First, let’s talk about what’s happening in supply chain now and how women leaders can help. New tariffs are already driving ripples across global supply chains, overturning established sourcing strategies and disrupting production timelines. Targeted primarily at electronics, automotive parts, and semiconductors from Asia, these tariffs have many manufacturers halting or renegotiating contracts with long-standing suppliers. While businesses scramble to reroute sourcing to alternative regions like Southeast Asia or Latin America, they’re challenged with unfamiliar customs regulations, longer lead times, and limited capacity, factors collectively limiting inventory flow and increasing costs.
Retailers and manufacturers are wrestling with rising freight and storage expenses while goods pile up at ports pending new compliance documentation or re-exportation. The increasing complexity around import classifications and duties is forcing supply chain teams to invest in trade compliance and legal advisory services to keep shipments moving. In the United States, importers are reporting delivery delays of up to three weeks, especially for parts critical to automotive and consumer electronics production. Meanwhile, ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Savannah are undergoing significant congestion as businesses attempt to front-load shipments ahead of escalating tariffs.
These disruptions are seeping into B2B relationships, with many suppliers renegotiating pricing to account for higher duties and raw material costs. Many companies are accelerating nearshoring efforts, but domestic suppliers aren’t yet scaled to meet new demands, leading to a temporary bottleneck in supply availability. Additionally, smaller companies, without multinationals’ financial buffer or sourcing flexibility, are struggling to adapt, potentially triggering consolidation or market exits altogether. As geopolitical tensions persist, businesses are realizing that the new tariff landscape is a structural shift that demands long-term re-strategizing.
But, there’s always a silver lining. Because rising to meet the moment demands diversity in thought and representation, and the logistics industry has a vibrant and expansive talent pool. Our Let’s Talk Supply Chain Women In Supply Chain program, blog, and podcast series feature the powerful impact of growing gender representation. We hope our Women In Supply Chain blog series inspires you to bring people from different backgrounds together for deeper and more meaningful collaboration.
There couldn’t be a better time to introduce supply chain powerhouse and thought leader, Jenn Morris. Jenn creates supply chain content and is the founder of Ship Happens, an education company that provides supply chain mapping and services to inform people on the industry and its impact on our lives. She is passionate about helping companies optimize their logistics and operations.
1. How did your supply chain journey start?
Like many people, I fell into logistics by accident. Because of a loved one’s illness, I was looking for a job closer to family, and I landed a role as an account manager at CH Robinson. Turns out, I’m pretty good at logistics and account management. Eventually, I outgrew CHR and moved around a bit before launching my boutique brokerage almost a decade ago. I founded Ship Happens at the end of 2023 after noticing an opportunity in logistics media, specifically for women and SMBs.
2. How have mentors played a role in your growth as a woman in supply chain?
Honestly, the only formal industry mentors I’ve had have been men, and they didn’t ‘get’ me. I was told many times to “dial back” my talkative nature and high energy. And I did, for a while, until I was a shell of myself. The only advice and guidance I take now is from other women who want me to succeed and shine just as bright as they do.
3. What’s your experience working in a male-dominated industry?
Like many women in this industry, I’ve had my fair share of being talked over, underestimated, or mistaken for someone’s assistant. But honestly, it’s also been empowering. You learn to speak louder, stand your ground, and throw in a little sarcasm when needed. I’ve had to prove myself more times than I can count, but it’s made me sharper, more confident, and way better at calling out BS. Being a woman in this space means paving your own way and holding the door open for other women, too.
4. When did you find your voice in your career?
Finding my voice was a slow build, part getting older and more grounded in who I am, and part watching a former employer systematically push out strong, intelligent women who challenged the status quo. It was disheartening, and I was angry. But over time, that anger turned into clarity. I realized I needed to channel that energy into something positive: a space where women in the industry feel seen, supported, and heard.
5. What advice do you have for women in supply chain and others looking to start a career in the industry?
Do your best to kick impostor syndrome to the curb. No matter what your brain tells you, you are intelligent, experienced, and skilled. Your opinions matter. So, speak up. Your ideas deserve to be heard.
6. Who do you admire in and outside of the supply chain?
Yes, there are so many. In this industry, I find any woman who has carved out her own path and broken from the norm to be so inspiring. Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Blythe Milligan, and so many others out there are forging paths for others to follow.
Outside of the industry, my mom is the most inspiring person. She is currently battling an incurable cancer, she is living her life, and making the most of it, however she can. Her light shines so bright even in what some would describe as her darkest time.
7. What have you learned on your supply chain journey so far and what’s next?
I’ve learned I’m scrappy as hell. Things go wrong constantly in this industry, and I’ve had my fair share of failures; some were my fault, some not, but I always bounce back stronger. I’ve also realized my humor and personality are superpowers. I’ve found that leading with humor and authenticity helps people let their guard down, and that’s been key to building strong relationships.
In the future, I plan to grow my Ship Happens blog readership, monetize it, help more SMBs through consulting, and even speak or moderate at an event or two.
8. What does this Women In Supply Chain feature mean to you?
Being part of the Women in Supply Chain series honestly feels pretty validating. It’s nice to step back for a second and reflect on how far I’ve come and share that with others who can relate. This industry can be a grind, and it means a lot to be part of something that shines a light on the women out here making it happen.
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:
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Dynamic virtual discussions on pressing industry topics
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Exclusive access to targeted job opportunities through our community board
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Meet-ups to build authentic relationships with peers
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Bi-annual virtual networking events with industry leaders
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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:
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Virtual discussions on relevant topics
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Community job boards and local meetups
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Bi-annual virtual networking events
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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.
