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MIT's CLT Nurtures Supply Chain Leaders with Focus on Women

By: GWL Team | Thursday, 9 November 2023

MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL) stands as a beacon for nurturing supply chain leaders and advocating women's empowerment, with Maria Jesus Saenz at the helm. As the Executive Director of MIT's Supply Chain Management Master's program and Director of the Digital Supply Chain Transformation Lab, Maria Jesus Saenz exemplifies dedication and expertise, seamlessly blending her passion for logistics, supply chain education, and digital transformation.

Maria Jesus Saenz's academic journey is a testimony to her adaptability and multifaceted expertise. Initially specializing in industrial engineering, her pivot to supply chain management took root when she took a chance, stepping into logistics education as a tenured professor.

This transition marked the beginning of her transformative journey into the space of complex supply chain management. In 2018, she made a significant career move to join MIT CTL, focusing on applied research that blends hands-on problem-solving and multidisciplinary approaches, redefining the landscape of supply chain education.

Recognized for her professional excellence, Saenz was honoured with the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award, acknowledging her mentorship and leadership in the supply chain management domain. Her influence extends beyond accolades, as she actively participates in organizations like AWESOME and CSCMP, advocating for women's advancements in leadership roles within the supply chain.

Saenz's pivotal role extends beyond recognition and awards. Her approach is twofold - equipping future leaders with the tools to navigate the intricacies of global supply chains while fostering an environment that encourages questioning conventional ideas and embracing an entrepreneurial spirit. By integrating cutting-edge AI strategies and expanding analytics in MIT's supply chain curriculum, she ensures that students are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Moreover, Maria Jesus Saenz not only focuses on grooming potential leaders but also emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to recognize their own leadership capabilities. By fostering an environment that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages collective growth, Saenz shapes a cohort of future leaders poised to tackle the complex challenges in the supply chain management domain.

Maria Jesus Saenz's contributions extend beyond academia and professional accomplishments. Her active involvement in supporting women's empowerment in supply chain management stands as a testament to her commitment.

Through her exemplary guidance and vision, she paves the way for women in the supply chain to achieve their full potential, fostering a new generation of leaders within the industry.