Empowering Logistics: Spotlight on Women in Supply Chain
At STG Logistics, we believe in the power that diversity can bring to a workforce and have been honored to have a variety of amazing employees from unique backgrounds join our team. This has included many hardworking women over the years who help break down barriers, continue to leave a mark in our field, and keep our logistics operations running smoothly. Their contributions have been pivotal to our success at STG Logistics over the last 40 years, and in honor of Women’s History Month, we’d love to shine a spotlight on their success. Read on to hear from a few of the talented women currently on our team as they share insights about their experience as women in logistics, while we highlight their accomplishments and celebrate diversity in supply chain.
Honoring Last Year’s Women in Supply Chain Winners
The Women in Supply Chain Awards recognize female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments and mentorship have paved the way for all women in the supply chain network. This past year, we were lucky enough to have three of our very own STG Logistics’ employees honored with awards, making their mark in the industry and contributing to diversity in the supply chain. We’re excited to share a bit more about these supply chain leaders and explore the inclusive culture we’re proud to have built.
Nikki Driskill, Vice President of Customer Service
Nikki received the Women in Supply Chain Trailblazers award and the Workforce Innovator award, both special honors highlighting those who make their mark for other women in logistics. With a career spanning 26 years, she says she’s had to adapt to major changes in the industry and rely on her problem-solving abilities, patience, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor to get the job done. We’re lucky to have her on our team and we look forward to continuing to grow together.
Heidi McKenna, Vice President, People
Heidi received the DEI and Supply Chain Award and an Outstanding Acknowledgement in the DEI Pioneer category, which celebrates diversity in supply chain and strong female leadership. This couldn’t be more fitting, as Heidi has made an invaluable impact on our internal DEI programs, empowering others to step up and make a change.
Mercedes Pina, Vice President, Client Services and Expedited Pricing
Mercedes received the Rising Star award, which honors young professionals continuing to shape the supply chain industry. From her roots as a young immigrant in Long Island to taking on her current role at just 33 years old, she has worked hard to get where she is today, maintaining a positive attitude every step of the way. Mercedes has been critical to developing STG Logistics’ Account Management division and shows her commitment through her customer relationships while managing important accounts.
Recently, she also shared her insights about bridging the women in supply chain gap and talked a bit about why mentoring other women in logistics is important on the Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast. We’re grateful for her continued perseverance and know she will continue to do great things in the future.
We couldn’t be more proud of our amazing winners and they truly represent the best of the STG Logistics team. Read more about 2024’s Women in Supply Chain winners and stay tuned for this year’s winners.
Hear From More of Our Rising Stars
We have many incredible women working at all levels and sectors of STG Logistics, keeping transloading, drayage, intermodal, contract logistics, and container shipping operations running efficiently. We’re excited to highlight just a few of their empowering stories and celebrate diversity in supply chain.
Stephany Danta: Operations Manager
Stephany has been with STG Logistics since 2021, and has grown significantly during her time here. She says,
“A proud moment for me working with STG is reflecting on how much I’ve grown in my career. I’ve learned so much from my team and leaders, and I truly love what I do. I thrive on challenges, and from starting with no experience in this field, I’ve gained so much knowledge and accomplished so much. I’m grateful for the journey and excited for what lies ahead.”
She also shares her advice for other women in supply chain.
“For all the amazing ladies out there looking to get into the logistics field, don’t let anything hold you back! The industry is full of opportunities, and with determination, passion, and a willingness to learn, you can thrive. Your unique perspective and skills will make a huge impact. Don’t be afraid to step up, embrace challenges, and break barriers—this field needs your talent and drive! The possibilities are endless, and your success is within reach!”
Marisol Cervantez: Manager, National Customer Support
Marisol has also been with STG Logistics since 2021 and is happy to say that the industry is evolving to be more inclusive.
“This career field has been exciting… the industry is becoming more approachable for women in this field. My own advice would be to find supportive mentors, take the opportunity to learn and don’t be afraid of opportunities if they knock at your door. Learn to walk through the door and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Take the time and lessons to grow as I know I did. When I first started it was scary to be a woman in a male dominated industry, but it’s about being the difference maker and not being afraid to speak up.”
Kathy Blount, Director, Operations Ocean
Kathy has been with STG Logistics since 2018, and helped us navigate a very tricky period in the industry. She looks back on her time and celebrates women in procurement.
