51������

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University senior Ally Resa of Fenton, Michigan, is a supply chain superstar being awarded the Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education (AWESOME) Excellence in Education Scholarship—totaling $5,000 for her leadership in the supply chain field as a developing professional.

The scholarship was created in 2013 to provide university women enrolled in full-time supply chain degree programs with the opportunity to attend the AWESOME Symposium and the CSCMP EDGE Conference. Resa joins a select group of 20 recipients to receive the award this year, and she is just the third 51������ student to receive the scholarship. She now will join a cohort of AWESOME Scholars, representing all years of the program, who are forming connections with each other and gaining career insights through the organization’s programming.

“Ally’s commitment and enthusiasm exemplify the culture of our program, which values hard work, engagement and camaraderie,” says Dr. Marcel Zondag, associate professor of marketing and director of the integrated supply management program. “This recognition not only celebrates Ally’s strong academic performance, but also her work as a campus leader and vice-president of our program’s student organization.”

Resa’s resume to date is impressive. Majoring in integrated supply management and minoring in business analytics, she was part of Western’s General Motors/Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business Supply Chain Case Competition team this past fall, where she gained more knowledge about automotive supply chains. For the past two summers, she has served as a production control and logistics intern at Purem. This summer she will be in Toledo at Owens Corning's world headquarters interning on their sourcing team. Also active on campus, she is currently vice president of the Supply Chain Management Association and has been named to the dean’s list for the past six semesters.

“When I found out that I received this scholarship, I was so honored to be invited to be part of such an amazing community of successful women,” Resa says. “This program is designed to connect and empower women in the supply chain field, and I can't wait to see what new opportunities this opens up for me.”

Resa credits a lot of her success to the resources that the integrated supply management program offers its students. “I owe much of my success to faculty members, as they truly care about students and want to do anything in their power to see us succeed. I also attribute my professional growth to the Supply Chain Management Association; the opportunities have been endless since I joined the organization. Not only have I been able to participate in unique events part of the organization, but I have also been able to network with some amazing students and professionals. Coming to Western and being in the integrated supply management program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Dr. Sime Curkovic, professor of marketing, says he is extremely proud of Ally’s accomplishments. “The women in our program are among some of the most accomplished. Ally, in particular, stands out as an exceptional leader both in the classroom and beyond, and she will continue to excel in her future professional endeavors. Our students possess a variety of skills and are highly motivated to succeed in their careers. Our program offers numerous possibilities for students, and employers are eager to hire them due to their outstanding abilities. Recognizing and rewarding students like Ally presents an opportunity to cultivate a new generation of female supply chain leaders.”

For more 51������ news, arts and events, visit 51������ News online.