DHL leader Jen Vermeulen is a successful woman in logistics

Logistics has traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated sector, where the number of women is limited and those who do work in the field find it difficult to progress to leadership roles.

DHL recognises the need for gender diversity and is actively working towards providing opportunities for women to thrive in the field. DHL is committed to challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity and creating a level playing field for all so everyone can benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences, and foster an environment of innovation and creativity.

Explore real-life career stories of women in leadership roles at DHL.

These stories showcase the achievements and challenges faced by women in logistics and highlight the opportunities available for career advancement.

DHL Finance Graduate Esther Abulatan speaks to Solutions Design Manager Jen Vermeulen about gender diversity and inclusion within the logistics industry, and the work DHL in bridging the gap.

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Helping to progress the business

Jen joined DHL back in 2012 as an Operations Management Graduate.

"After the grad scheme, I moved into a role in Ops Ex, and having spent some time in a more customer facing role, DHL seemed like a fantastic opportunity to join a company where I could experience a lot of different things whilst also progressing a business," says Jen.

Discussing gender barriers

In her role at DHL, Jen says she hasn't encountered any challenges because of her gender.

"There have been times in my career when I might have been in the minority or, in some instances, possibly even the only woman in a room. But I've never felt that's prevented me from taking advantage of opportunities. Looking at things like our inclusive leadership programmes, DHL is really helping to change the perception of what working in a historically male dominated environment is," explains Jen.

Improving graduate diversity

Jen believes that perceptions have changed since she has started her DHL career.

"Thinking about my graduate scheme, I think we had maybe 30 people. Now it's in the hundreds. It was maybe five or six women. I attended one of the graduate induction events. Looking across the room, the amount of diversity that was in that room, was night and day to when I think back to pictures of my graduate cohort," comments Jen.

Championing LGBTQ equality

When asked how DHL has created inclusion, Jen says: "A few years back, DHL set up a number of employee resource groups and I decided to join the LGBTQ+ group. Through my work with the Pride Alliance, we had the opportunity to sponsor the community area at Milton Keynes Pride Festival. I was in a position to be able to lead and coordinate DHL's sponsorship of that event, to bring together different people from throughout the business and to promote DHL, but also to really support a worthwhile cause and an event."

Sharing advice for women in logistics

Jen shares her advice for women wanting to join the logistics industry,

"Really go for a bit. A company like DHL, there's many different things you can do. I joined DHL really not knowing what I wanted my long-term career path to be. I've had so many opportunities to step into different areas, to experience different things, and I think there's fantastic opportunities to do that and move into different areas of the business," adds Jen.