Caitlin Dunn

Supply Chain Optimization Lead for American Eagle Outfitters

Dunn's overall role involves problem-solving through data analytics and creative thinking to innovate the company's supply chain while also streamlining product flow and processes that help create a better customer experience.

She first began her career in supply chain when she joined the supply chain strategy and support team at Dick’s Sporting Goods.  During Dunn's seven-year tenure there, she helped develop and maintain supply chain KPI reporting, managed DC supply procurement, and ran network design models to determine distribution center network capacity and growth.

"I was fortunate to support the analytics behind Dick’s Sporting Goods standing up its fourth and fifth DCs and evolving its fulfillment strategy," Dunn shared. "Now, over the past four years, I have been working in supply chain optimization at American Eagle to pinpoint opportunities to improve the flow and speed of product and processes, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain reporting and analytics to support the responsibilities of cross-functional teams. "

Dunn found the COVID environment to be the biggest hurdle her team has dealt with in recent years. However, she notes the silver lining has been witnessing her team's innovative thinking and the inspiring way they came together in the face of a challenge. Some of the most prominent highlights of Dunn's work at American Eagle include automating processes for machine learning, providing better supply chain visibility through reporting and analytics enhancements, as well as creating redundancies for risk mitigation.

Like many Penn State graduates, Dunn remembers the support and mentorship of Dr. Bob Novack, a Smeal supply chain professor who has been making an impact on Penn State students and the supply chain discipline for decades. Since her graduation, Dunn said that Dr. Novack, as well as CSCR administrative director Tracie Shannon, have continuously provided career guidance and network opportunities. Due to her strong ties with Penn State, Dunn attends Penn State career fairs and conducts interviews on behalf of her company.

"It is truly so inspiring and empowering to be a part of a field that is so multi-faceted, evolving and growing," Dunn explained.

Because of how daunting the fields in STEM can be, Dunn finds that empowering students ahead of their job-seeking days can make all the difference, in addition to providing safe spaces to learn and grow.

Dunn reflects on an impactful experience when a supply chain recruiter helped prepare her for her interview with resume and cover letter guidance. The recruiter encouraged her to apply to other companies beyond the one he was representing, which helped boost her confidence.

"The fact that someone invested their time to help me find my career path before I was even hired with the organization was truly empowering," she revealed. "I have also been very fortunate to work at a women driven company like American Eagle Outfitters.  [The company helped teach me] the importance of mentorship, knowing when the mentorship is not a right fit, and how it is a truly symbiotic relationship where the mentors and mentees learn from each other."

Dunn recommends for all future graduates to seek role models who are in STEM and who have experience in leadership roles. This way, young professionals can help build a foundation for women to thrive in these industries. This Penn State graduate has ultimately learned that working in supply chain requires a healthy dose of empathy, creativity, innovation, and boundaries. She shares one final piece of advice.

"Talking to cross-functional partners on how Supply Chain impacts them has been so valuable in understanding how processes impact their roles and experiences as well as learning how their decisions impact Supply Chain," said Dunn. "It is important to challenge ideas and processes but with a sense of curiosity and willingness to innovate."