Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global

Executives in international logistics handle how products are shipped worldwide and ensure they reach their destination. Deborah Winkleback, who’s career started in 1974 at Montgomery Ward, was hired in 1993 at Hoffman Estates-based Claire’s Stores Inc., a retailer featuring jewelry and accessories.  As she worked her way up the corporate ladder, Winkleback fell in love with the international aspect of logistics. Highlights of her accomplishments at Claire’s are as follows:

• Built a “best in class” logistics and compliance system
• Earned industry standards recognition.
• Grew company under her tenure from 110 stores in the United States to nearly 3,200 stores in 46 countries.
• Established the Winkleblack Second Chance Fund at Triton College (designed for self-supporting women over 21 who were not able to attend college after high school).
• Developed a Foreign Trade Zone for Claire’s, which allowed shipments to be entered and consolidated at their North American distribution center in Hoffman Estates.
• Mentors students at Harper College and College of DuPage in careers in supply chain.

The number of women executives in international logistics is growing. According to Council of Supply Chain Management Professions: “About 20 percent of its 8,500 members are women.”

While the majority of supply chain and logistics professionals in previous decades were men, women are increasingly choosing these fields as careers, adding value to their companies, their customers, and to the global supply chain community at large, said Rick Blasgen, president and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

Read more: Claire’s executive sees future for women in logistics

REMINDER:  Laurel Delaney will give the first complimentary WEGG Webinar on how to export on Wednesday, January 6th from 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 noon Central time.  Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6551786751409319169  This is the first in a monthly series.