International Women’s Day falls in March each year, but not everyone realizes that it doesn’t start or end there. March is Women’s History Month—a time to elevate their historical moves, ground-breaking achievements, and those still underway. This month, we recognize women across our lives (even families) and professional networks, and talk about the progress that’s still needed for them. If you think you’ve seen a drumbeat of LinkedIn posts lately about your connections’ mothers, it’s probably no coincidence.
The dedicated month has a rich and global history. It all started on February 28th, 1909, withNational Women’s Day, marking the protest by women workers in New York who had marched through the streets the year prior. These women had extremely reasonable demands: the right to better working conditions and the right to vote.
The following year, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed that National Women’s Day be recognized as an international day each year—and that it would be honored at an annual conference of working women in Copenhagen. With seventeen countries involved, the attendees, including members of unions, socialist parties, and working women’s clubs, unanimously approved Zetkin’s idea.
That brings us to the first International Women’s Day, celebrated more than a century ago in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark in 1911. Finally, the holiday became widely celebrated in the U.S. when the UN began observing it in 1975.
We’re in the 2020s now, and it’s common knowledge that women make history all year round. But March marks the annual observance of how their contributions shape culture and society and our rich history across decades and nations. Each year is emblazoned with a theme by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA). This year’s is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” and it brings about great questions, like how can we support other women in our lives and save environmental resources.
At Let’s Talk Supply Chain, our Women In Supply Chain™ series has been dedicated to continuously recognizing and applauding women across the industry, with diverse personal and professional backgrounds and at different stages in their lives. We believe their stories and achievements contribute to the larger shift to women leading in the logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain spaces drastically more than in decades prior. And while we’re proud to highlight women every month in our dedicated blog series, and through our podcasts and other content, there are so many other groundbreakers in the community. We are proud of the progress we’ve continued to see for women in the industry.
Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain™ program, blog, and podcast series showcase the importance of greater gender representation. This month’s featured leader, Laura Wandurraga, is the perfect leader to feature during International Women’s History Month, with her background in logistics in Colombia and her championship of other women in the industry. Laura is a service-oriented logistics professional with a background in freight forwarding. She is the Logistics Manager at Stussy, Inc., and is a graduate of both Universidad Externado de Colombia and Australian Pacific College.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
I started my journey in logistics in Colombia, where I first worked in freight forwarding, learning the complexities of moving goods across freight and managing tight timelines. That experience gave me a strong foundation in operations and an appreciation for the role forwarders play in keeping supply chains moving.
When I transitioned to the importer side, I discovered a new perspective, one that required not only operational expertise but also strategy, collaboration with vendors, and aligning logistics decisions with overall business goals. This shift allowed me to grow from executing shipments to designing processes, supporting special projects, and mentoring others.
Today, as I step into a managerial role, I carry both perspectives with me, which helps me bridge gaps, anticipate challenges, and create more resilient solutions. My journey reflects both my roots as a Colombian professional and my commitment to building stronger, more diverse supply chains.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at different stages of my career who have shaped the professional I am today. Back in Colombia, Janett Barreto was a great mentor who helped me build a strong foundation in logistics and inspired me to keep pushing forward. Now, as I grow into a management role, Alex Yakimov has been instrumental in guiding me, encouraging me to step into leadership with confidence, and helping me develop a more strategic vision. Their support at different points in my journey has been invaluable.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Working in a historically male-dominated industry has taught me resilience and the importance of believing in my own voice. While there have been moments where I felt I needed to prove myself more, those challenges have only made me more determined to grow and lead with confidence. I’ve also been fortunate to work with leaders who value diversity and mentorship, which has shown me that inclusion is possible and impactful. My experience has reinforced my commitment to paving the way for other women to see supply chain as a field where they can thrive and make a difference.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
I found my voice when I transitioned from the freight forwarding side to the importer side of logistics. Suddenly, I wasn’t just moving shipments; I was part of the bigger picture, making decisions that impacted strategy and operations. That shift pushed me to speak up, share my perspective, and trust that my experience brought value to the team. It was the moment everything clicked, and I began to see myself not just as a coordinator, but as a leader in supply chain.
