- Empowering Employee Engagement: Effective engagement is more than just morale; it’s about creating an environment where employees take ownership of their roles. We’ll discuss strategies for fostering open communication, recognizing contributions, and aligning individual goals with organizational success. Key challenges like overcoming resistance to change and bridging generational workforce gaps will be addressed.
- Securing Buy-In for Digital Tools: Implementing new technologies often meets resistance on the shop floor. This session will explore how to present digital tools as enablers, not threats, by involving employees early, addressing fears of job displacement, and emphasizing practical benefits like improved safety, efficiency, and productivity. Training programs and peer advocacy will also be covered to ensure seamless adoption.
- Building Skills for Tomorrow: Upskilling is critical to prepare your workforce for industry 4.0 and beyond. We’ll identify the technical and soft skills most in demand for 2025, strategies for integrating ongoing learning into daily operations, and how to overcome the challenge of knowledge gaps in a fast-evolving landscape.
- Driving Continuous Improvement: In an era of fluctuating customer demands and supply chain complexities, continuous improvement remains a cornerstone. The discussion will focus on integrating real-time data analytics, fostering a culture of problem-solving, and balancing agility with consistency to optimize performance across the production line.
Myrna Macias
SVP Supply Chain Latam
PepsiCo
Myrna Macias’ mission as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain LATAM is to continue leading the transformation of LATAM operations across digital processes, new automation technologies, and people cultural model MOTOR ensuring Best-in-class performance. Her accountability includes E2E Supply Chain operations for 5 BUs, Supply Chain control towers, and functional support centers.
Before her current role, Myrna was a key leader in PBNA Supply Chain transformation journey helping the business to overcome the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic showcased her unwavering commitment to operational excellence and cultural transformation by playing 2 different roles, one as the Manufacturing COE Senior Vice President Pepsi Beverages North America contributing to creating ONE best way to operate consistently across PBNA Supply Chain as she had direct accountability for Manufacturing Capabilities Development & Network Strategy, as well as Contract Manufacturing, Canada and Gatorade operations. Before this role she was the Senior Vice President, Supply Chain for the North Division being accountable for E2E Supply Chain operations across this region. In 2021 Myrna was relocated from Moscow to New York City.
Myrna has an expansive Consumer Packaged Goods background combined with deep Supply Chain expertise. Myrna served as the Senior Vice President, End to End Supply Chain Europe Developing Markets. In this role, Myrna was accountable for E2E Supply Chain of over 10 different markets and all categories (foods, beverages, juices and dairy) in Europe. She successfully established the E2E SC model across her markets and transformed the operations by being an ambassador of LEAN performance excellence culture. Myrna also promoted the
talent by leading people initiatives such as Talent Summits and increased Female participation in critical roles. During her 3 years in Europe Myrna lived in UK and in Russia.
Previously in LatAm Myrna served as the Operations Vice President in PepsiCo Brazil Foods. Myrna drove significant savings in this role by optimizing the manufacturing and distribution network and transforming the operational culture. Myrna previously held numerous staff and field positions including Customer Service Vice President in Pepsico Mexico Foods, Manufacturing Senior Director Foods Mexico, and Exports Director in Chicago. She has a strong track record of delivering superior service and quality results and her capability for learning and managing different cultures in new environments.
Myrna began her career with PepsiCo in 1994. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering from UANL University in Monterrey, Mexico and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from EGADE ITESM in Mexico.
Adaora Nelson
Vice President of Quality & CORE
Raytheon
Dr. Adaora Nelson is the vice president of Quality & Mission Assurance for Raytheon, a business of RTX that specializes in integrated air and missile defense, advanced sensors, spacebased systems, hypersonics, effectors and cyber solutions. Her responsibilities include leading all aspects of Quality & Mission Assurance to ensure the integration of quality throughout the business. She also leads Raytheon’s CORE operating system to ensure strategic alignment and execution of goals and initiatives, process maturation and continuous improvement.
Nelson, a Navy veteran, has 23 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility in Quality, Operations, General Management, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Export/Import Control. She most recently served as vice president of Quality & Product Safety for Raytheon Missiles & Defense, overseeing the company’s quality performance with a focus on design quality, product safety, compliance and command media. Nelson previously held leadership roles with Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Raytheon Missile Systems, including chief of staff to the president, and executive director of Operations Quality.
Before joining the company in 2019, Nelson was the vice president, COO and general manager of Safran Electronics & Defense, USA. She also held several leadership positions at Parker Aerospace.
Nelson holds a Ph.D. in engineering and technology management from Northcentral University, a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics systems from Southern Illinois University.
Rebecca Barta
Sr Director Material Operations, Infrastructure
Valmont Industries
Beckie Barta is an accomplished executive leader and advocate for women with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in manufacturing. As Senior Director of Material Operations for Valmont Industries’ North America Infrastructure segment, she has delivered transformative results in procurement, capital management, and integrated business planning.
Throughout her career, Beckie has championed diversity and inclusion, mentored countless individuals, and fostered equitable leadership opportunities in traditionally male-dominated industries. She currently serves on Valmont’s Women in Leadership Council, where she works to inspire and empower women to break barriers in STEM careers.
A lifelong learner and educator, Beckie holds an Executive MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she also serves as an adjunct professor. Beckie specializes in leading corporate training, individual mentorship and high performing team development. She guides emerging leaders and corporate executives in organizational design, building strategy and creating long-term competitive advantage. With a deep commitment to advancing women in STEM, she draws on her extensive global experience to share insights on leadership, innovation, and overcoming challenges in career advancement.
She is a Board Member for the University of Nebraska’s Supply Chain Advisory Council and has previously held board positions for ASCM and Women in STEM of Nebraska. Recognized for her contributions to industry and education, Beckie is a recipient of the Eva Jon Sperling Leadership Award and the University of Nebraska Omaha Alumnus of the Year award. She is also an inductee into the Hastings College Bronco Hall of Fame.
Valerie Blatt
Chief Revenue Officer SAP, Supply Chain Management
SAP America
As global head for SAP Business Network Customer Success & Go-to-Market, Val Blatt focuses on solutions that help SAP customers and their partners leverage the power of the network to improve collaboration and drive success. She is responsible for delivering on global revenue targets, defining go-to-market strategy, and influencing product strategy to maximize value for both buy and supply-side participants.
