The supply chain has been taken by storm so far this year. Extreme rain and winter weather across both coasts have caused delays or outright cancellations, and a solar storm even paused flights in some areas. Extreme weather is the new normal, and can only accelerate. Weathering the storm takes proactive, strategic approaches that only diversity in thought and representation can provide.
Women bolster supply chains against extreme weather by leveraging unique, localized knowledge of natural resources, serving as first responders in disasters, and driving sustainable, community-based adaptation. Empowering women with resources, training, and decision-making roles increases agricultural yields, ensures more resilient, sustainable sourcing, and drives supply chain agility.
Women are primed to respond to weather disasters, both on-site and behind the scenes. Because they are frequently the primary caregivers in their households, they are often the first responders when disaster strikes, managing community safety and resource scarcity for a faster recovery.
And empowering women to lead is profitable too. Businesses with women on their executive committees earn a return on equity almost 50% higher than those without. Organizations in the top 25% for gender diversity are 27% more likely to outperform the industry average in profitability.
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 highlighted leader is an outspoken advocate for women entering the industry and advancing in their careers.
We’re proud to feature Shawntell Kroese, a transportation executive and managing partner at Russel-Kroese Partners and an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Shawntell has over two decades of logistics experience, a Masters in Business Administration from Creighton University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She serves as an advisory board member for the Great Plains Susan G. Komen chapter.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
I started my career at Union Pacific Railroad, where I spent over two decades learning the business from the ground up—everything from energy and chemicals to intermodal. I grew into leadership roles over time, managing billion-dollar portfolios and, ultimately, led the merger of four subsidiaries into Loup Logistics, where I ran a $1.3 billion P&L and guided 200+ employees through a major transformation.
Then I had the opportunity to broaden my perspective on trucking and sustainability at Werner Enterprises. I led sales operations, worked closely with the executive team, and even launched the company’s first corporate social responsibility report. The experience deepened my understanding of how rail and trucking fit together to create end-to-end supply chain solutions.
Now, in addition to consulting and teaching at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, I’m focused on mentoring others and helping businesses navigate complex supply chain challenges. For me, the recognition I’ve received—like being named a Women In Supply Chain™ honoree—is really about the journey of growth, resilience, and helping others succeed along the way.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
I’ve been fortunate to have multiple mentors who shaped my career in meaningful ways. At Union Pacific, Doug Glass taught me the importance of customer focus and strategic thinking. He pushed me to grow into larger leadership roles. Later at Werner Enterprises, Nathan Meisgeier encouraged me to broaden my perspective, especially around sustainability and corporate strategy, while trusting me to take on high-visibility projects. Both guided me with honesty and support, helping me build confidence and grow as a leader.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
My career has been in rail and trucking, industries that are traditionally male-dominated. I had to build trust and consistently deliver results to earn credibility, often as the only woman in the room. Over time, I learned to view that as an opportunity to bring a unique perspective and show that leadership comes from performance, not fitting a mold. Mentoring other women and leading initiatives that create space for them to succeed have been among the most meaningful parts of my journey. I’m proud to use my platform to encourage the next generation of Women In Supply Chain™ to lead with confidence
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
The moment it really clicked for me was when I decided to leave Union Pacific after more than two decades. Walking away from the familiar there to pursue new opportunities at Werner and then consulting and teaching took courage, and it also showed me the power of trusting my own instincts. That moment gave me confidence that my voice had value—not just at one company, but across the broader supply chain industry.
5. What advice do you have for Women In Supply Chain™ and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that feel bigger than you—that’s where the growth happens. Find mentors who will empower you, and then pay it forward by lifting others as you climb. Most importantly, lead with both confidence and authenticity, because this industry needs leaders who bring their whole selves to the table.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I really admire Nathan Meisgeier, President and CLO of Werner Enterprises. He leads with integrity, accountability, and long-term strategy in an industry that can be very short-term focused. What I respected most was his ability to balance tough business decisions with a genuine commitment to people and culture. Leaders like Nathan reinforced that true success in supply chain comes not only from driving results, but also from building trust and empowering teams.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I thrive when I’m challenged to step into change—whether it was leading large teams at Union Pacific, taking on sustainability at Werner, or moving into consulting and teaching. I’ve discovered my greatest strength: combining business strategy with people development, and I find the most fulfillment in helping others grow while driving results.
I will continue to use that platform to mentor, teach, and consult, influencing the next generation of leaders and shaping how supply chain adapts to the opportunities ahead, especially in areas like innovation, sustainability, and talent development.
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.
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.
