With Focus on Women MIT's CTL to Train Supply Chain Leaders

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 9 November 2023

MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL) stands out as a stronghold for nurturing future leaders in the realm of supply chain management, with Maria Jesus Saenz leading the charge. Serving as the Executive Director of MIT's Supply Chain Management Master's program and as Director of the Digital Supply Chain Transformation Lab, Saenz displays unwavering dedication and expertise, seamlessly merging her passion for logistics, supply chain education, and digital transformation.

Saenz's academic trajectory epitomizes her adaptability and multidimensional proficiency. Initially trained in industrial engineering, her trajectory shifted towards supply chain management when she ventured into teaching logistics as a tenured professor.

This transition marked the genesis of her journey into the intricate sphere of complex supply chain management. Her significant career shift to join MIT CTL in 2018 underscored her focus on applied research, integrating practical problem-solving and diverse approaches, thereby reshaping the landscape of supply chain education.

Her professional excellence was acknowledged with the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award, recognizing her mentorship and leadership in the supply chain management arena. Beyond her awards, Saenz actively engages with organizations like AWESOME and CSCMP, advocating for women's progression into leadership roles within the supply chain.

Saenz's pivotal role extends beyond mere accolades. Her approach encompasses empowering prospective leaders with the necessary tools to navigate global supply chain intricacies, fostering an environment that encourages innovative thinking and entrepreneurial vigour. Through the incorporation of state-of-the-art AI strategies and expanded analytics in MIT's supply chain curriculum, she ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Moreover, Saenz emphasizes not only grooming potential leaders but also fostering self-recognition of leadership capabilities among students. By encouraging a climate that challenges orthodox perspectives and stimulates collective growth, she cultivates a cohort of future leaders primed to confront the intricate challenges within supply chain management.

Saenz's contributions surpass academic and professional spheres. Her active involvement in advancing women's empowerment in supply chain management underscores her unwavering commitment. Through her exemplary guidance and foresight, she paves the way for women in the supply chain to unleash their full potential, nurturing a new cadre of leaders within the industry.