5. What advice do you have for Women In Supply Chain™ and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Trust in your abilities and speak up, even when it feels like you’re the only woman in the room. Seek out mentors who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or learn from their experiences. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember that resilience and curiosity will carry you far. Most importantly, support other women along the way; lifting each other up strengthens the entire industry.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
Someone I truly admire is my Dad. He is the definition of honesty, hard work, and integrity, and I’ve always looked up to the way he leads by example. I often go to him for advice on how to be a good leader, and his guidance reminds me that leadership is about treating people with respect and staying grounded in your values. His influence has shaped not only my career but also the way I aspire to grow as a manager.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I’ve learned that I am stronger and more capable than I ever imagined, able to take on challenges I once thought were beyond me. Transitioning from freight forwarding to the importer side, and now stepping into a management role, has shown me that growth comes from embracing new perspectives and trusting my abilities. I’ve also realized the importance of mentorship and lifting others as I grow, which shapes both my career and the teams I lead. Looking ahead, I aim to continue building strong, efficient, and inclusive supply chain processes while inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in this industry. The future is about growth, impact, and making a difference in every area I touch.
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain™ feature mean to you?
Being featured in Women In Supply Chain™ is a personal career milestone and a celebration of the many mentors, colleagues, and teams who have inspired and supported me along the way. This recognition reinforces my commitment to helping others advance in the supply chain industry by creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and encouraging more women to pursue leadership in this vital field.
We hope our Women In Supply Chain™ blog series inspires readers to reimagine what’s possible, take action, and bring people from different backgrounds together for stronger and more meaningful collaboration. Keep reading our Women In Supply Chain™ Blog.
Women In Supply Chain™: Empowering Your Journey at Every Career Stage
Whether you’re just starting or leading at the highest levels, our Women In Supply Chain™ membership programs are designed to support you in every career phase. We offer multiple tailored tiers to help you connect, grow, and lead within the supply chain industry.
Women In Supply Chain™ Connections
Build Your Network. Shape Your Future. ($199/year)
Step into a vibrant community where you can share, learn, and grow as a woman in supply chain. Whether you’re just beginning your career or seeking support in your current role, Women In Supply Chain™ Connections provides an essential space to connect, network, and thrive. For $199 a year, you’ll will:
What you’ll experience:
Dynamic virtual discussions on pressing industry topics
Exclusive access to targeted job opportunities through our community board
Meet-ups to build authentic relationships with peers
Bi-annual virtual networking events with industry leaders
A supportive community that champions your growth
Perfect for: Supply chain professionals seeking to expand their network and tap into a supportive community of like-minded women.
Connect, Collaborate, and Grow with Women In Supply Chain™ Connections
Are you a woman navigating the dynamic world of supply chain? Join our vibrant community and gain access to:
Virtual discussions on relevant topics
Community job boards and local meetups
Bi-annual virtual networking events
And much more!
Join today for just $199 a year!
Meet Our Sponsors
The Women In Supply Chain™ Forum™ was co-created by Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, to bring female logistics professionals together to network, learn, and build lasting bonds beyond traditional conferences. It’s about strengthening pipelines, creating a community of advocates, mentors, and trusted peers and branding yourself, both personally and professionally. Similarly, the Women In Supply Chain™ Award was born from a need to recognize female leaders navigating challenges and driving change. Since its inception five years ago, it has grown to nearly 400 submissions, celebrating the achievements of women shaping the future of supply chain. Go to https://www.womeninsupplychainforum.com to learn more about the Women In Supply Chain™ Forum and head to https://www.sdcexec.com/awards/women-in-supply-chain to learn more about the Women In Supply Chain™ Award.
About the Author
Naomi Sylvian is a content marketing leader with more than 17 years of experience, and the editor of Let’s Talk Supply Chain™’s Women In Supply Chain™ series. Her works have appeared on Forbes, Mashable, Business Insider, The Muse, and Yahoo, and have been mentioned by The New York Times Online. Naomi mentors at-risk teens to fight recidivism and contribute on a local level, working with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.
