NeXxus: Connecting Women in Supply Chain

Launched in 2015, NeXxus is supported by faculty, students and Supply Chain Forum partners to create more gender diversity within the Haslam College of Business supply chain program, with the ultimate aim of creating more diverse and inclusive business organizations.

This student-led organization focuses on networking, mentoring and empowering women majoring in supply chain management. Throughout the year, NeXxus hosts events and workshops to educate women in supply chain, prepare students to achieve career success and create a confident community of women in business.

NeXxus Goals

  • Foster Networking: Create networking channels for female SCM students in the Haslam College of Business and female SCM practitioners.
  • Provide Mentoring Opportunities: Cultivate mentoring relationships between female SCM practitioners and female SCM students in the college.
  • Build Confidence: Enable women to “lean in,” developing future leaders in SCM.
  • Develop Community: Establish a community for females in supply chain to cultivate connections with students and alumni that encourage collaboration and support.
  • Attract Talent: Educate female students about potential careers in SCM to provide increased gender diversity among our graduates and to help address current gender gaps in the field.

NeXxus Benefits

NeXxus programming revolves around the key themes of community and confidence.

Community: NeXxus aims to support and build the supply chain community for our students. Not only is the community within the Haslam College of Business important, but extending that community to NeXxus alumni and the broader Global Supply Chain Institute community of professionals is part of everything we do.

Confidence: NeXxus programming is designed to build confidence in our women so that they are prepared to thrive in their supply chain careers. Learning to “lean-in” takes practice, but doing so builds confidence in oneself.

Community and confidence are built through:

  • Monthly meetings and social events: These are designed to promote community while developing professional skills to prepare women for future careers in supply chain management.
  • Guest speakers: Executives in the supply chain field share their experience and offer career advice to organization members.
  • Workshops: Various events during the school year help members learn or enhance personal and professional skills.
  • Scholarships: Corporate partners have set aside funds each year to specifically support the academic journey of involved NeXxus members.
  • Networking with employers: Global Supply Chain Institute partner organizations interact with the NeXxus members through a range of events each year including annually at the Supply Chain Forum when NeXxus presents the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award.

Get connected with NeXxus!

nexxus@utk.edu

This contact information is for the NeXxus student organization.