Winners represent future leaders, as standout and passionate problem-solvers.

TEMPE, Ariz. (April 8, 2025) – The Institute for Supply Management^® (ISM^®) announced the winners of the 2024-2025 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars Recognition Program to honor global emerging leaders across various industries and supply management disciplines. The top nominee or “megawatt” winner from the 30 Under 30 is Erika Espinosa, a Wells Category Manager at Chevron.

“The achievements and skills of this group are extraordinary,” said Thomas W. Derry, chief executive officer of ISM. “We’re continually impressed by the standout initiative, leadership, and abilities these young professionals have demonstrated to drive value across their organizations.”

Now in its eleventh year, the ISM program honors individuals who are 30 or younger and demonstrate leadership, innovation, collaboration, and other outstanding attributes--at work and through their professional associations. Intended to help bridge the talent gap in procurement and supply management for younger generations, the program highlights role models for aspiring supply chain practitioners and students.

Hundreds of applications are received annually, and a rigorous review process assesses candidates based on detailed nominations provided by professional peers, leaders, and executives.

Working in the United States, Belgium, Canada, India, and Costa Rica, the honorees are making their mark on the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aerospace and defense, oil and gas, and business services industries, among others. Sixty percent of the winners are women, and the median age is 28.

“The latest 30 Under 30 winners exemplify the new generation of supply chain leadership and demonstrate how high performers can make an impact on the profession,” said Derry.

Megawatt winner Erika Espinosa, for example, manages a US$300 million annual spend across Gulf of Mexico offshore assets in her current role as a wells category manager. In her previous role at Chevron, Espinosa served as the sole procurement specialist for the Mexico fuels and lubricants division. She quickly identified gaps in the contracting and procurement processes and shifted her focus to improve supply chain management capabilities in Mexico. With minimal direction and working in her second language, Spanish, she established a SCM organization and deployed a country-specific shaping plan aimed at strategic impact with minimal resources. Key achievements included building a governance board, integrating a shared services model, strengthening category strategies and implementing a new procurement system.