EP #163 Supply Chain Scholarships That Change Lives

Supply chain shows up in your life every day, yet most people still think it’s just trucks and warehouses. We’re changing that perspective with Phoebe Kenney, founder and board president of KENCO Technical Assistance and Training Solutions (KENCO TATS), a Stafford, Virginia nonprofit serving the DC metro area with a mission to educate, empower, and encourage the next generation of supply chain management professionals. If you’ve ever wondered how products, services, and public health programs actually get delivered, this conversation makes the career paths and the impact feel real.We talk about the talent gap forming as experienced professionals retire and why representation matters when decisions are made. Phoebe shares what she’s seen across 20 years in supply chain and global work, including why women, minorities, and veterans are often underrepresented in leadership even when they are present in the workforce. We also unpack the surprising truth that veterans already do logistics and operations at a high level, but many don’t realize supply chain management is a strong civilian transition with long-term growth.Along the way, we debunk the “boring” myth and map out how broad the field really is: subcontracts, contracts, negotiation, relationship management, training, capacity development, warehouse operations, and today’s push toward digital transformation. Phoebe explains how responsible AI and better forecasting help teams mitigate risk and build resilient supply chains, and why transferable skills matter more than a perfect resume.If you want to support KENCO TATS, learn about scholarships, or show up to local networking in the Fredericksburg and Stafford area, this is a great starting point. Subscribe, share this with someone considering a career pivot, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the show.Phoebe KenneyKENCO Technical Assistance and Training Solutions [email protected]