to learn more.
About the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL)
For half a century, the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has been a dynamic hub where industry leaders, faculty, and students collaborate to advance supply chain education and research, with a focus on solving real-world supply chain challenges. MIT CTL offers world-renowned master’s and doctoral programs in Supply Chain Management as well as a range of executive education programs. The center also fosters innovation through its Global Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Network, a worldwide network spanning multiple centers of excellence and numerous corporate partnerships. Learn more: https://ctl.mit.edu/