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SMI Completes Third Cohort of Advancing Women Leaders Program and Announces Cohort Four

Kingston, MA (December 2, 2025):  SMI^®, a non-profit, community of healthcare supply chain organizations, celebrated its third cohort of Mentees for completing their ground-breaking leadership program called Advancing Women Leaders (AWL).  This 12-month program brings together a Mentor, Sponsor, and Mentee pairing from SMI member organizations for the advancement of women into senior- level executive roles. SMI celebrated the third cohort of Mentees and launched the program’s fourth cohort at the SMI Fall Forum in Orlando, FL. See the list of Cohort 3 Mentees, see list of Cohort 4 Mentees and learn more about this program here.

SMI’s Advancing Women Leaders (AWL) program was designed to elevate talented leaders into senior executive positions by building their networks alongside a Sponsor and Mentor.   SMI partners with The McGuckin Group who facilitates workshops and peer-to-peer sessions designed specifically for each cohort.  As part of this program, SMI members nominate a Mentee and participate in the program as their Sponsor.  As a result, over 60% of the women leaders in the Advancing Women Leaders program advanced into higher roles and executive-track positions.

“SMI’s Advancing Women Leaders program has surpassed every expectation,” said SMI President Jane Pleasants. “What began with a small group of dedicated Mentors and just ten Mentees has now touched more than 10,000 team members across SMI member organizations—thanks to the commitment of everyone in the program and the partnership with the McGuckin Group.”

Cohort 3 Mentee, Jennifer Jackson, Strategic Accounts Director at KARL STORZ said, “Being part of the AWL program empowered me to use my voice and share progressive ideas that strengthened my company’s partnership with our customers. It provided forward‑thinking insights and an incredible network of peers that I will continue to engage with well into the future.”

Cohort 4 Mentee, Alisha Beringer, Director of Supply Chain at Northwestern Medicine said, “I am thrilled to join SMI’s Advancing Women Leaders program, following in the footsteps of so many inspiring women. With the guidance of a Mentor and Sponsor leader, I know this experience will propel my career in ways I never imagined. I look forward to learning from the Mentees who came before me as we tackle challenges and create solutions together.”

To learn more about SMI, its programs, and its community of members, visit:  www.smisupplychain.com.

Mentees from SMI’s Advancing Women Leaders Program at the Fall 2025 Forum in Orlando.

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ABOUT SMI

SMI provides a nexus for healthcare providers, suppliers, and distributors to network and collaborate on innovations that drive meaningful improvements in supply chain agility, efficiency, and resilience. We provide a unique, non-commercial community where members forge long-term relationships as they work together to improve patient care. For more information about SMI, including a complete list of members, visit:  www.smisupplychain.com.