Women In Supply Chain™ leadership are stepping up at a time when constant disruptions have become the new normal. The old playbooks just aren’t cutting it anymore, and these leaders are bringing the fresh thinking and adaptable mindset companies need to keep moving forward. Their different backgrounds and lived experiences are helping teams see problems from new angles, respond faster, and build supply chains that aren’t thrown off course every time the world shifts—which, lately, seems like every week.
At the same time, consumers have never been more tuned in to where their products come from. Social media, nonstop news, and a growing wave of sustainability content mean people are asking tougher questions about sourcing, carbon footprints, and how workers are treated. Women leading supply chain teams are leaning directly into that pressure, championing greater transparency and pushing for responsible sourcing and production practices that meet these rising expectations without slowing businesses down.
They’re not just helping organizations “keep the lights on”—they’re helping them thrive in a landscape where trust and accountability matter more than ever. By prioritizing open communication, embracing innovation, and making values-driven decisions, Women In Supply Chain™ leadership are shaping operations that are both resilient and responsible. Their approach is helping brands stay competitive, earn consumer trust, and build supply chains that are prepared for whatever comes next.
At Let’s Talk Supply Chain, our Women In Supply Chain™ series is more than a call to action; it’s a movement. Because women and their presence in the supply chain are growing—and so is our influence. Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain™ program, blog, and podcast series showcase the importance of greater gender representation. And this month’s highlighted leader continues to pass it on, sharing her experience with women across various networking groups.
This month, we are honored to feature Christa Hinkel, a logistics leader focused on delivering business value through system integrations. Christa is the Chief of Staff for Chain.io, a supply chain management platform. She boasts a decades-long career in logistics, an MBA in International Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business, and a bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Delaware.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
Ironically, I’ve spent more than half of my life working in some aspect of logistics and supply chain. From a summer job at a stevedoring firm, college internships at a Port, and the U.S. Export Assistance Center, it definitely sparked some interest in international trade. Coupled with a few great lectures from Political Science professors, I found my path, one that at least sounds glamorous on paper!
I held my first full-time job working in Import Ops at a customs broker, and went on to wear a few other hats in Sales and Solutions, helping manage a supply chain visibility tool. I took a detour for a short time to work at EY embedded on a Fortune 1000 account. But ultimately, found my way back into CS, working at software platform, Chain.io, connecting data across the supply chain, where I now serve as Chief of Staff.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
Although I didn’t have mentors early in my career, I took the opportunity to serve as a mentor in various groups in Philadelphia, recognizing the importance of sharing experiences with other women. Over the last few years, I’ve engaged with network groups, including Ladies Who Logistic and Women in Customer Success, and I’ve paired with women whom I consider mentors. They have shared templates, served as a soundboard, and offered advice on approaching specific situations.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
As a woman in the industry, I have always embraced networking opportunities, staying involved with local WITA and WISTA organizations (even serving on the board). I have been fortunate to see women in previous organizations climb the corporate ladder, serving as a good example for me. There was an element of challenge that I also embraced, a challenge to add to the diversity.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
Early in my career, I approached my then-CEO to ask whether he’d consider contributing toward my pursuit of an MBA. I shared that I would go after work and leverage it to benefit the company. Simply getting out of my comfort zone to ask gave me the confidence to find my voice. That moment in time served me well.
5. What advice do you have for Women In Supply Chain™ and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Keep an open mind to continuously learn and compile best practices in every role you hold. Grant yourself the patience and grace to make mistakes. Use your voice, even if yours is a quiet one. Make sure to celebrate those around you and lift each other up. Finally, remember, even not making a decision is a decision.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
There are indeed individuals I admire both in and outside of the industry because they share their expertise not for personal gain, but to contribute to better systems, tools, practices, and even people. One person whom I consider family has retired as an Organizational coach, and to this day, I look up to him for his values and ethics. He taught me the importance of understanding the why behind actions. No team thrives together if they don’t know why they’re working towards something. That applies to any industry.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I have learned that being flexible is a strength. I’ve realized that culture and how people are treated in the workplace matter, whether in person or virtually. It’s advantageous to “check in with yourself” at various points in your career to ensure that you have some level of fulfillment. My hope is that I leave some room in the future as “TBD” to add some adventure to my resume.
I want to continue working to remain respected for my authenticity as a colleague and a leader, experimenting with new tools, and building my personal brand.
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain™ feature mean to you?
Being featured makes me proud. I’m always impressed by the broad and diverse topics Let’s Talk Supply Chain’s Women In Supply Chain™ series covers across the industry, and I have immense respect for the voices shared.
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 created by Marina Mayer and Jason Desearle to foster real connections—bringing men and women 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. 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. Find out more: Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
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.
