When the TrailblazeHers Program launched in 2021, its mission was simple but bold: close the gender gap in supply chain leadership.
Created by the Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI), TrailblazeHers was designed for women with one to five years of experience who want to grow as leaders in a rapidly changing, tech-driven industry. In just four years, the program has grown from 21 participants and mentors to more than 115 women representing companies like IKEA, Estée Lauder, Target, Nike, and Under Armour.
The program blends research-based insights with practical leadership development through two main formats:
- Open Mics, where participants can ask anything about supply chain, career growth, or leadership; and
- Live Sessions, which dive deeper into DSCI research and skill-building topics led by experienced supply chain leaders.
Each participant is paired with a mentor for one-on-one guidance and becomes part of a global peer network that extends well beyond the program.
This year, TrailblazeHers evolved from a three-month course into a yearlong initiative. The new structure includes “supplementary sessions” that are short, focused workshops on timely topics like Keys to Success as a First-Time Manager.
By combining DSCI’s global research with leadership training, TrailblazeHers helps emerging leaders master both the hard and soft skills needed to thrive in today’s digital, fast-paced environment. Recent sessions have explored how to use AI as a tool for innovation, as well as problem-solving and effective executive communication.
Looking ahead, DSCI is researching the skills supply chain professionals will need in the next five years—with input from TrailblazeHers alumnae—to ensure future cohorts stay ahead of industry change.
More than a professional development program, TrailblazeHers is a community. The relationships formed here spark collaboration across industries and borders, accelerating innovation and problem-solving.
By investing in women’s leadership today, DSCI is helping to build a more diverse, resilient, and future-ready supply chain ecosystem.
Interested in joining or partnering with next year’s TrailblazeHers cohort? Learn more at https://dscinstitute.org/trailblazehers/.