“I’ve been with STG for coming up on 7 years and it has really flown by. When I look back on the last 7 years one of the most challenging periods for me and us that I’m very proud of began in March of 2020. We were all thrust into an unknown world of a global pandemic, Covid. While most everyone was working from home, we showed up every day not knowing exactly how much more at risk we were for being here together continuing to process and make goods available. Once we gained some confidence in implementing safety protocols that helped keep us safe, we began the marathon of handling the massive increase in imports and consumer goods. This marathon was like a relentless perpetual peak season in the middle of a global pandemic. I am proud of our teams here in Compton for working through all the unknowns and for the determination and positive attitudes our teams demonstrated every day. I still feel this way about my team here at STG Logistics in Compton, CA. They are amazing people and it’s really true, At STG Our People Make the Difference.”
Stephany Villagomez: Container Yard Coordinator
For Stephany, who has been on our team for 2 years, logistics posed a challenging and rewarding opportunity. She says,
“For me, logistics is all about connection. It’s the unseen force that keeps the world moving. I’ve always been fascinated by how things get from point A to point B, whether it’s a small package or an entire industry. What inspired me was realizing how much potential there is to make a real difference optimizing systems, solving problems, and building solutions that impact people’s lives in ways they might not even realize. It’s the kind of career that lets you be a change maker, and that excited me.”
Mia Bryant: Benefits Manager
Mia has been with us since 2020 and is passionate about inclusion and diversity in supply chain, saying:
“I am passionate about fostering positive change in a traditionally male-dominated industry by advocating for inclusivity and prioritizing employee well-being in the logistics sector and contributing to the overall global economy.”
Jeorgina Jauregui: Manager, Operations
Jeorgina has been on our team for almost five years and shares her thoughts on women in supply chain.
“The thing I love the most about working in this industry is how it is rapidly changing, and all the great people I get to work with. Advice I would give to a woman thinking of pursuing a career in Logistics, is to go for it. It’s a very rewarding career and there is always room for growth.”
Kathleen Kandyba: Sr. Operations Manager
Kathleen has been a huge contributor on our team for decades, having joined STG Logistics in 1990. What’s her favorite part of working in the industry? She says it’s the people.
“In our industry the people seem to stay around, they just move from company to company but you always see the good ones still around.”
Her proudest moment?
“I helped create the Equipment Reservation System back in the day. Before that, our customers all had to call in and everything was manual. It took a lot of work and long hours but we came up with a great platform for its day.”
Lori Hooper Texas: EVP, Sales
Lori joined the STG Logistics team in 2012 and has been an invaluable talent. She loves being among women in logistics, saying,
“The problem-solving aspect has always been a key driver for me, as I enjoy tackling challenges and finding efficient solutions. Additionally, leading commercial allows me to contribute strategically while driving business success in a dynamic environment. I also value the networking opportunities and the chance to meet and connect with people, which adds another rewarding aspect to my career.”
She tells other women in the industry to fully dive in and don’t be afraid to take risks.
“Embrace the fast-paced nature of the industry and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Confidence and adaptability are key, especially in problem-solving and leadership roles. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take initiative – logistics is an industry that rewards those who step up, think strategically, and drive results.”
Megan Williams Dublin: Sr. Vice President, Regional
Megan has been with us for four years and has enjoyed her time in the field, encouraging other women to do the same.
“My advice to women considering logistics is to just do it! I wish more women knew how translatable many of the skills they have are to a successful career in Logistics and Transportation. We need more communicators, problem solvers and executors with new ideas to continue to move this industry forward. No matter what your strengths or weaknesses are, there is a place for you in logistics that you can grow and be successful!”
Irene Mireles Rialto: Administrative Supervisor
Irene, with us since 2012, fell into the field by chance but has only continued to thrive among women in logistics.
“The distribution industry is a fast-paced industry. I love to collaborate with my fellow colleagues in assisting and supporting each dept., to ensure our operations run smoothly.
Women are thriving in the STG CLS division, if you love to be part of a growing team, STG is for you. I’m fortunate to have been mentored by one of the best teams in our STG CLS division. I moved into a management position as an admin supervisor and supporting our operations team. I recently assisted with launching our 390K sq. ft. warehouse in Rialto, CA.”
Building a Brighter Future
At STG Logistics, we will continue to prioritize diversity in supply chain and encourage women to join our team. If you’re one of the many amazing women in procurement, you have support. The Women in Supply Chain (WISC) Association provides many opportunities to connect with other women in the industry while working together to create opportunities. Want to share your own story? Sign up for the Women in Supply Chain Forum for the chance to network with others in executive leadership.
At STG Logistics, we believe we are better together and we can best serve our customers when we have the strongest team for the job. Thank you to all our incredible women in logistics for offering your diverse perspectives. We look forward to a bright future and continued growth ahead.
