Breaking Barriers: Introducing CITT’s Women in Logistics Network
We spoke with Stephanie Cicciarella, CCLP, about the new CITT Women in Logistics networking group and its importance.
With the recent launch of our Women in Logistics Network, we’re happy to say the future of the logistics industry has never looked brighter.
Created out of a recognized need for women in logistics to present a unified voice, this new network offers a safe, supportive space for members to support and learn from one another. It also offers an opportunity for female logistics professionals to share their stories and offer solutions to help improve our industry from the inside.
To learn more about the network and hear about the positive impact it’s starting to have, we spoke to Stephanie Cicciarella, Senior Manager, Pricing Administration and Merchandising Support at the LCBO. As the chair of the Women in Logistics advisory committee, she offered insights into why it was formed, how it’s already helping, and where she sees it going.
Stephanie Cicciarella, CCLP
Senior Manager, Pricing Administration and Merchandising Support
LCBO
The importance of a women’s network
According to Stephanie, the need for a women’s network boils down to the fact that this is a traditionally male-dominated industry. A network provides a collaborative space for women to connect, and foster diversity and opportunities to elevate themselves within the professional work environment.
“We’ve seen that as more women become more involved within the supply chain there have been advancements made and improved efficiencies in operation”, she explained.
Why? Women traditionally have not implemented a network within our professional day to day whereas male counterparts that tend to be more socialized together. Having a more inclusive network of like-minded peers encourage new ideas and thought that lends itself on creating an environment for women to grow and support each other in this field.
A safe secure space
Stephanie further explained that that fear of speaking up not only has an impact on women as individuals, but on our industry overall. With the new network, women can feel empowered to speak and share experiences with like-minded colleagues on similar career trajectories.
“The formation of this new committee also gives women a comfort level provided by having a safe and secure place to have conversations about the workplace. The other women on the committee and members are a good sounding board and offer up advice which in turn helps put things into perspective on what those next steps can look like.”
Appropriate networking opportunities
Another benefit of the Women in Logistics Network is in the networking opportunity it offers beyond the traditional “drinks after work” scenario.
According to Stephanie, “As women in logistics, we find that we’re busy in both our professional lives, and personal lives as caregivers.
So, as an example, when colleagues say we're going to go drinking after work, we're going to go out to a bar, we're going golfing…many women in their role at home as a caregiver are unable to attend. What a network does, is bring inclusivity to the group.”
Interestingly, the networking opportunities afforded here aren’t just for women. Stephanie pointed out that it’s for all people.
“We don’t say we’re just changing the workplace for women. We're really changing and advocating for equality, equity and inclusiveness.”
Camaraderie you can see
Above all else, our new Women in Logistics Network is about bringing people together, to open new opportunities, make connections, and feel part of a larger community. Stephanie added:
“What we’re beginning to see is the camaraderie of people and of women that wasn’t there before. We're forming new friendships, and connections and hopefully inspiring other women on joining this field. We're finding people's eyes wide open to issues and possibilities that they didn't realize were there.
What I think CITT is doing by creating a women's network is really providing an opportunity for the under-representative areas within the industry and giving them support and a forum to do so. We’re giving them the ability to find themselves and elevate and expand themselves—whether it be professionally or personally.”
Want to get involved? CITT members – including students – can join the Women in Logistics Network on the CITT community site for updates and opportunities to participate in events and other activities. Not a CITT member yet? Join today! You can also watch the CITT website & subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to day on news and events from the Women in Logistics Advisory Committee!