Women in leadership are making a powerful impact on the supply chain industry. With fresh perspectives and a collaborative mindset, Women In Supply Chain™ are modernizing how supply chains operate. They focus on more than just efficiency and cost-savings—bringing emotional intelligence, communication savvy, and a deep commitment to building strong, resilient teams. That people-first approach can change everything, especially in a space that relies so heavily on relationships, coordination, and long-term trust to navigate ongoing disruption.
The biggest shifts we’re seeing are centered around agility and innovation. Women in leadership roles are often more flexible and stronger in creative problem-solving—exactly what’s needed in an unpredictable global environment. From navigating tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty to managing disruptions like port congestion or raw material shortages, these women leaders are leaning into transparency and collaboration. They don’t hold back; they ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and push for smarter tools that make supply chains more responsive.
And it’s not just about what’s happening at one business. Women In Supply Chain™ leadership are also building stronger relationships with suppliers and customers, investing in sustainability, and advocating for more inclusive and ethical practices. They’re changing the face of the industry—showing that leading with empathy and strength isn’t just possible, it’s incredibly effective. As more companies recognize the value of diverse leadership, we’re seeing supply chains become more adaptable, connected, and ready for whatever comes next.
And at Let’s Talk Supply Chain, we think this is more than a trend; it’s a movement. There’s a growing workforce of Women In Supply Chain™ who see and approach things differently, bringing fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box solutions. Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain™ program, blog, and podcast series showcase the importance of greater gender representation.
We hope our Women In Supply Chain™ blog series motivates our readers to reimagine what’s possible and bring people from different backgrounds together for stronger and more meaningful collaboration.
This month, we are proud to feature Beth Flippo. Beth is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Dexa, an innovative aviation company dedicated to revolutionizing retail logistics with autonomous drone technology, aiming for a more connected and sustainable supply chain. She’s dedicated to developing and communicating a clear and inspiring vision for her company’s role in changing what’s possible for retail. Beth boasts a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University. She has a certification in entrepreneurship from Small Business Growth Services and is a licensed UAS pilot.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
My journey began as an embedded software engineer working in robotics and unmanned systems. During the height of the pandemic, I moved my husband and four children from New Jersey to a small apartment in Ohio to be closer to Kroger’s headquarters, taking a leap of faith to launch our first drone delivery operation. With no furniture and little funding, we built our earliest prototypes on a kitchen table, turning that small space into the foundation of what would become Drone Express. Today, we are one of only four companies in the world with FAA Part 135 certification to operate drone delivery as a certified air carrier. We also design and manufacture our aircraft entirely in the U.S., serving national retailers like Kroger and Papa Johns. It’s been a path filled with uncertainty and grit, but also vision, resilience, and a belief that we could transform the future of logistics.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
I am an accidental engineer. In my senior year of high school, students had the option of taking Computer Science or Creative Writing. I chose creative writing. Apparently, no girls signed up for the computer science course. The computer science teacher, Mr. Jacobson, had four daughters and refused to teach the class without female representation. He asked the school for a list of female students who excelled in math.
He then went to each of us, including me, and asked us to take the computer science course. I agreed. When I arrived on the first day, I quickly realized that I was the only girl who switched to computer science. I was very nervous, but Mr. Jacobson helped me through the entire course. I fell in love with programming in that class. I finally found something that I was passionate about. He encouraged me to go to Engineering School, even while my parents had their doubts. I graduated from the engineering school at The State University of New York at Binghamton in 1999. If it hadn’t been for Mr. Jacobson, I would never have become an engineer. The encouragement of one person changed everything for me.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Working in male-dominated industries like aviation and technology has been both challenging and isolating at times. Only 3% of CEOs in aviation are women, and when combined with the tech sector—another industry where women are underrepresented—the barriers can feel especially steep. There have been moments when I was overlooked or underestimated, but I’ve learned to let results speak louder than doubt. I’m incredibly proud to have earned an FAA Part 135 certification and built a nationally operating drone airline as a female founder. I’m committed to showing other women that not only do we belong in these spaces, we’re capable of leading them.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
I found my voice the moment I realized no one was coming to permit me—I had to claim it for myself. That moment came when we launched our first drone delivery flights with Kroger. Standing there, watching something we built from scratch take off—literally—was when it all came together. I knew then that I belonged in this space and that my voice had power because it was backed by action, vision, and results.
5. What advice do you have for Women In Supply Chain™ and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready because the most meaningful growth comes from saying yes before you have it all figured out. Trust your instincts, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and support you in equal measure. And remember: your voice and perspective matter, especially in the rooms where they’re not yet fully represented.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
I deeply admire Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She built a billion-dollar company from nothing, without outside investment by trusting her instincts in a space where she was constantly underestimated. Her resilience, creativity, and authenticity continue to inspire me as a founder navigating similarly uncharted territory. She reminds me that it’s possible to lead with both heart and hustle—and still win.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I’ve learned that I’m far more resilient than I ever imagined. Building something from nothing—especially in a heavily regulated, male-dominated industry—has taught me to trust my instincts, stay patient, and keep pushing even when the odds feel impossible. I’ve also learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having the courage to move forward anyway.
As for the future, I’m focused on scaling drone logistics globally and paving the way for more women to lead in aviation and technology. The mission is bigger than me now, and that’s exactly how it should be.
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain™ feature mean to you?
Being featured in the Women In Supply Chain™ series is both an honor and a deeply personal milestone. The recognition affirms that there is space—and a real need—for bold, diverse leadership in an industry that’s rapidly evolving. As a founder in drone logistics, it’s meaningful to be part of a movement that is reshaping how the world thinks about supply chains. It also gives me the chance to inspire other women to lead with vision, take risks, and build the future of logistics from the ground up. I’m proud to represent what’s possible when innovation and resilience come together.
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. Subscribe to her LinkedIn newsletter, The Chain Explained, for all things Supply Chain broken down with as many pop-culture references as possible, or view her marketing portfolio online.
