By Gabe Marshall
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is proud to highlight our final featured female leader, Melissa Shoener, a supply chain and procurement professional making an impact in the aerospace and defense industry.
A 2020 Penn State graduate in Supply Chain & Information Systems, Melissa launched her career at Boeing, gaining experience in procurement, supplier management, and defense logistics. She advanced through multiple roles within Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) and Boeing Global Services (BGS), supporting mission-critical defense programs. In 2024, after earning her MBA in Strategic Management and Data Analytics from Villanova University, she transitioned to Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) in Charleston, SC, where she now oversees international supplier performance across Boeing’s commercial aircraft platforms. Melissa’s career reflects the power of strategic leadership, continuous learning, and a passion for global supply chain management.
What does being a woman in the supply chain field mean to you?
As a woman in the supply chain industry, I like to embrace the challenges of breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, demonstrating that leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation are not defined by gender. Women bring unique perspectives that drive creative problem-solving, enhanced collaboration, empathy, and foster inclusivity in the workplace which are qualities I witness firsthand in my daily interactions.
Traditionally, supply chain management has been a male-dominated field (especially in aerospace), but I am fortunate to be part of a generation that is actively reforming this. The representation of women in supply chain continues to grow, and while there is still progress to be made in overcoming bias, I take pride in contributing to this transformation. In my current role, I work alongside a team where women outnumber men, and I consistently observe their exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills. Their ability to navigate complex challenges with resilience and strategic insight pushes me to continue learning, evolving, and striving for higher leadership positions.
To be a woman in supply chain is to possess the ambition, confidence, and perseverance to challenge the status quo. It means having the courage to voice ideas, advocate for change, and pave the way for future generations of women in the field. I am committed to driving this progress and ensuring that the supply chain industry becomes a space where talent and innovation thrive, regardless of gender.
Were there any female role models or mentors when studying here at Penn State that inspired you as you started your career in supply chain?
One of the most influential female role models in my life has always been my mother. From an early age, she instilled in me the values of financial independence, confidence, and continuous self-improvement. When I was searching for a career path within business, I was uncertain about which direction to take. It was my mom (and dad) who introduced me to supply chain management—at the time, an emerging field, particularly for women. Her guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping my decision, and I owe much of my success to her unwavering support. After graduating college, she worked in the business field for over 35 years. She always reminded me that women are capable of achieving anything, but success requires hard work, perseverance, and confidence.
On a professional level, a leader who has profoundly inspired me is Stephanie Pope, the current CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. She exemplifies what it means to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Her ability to communicate effectively, connect with employees at every level, and makes a lasting impression on those around her is truly remarkable. What resonates with me most is her journey—starting from an entry-level position and rising through the ranks to lead one of the most critical divisions of Boeing. Her leadership serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, adaptability, and a strong voice, women can break barriers and thrive in even the most demanding industries.
Have you experienced an “ah-ah” moment when you realized you made the right decision about your career path?
The realization that I had chosen the right career in supply chain or my “ah-ah” moment occurred during one of the hardest periods in modern history: the COVID-19 pandemic. Before this global crisis, supply chain operations were often overlooked, and many people did not have knowledge of it. However, as the pandemic disrupted economies and affected daily lives, the world became aware of the complexity of global supply networks.
The widespread shortages and logistical bottlenecks exposed critical vulnerabilities, forcing companies to reevaluate their sourcing/risk management strategies and operations. In my role at the time, I witnessed firsthand the effects of material shortages, quality control challenges, and delayed deliveries, all of which had direct implications for both the business and customers. While I witnessed this in my career, the general public faced similar challenges. People were seeing firsthand the scarcity of essential goods and the increasing importance of having a successful supply chain infrastructure.
This experience helped me see my passion for supply chain management, in seeing the significance supply chain has in ensuring business stability that can affect our global economy. It became clear that supply chain is not merely a business function, it is essential for meeting consumer demand, driving operational efficiency, and mitigating risks in a globally connected world. The pandemic reinforced my commitment to advancing supply chain strategies to not repeat what happened in 2020 and the affects after that.
How do you think teams or companies or women can empower women?
I believe that empowering women is a responsibility shared by everyone, regardless of gender, background, or ethnicity. True progress is made when organizations commit to inclusive hiring, diversity initiatives, and pay equity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities lead.
Beyond corporate policies, real empowerment happens within teams. Providing women with leadership opportunities, high-impact projects, and decision-making roles allows them to showcase their skills and drive meaningful change. In my current role, as I said before, I am fortunate to work on a team where women outnumber men, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and fearless leadership. This dynamic not only strengthens our team’s success but also has women empowering women every day.
Despite these strides, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within business, facing systemic barriers to advancement. However, rather than viewing this as a limitation, it should serve as motivation. One of the most powerful drivers of change is women supporting women. There are always opportunities in mentoring, advocating, and amplifying each other’s voices. When women in leadership share their journeys and uplift others, they inspire the next generation to break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine leadership. True empowerment lies in creating opportunities, instilling confidence, and ensuring that success is based on talent and capability.
What advice would you go back and give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Looking back, there were many moments—both early in my career and even now—where I felt intimidated, hesitant to speak up, or reluctant to ask questions. But the reality is, growth comes from asking questions. You will never learn, evolve, or find new opportunities if fear holds you back from engaging in conversations and speaking your perspective.
Speaking up may feel uncomfortable at times, but I guarantee you that someone is thinking that same question. It is a skill that will grow your confidence, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Some of my greatest professional growth has come from moments where I challenged myself to ask difficult questions and contribute to discussions. Stepping outside of your comfort zone helps you stand out as a proactive and engaged leader.
Fear should never be a barrier to learning or progress. The more you push yourself beyond self-imposed limits, the more doors will open—both personally and professionally.