Celebrating Women in Supply Chain: Meet Leah Goebel

As we continue our Women’s History Month celebration, the Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is proud to highlight inspiring female leaders making an impact in supply chain. Our second feature is Leah Goebel, a dedicated supply chain professional with a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems from Penn State.

What does being a woman in the supply chain field mean to you?  

As a strong woman in supply chain, I personally see the fresh ideas and perspectives that women bring to the field. To me, being a woman in this industry means standing firm in my beliefs and setting a good example for other young females in the industry who are still finding their voice, while simultaneously pursuing my own career ambitions. I strive to build expertise across every facet of the supply chain to position myself as a future senior or executive leader. Embracing unknown and new areas in the field isn’t just part of my journey; it’s what makes success truly rewarding. Men have traditionally dominated leadership roles in supply chain, so I am really excited to be a good example of an emerging female leader in this space.

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?  

During my time at Penn State, Professor Sue Purdum quickly became one of the most influential and gracious mentors in both my academic journey and the early stages of my professional career. I first connected with her in SCM 406, a Procurement-focused course, where she recognized my growing expertise and hands-on experience from two summers interning in a Global Procurement organization. I was thrilled when Sue invited me to present a lecture as an industry highlight - an opportunity to showcase a real-world supply chain project to my peers. Imagine my surprise when the exam came around, and there was a question based on my very own lecture! Beyond the classroom, Sue has remained a trusted confidant and advocate, continuing to support my professional growth. In the years following graduation, I had the privilege of returning to her SCM 406 lectures as a guest speaker. This experience not only allowed me to engage with and support students but also helped me develop my public speaking skills, confidence, and professional network. Sue’s guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am forever grateful for the mentorship and opportunities she has provided. 

Can you share a specific project or achievement that you are particularly proud of and what is its impact at Utz? 

In 2022, I was honored as one of the Institute for Supply Management’s 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars. Receiving this award less than two years after graduating was both a humbling and surreal experience. Two years later, I earned my Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification and was offered the position of Procurement Manager at Utz Brands. As I approach my one-year anniversary with Utz this April, I am proud to have contributed to building stronger category strategies and identifying savings opportunities, helping the business reinvest in its strategic priorities and initiatives. 

What are some trends that you foresee in the future for supply chain and how should women position themselves to take advantage of them?  

One of the most significant and widely discussed trends shaping the future of supply chain is the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. These advancements are already reshaping the industry, and organizations must be willing to adapt and implement initiatives that embrace this evolution. Having worked in a digital transformation role, I’ve seen firsthand that one of the biggest misconceptions about AI is the fear that it will replace jobs. In reality, professionals should view AI as a collaborative tool or co-worker, an asset that enhances efficiency and streamlines processes, rather than a threat to their roles. Embracing this mindset is critical to staying relevant and competitive in the evolving supply chain landscape. Additionally, success in the corporate world often hinges on being in the right place at the right time. Many opportunities arise from a combination of timing and preparation. By positioning yourself as a standout professional, embracing and driving change, while building credibility within your organization, you increase the likelihood of being considered for key opportunities as they emerge. 

What advice would you go back and give your younger self? 

If I could give my younger self one piece of profound advice, it would be this: You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to make the biggest impact. Early in my career, newly graduated from Penn State, I was labeled as a “quiet woman” in a heavily male-dominated industry. At first, I saw this as a weakness. But as my confidence grew, I realized that true influence doesn’t come from dominating conversations, it comes from listening, observing, and speaking with intention. Over time, I learned to advocate for myself and saw firsthand that the most impactful voices are often the ones that prioritize substance over volume.