As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s a poignant moment to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of women in the logistics industry. From pioneering innovations to navigating complex supply chains, women have left an indelible mark on CFI and the greater logistics sector as a whole, shaping their evolution and driving progress forward.
As we embark on Women’s History Month, let us take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and leadership of women in logistics, whose dedication and expertise continue to propel the industry to new heights. Join us in honoring these trailblazers and amplifying their voices as we commemorate their crucial role in shaping the future of logistics and the culture of CFI.
“Having experienced various work environments, I must say that the best part of CFI is the family-like culture here. I truly appreciate it, and it sets this company apart in terms of the positive work atmosphere.” – Leticia Torres, HR Coordinator.
“CFI is the first job where I enjoy working without stress and without much pressure. If you do your job well, no one bothers you, and that makes me come to work with enthusiasm.” – Elsa Ramirez, Facilities and Maintenance.
“The best part of working at CFI is my co-workers and management team. I have established great relationships with all the departments, and I feel that the CFI team truly supports me and treats me more like family than a worker.” – Sierra Iona, Driver.
“The best part of working at CFI is most definitely the people. From the moment you become a part of CFI, agents and management alike are willing to share their knowledge to help you grow.” – Karina Grimaldy, Domestic Supervisor.
“The culture at CFI is the best part. We are encouraged to make our own decisions and can work independently. Opportunity for advancement, CFI promotes from within whenever possible. CFI is a family-oriented company, and they genuinely care for their employees. I feel valued. It’s a great community to be a part of. I have always been supported through the years and learned and grown much working here.” – Brandee Nifo, Air Freight Supervisor.
“The best part about working at CFI is getting to work with a lot of different individuals and being able to learn new things every day that I come into work.” – Jocelyn Carrillo, Manager Trainee.
“CFI ensures that all employees feel we are part of the family. Employees are constantly encouraged to attend continuing education and training on the CFI systems, security, safety protocols, etc. There are multiple resources for employee recognition and events for appreciation. The whole experience gives us the sense that the company accepts and treasures us.” – Yumika Yagihashi, Asia Export Department Supervisor.
With a focus on women building up other women and the focus on a family-like corporate culture, CFI asked our team for the advice they would give to women looking at a career in logistics. They did not disappoint.
“Logistics as a whole needs a more diverse workforce. Women should go into logistics because it’s a sustainable career and constantly evolving. There are several career paths to choose from, and for me, obtaining a CDL license was not easy, but I took the challenge and got it within a year of studying. Learning about the industry’s operational side has allowed me to gain more face-to-face customer experience, which has developed my communication skills.
Being able to multitask and communicate is very important in this role. As a driver, I have to be constantly aware of my surroundings, review my paperwork for accuracy, and be able to communicate issues that come up. I am in constant contact with my supervisor, the CSR team, and often the customer to ensure that each shipment is handled correctly.” – Sierra Iona.
“The advice I would give to women looking into a career in logistics would be not to compare themselves to what men do but instead focus on the skills they can bring to the table and always be resilient and make your voice heard. Most of my experience is in the warehouse so the skills I would say are most important is being outspoken and understanding all points of view. Also, you need to be able to take criticism from your peers to be better as a team.” – Jocelyn Carrillo.
“It is essential to be confident in your abilities and assert yourself. Don’t hesitate to voice your ideas and contributions. Logistics often involves addressing unexpected challenges, and it is vital to develop strong problem-solving skills to help you navigate issues efficiently and effectively.” – Leticia Torres.
“My advice for young women is to come to work at CFI because it is a great place to work, offering a promising future for women. The most important thing is to work with enthusiasm, help everyone you can, and remember that communication is the key to success.” – Elsa Ramirez.
“Working in logistics is no different than working in other office-type settings; we just get to wear comfortable clothes! My best advice when considering a logistics career is to love what you do. Logistics can be a very temperamental industry in that it appears we do the same work every day, but each day is different and brings about its own set of problems. It can get tiring to always be in GO mode, so you have to love what you do. That being said, I think the best skills one can have in this industry are adaptability, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. Having these skills makes it easier to navigate choppy logistics waters.” – Karina Grimaldy.
“Embrace every opportunity to learn something new. Believe in yourself and trust that you are capable of the job. And always be open to the opportunities that come your way and brave enough to try.” – Yumika Yagihashi
“We work in a fast-paced, constantly evolving industry that never gets dull. Every day is different in the transportation industry. It has many challenges, and it is a thrill when you work through them and come out the other side successfully, delivering results to your customer.
Learn as much as possible and find a mentor to help you with your career growth and path. You have to be able to Embrace new things and believe in yourself. Stay visible, don’t just sit back and expect anyone to notice you. Step outside your comfort zone and push yourself beyond limits to achieve more.” – Brandee Nifo.
“If you believe in yourself and set your mind to something, anything is possible.” – Brenda Boyd, General Accounts Payable Team Lead.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women at CFI and in logistics but also commit to fostering an inclusive and equitable industry where all voices are heard and valued. By championing diversity, supporting women’s leadership, and creating opportunities for advancement, we can ensure that the legacy of pioneering women in logistics continues to inspire and empower future generations. Together, let us strive for a future where gender equality thrives, driving innovation, resilience, and prosperity.
