Women in Supply Chain: WSI's Maria Madrigal Details Why Human Connection is Key

Maria Madrigal, director of operations at WSI, was named one of Food Logistics' and Supply & Demand Chain Executive's 2024 Women in Supply Chain award winners in the Trailblazers category. 

She started her career as a window clerk, and without any formal logistics education or experience, eventually became WSI's first female director of operations. 

Throughout her 24-year career, Madrigal has helped pave the way for other men and women, standing up for what she believes in and championing others along the way.

Madrigal sat down with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, founder of Let's Talk Supply Chain podcast and Blended Pledge program, both presenting sponsors of the Women in Supply Chain award, live from the 2024 Women in Supply Chain Forum to talk the three qualities every successful mentor should have, how to find the balance between real-life experience and formal education and why human connection is key.

CLICK HERE to watch the interview. To see more interviews with Women in Supply Chain winners, visit the Women in Supply Chain series, produced by Let's Talk Supply Chain and hosted by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this year's Women in Supply Chain winners, presented by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

This series would not be possible without the collaboration and partnership between Food Logistics, Supply & Demand Chain Executive and the Women in Supply Chain Forum with Let's Talk Supply Chain and Blended Pledge. This partnership celebrates the transformative impact women leaders have on the supply chain industry, driving innovation, resilience, and inclusivity. These awards shine a spotlight on trailblazers who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of supply chain management. And the Forum fosters meaningful conversations, networking, and collaboration to empower the next generation of leaders. By recognizing and amplifying these achievements, this initiative inspires progress across the industry. Join us in celebrating these extraordinary women and championing diversity—nominate a leader, attend the forum, and be part of this powerful movement shaping the future of supply chains.