Trailblazers and Innovators: Kellanova Women in STEM

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Feb 11, 2025, 08:21 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on February 11, highlights the vital contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while promoting inclusion in these historically male-dominated fields. Recognized by the United Nations, the day inspires future innovators and underscores the importance of diverse voices in solving global challenges.

In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Kellanova, is highlighting four remarkable women from across our regions who exemplify innovation, creativity and leadership in STEM fields.

At Kellanova, we value the contributions of our thousands of talented people and are proud to have many excelling in STEM fields. Today, we're highlighting four remarkable women from across our regions who exemplify innovation, creativity, and leadership in recognition of the 10^th anniversary of this United Nations Day.

Region: Latin America / Mexico
Claudia Arboleda Tamayo, Senior Director, Manufacturing

Q. Tell us about your role at Kellanova:

I lead a high-performing team, driving operational strategy, risk management, and budget efficiency. I also standardize work systems across our Mexico plants to enhance operational excellence while fostering team growth.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I have a minor in International Business, not a STEM field, but 25 years ago I realized problem-solving was my strength, and it ultimately led me to a career in Supply Chain. There's immense satisfaction in overcoming countless challenges—like COVID—and seeing a product on the shelf, knowing I made that possible.

Q. Was there a specific moment or person that influenced your decision to enter this field?

Two key factors shaped my decision to pursue Supply Chain, which became clear a few years into my career. I'm from Colombia, where my father ran a transportation business. At the time, logistics infrastructure was underdeveloped, with only 30% of roads paved, limited security, and manual processes at ports. As Colombia opened to global markets, I began to wonder, "What if we could help make a difference?"

Q. What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you were starting out, if any?

I wish someone had told me how crucial networking is, on par with technical skills, for both personal and professional growth. Perhaps the most valuable advice would have been to prioritize work-life balance. Be responsible, brave, and proactive in your life just as you are in your career.

Q. What advice would you give to young people interested in STEM?

You can choose to go into STEM at any point in your life, just dream big and go for it!

Region: Europe

Loretta Franks, VP Global Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO)

Q. Tell us about your role at Kellanova:

I lead a talented data & analytics team specializing in data science, engineering, technology, and governance, helping Kellanova leverage AI and Machine Learning responsibly for added value. As Global IT's Executive STEM inclusion sponsor, I champion initiatives worldwide to amplify awareness and drive greater inclusion.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I've always loved STEM. In school, I studied Math, Physics, and Economics in the UK before earning a degree in Math and Economics. Numbers, facts, analytics, and logic have always been my preference over art or literature. My career began in Finance in Europe, and through diverse roles and experiences, I now lead a global role delivering data and analytics capabilities for our organization.

Q. Was there a specific moment or person that influenced your decision to enter this field?

Data has become a critical asset across industries, sparking my deep interest in its role in driving business growth and operations. Throughout my time at Kellanova (previously Kellogg Company), I've built a broad network and gained insights across various functions, thanks to the guidance of many teams and friends. The moments that stand out most are when I said "yes" to new opportunities and embraced the unknown—those experiences have been the most exciting and transformative.

Q. What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you were starting out, if any?

Back yourself. Take some risks - see the adventure versus the challenge. Things will go wrong, but it's how you deal with the situation that is important. Keep going!

Q. What advice would you give to young people interested in STEM?

Don't overthink it, stick with your gut, follow your skills and passion and you will thrive. Find someone who has been there before and paved their way and learn from them.

Region: Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and South Asia
Sara Khafagy, Research & Development (R&D) Director

Q. Tell us about your role at Kellanova:

I lead our regional R&D team, co-creating and driving the business strategy for technology and innovation, and building and developing a high performing team.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I enjoy being intellectually stimulated and challenged. A career in STEM can be highly rewarding as it involves problem-solving, critical thinking, and continuous learning.

Q. Was there a specific moment or person that influenced your decision to enter this field?

In high school, my Chemistry teacher inspired me by demonstrating how chemistry brings real-world applications to life, leading me to major in it. I'm passionate about using science to make a difference, especially in food science, materials science, and sustainability. The chemistry of cooking—transforming ingredients and enhancing flavor, texture, and nutrition—continues to intrigue me.

Q. What advice do you wish someone had given you when you were starting out in your career?

I've always held myself to high standards and attention to detail, but early on I sought perfection too often. I wish I'd known that while perfection helps set quality benchmarks and build resilience, it can also stifle creativity and create a fear of failure — both essential for innovation in STEM.

Q. What advice would you give to young people interested in STEM?

STEM fields need diverse perspectives, and your unique viewpoint is valuable. Stay curious and humble to learn more about the world surrounding you. Seek mentorship and feedback along your journey. Learn from the experiences and be open to constructive feedback for continuous development.

Region: North America/ U.S.
Roxanne Myles, Director, Global Premiums and Licensing

Q. Tell us about your role at Kellanova:

I lead policies and programs ensuring the quality and safety of promotional premiums and licensed products, managing a team that supports marketing initiatives and licensing opportunities.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?

I have always enjoyed math and science and playing with things. As a child, I wanted to deliver babies, and as I got older, I really became interested in learning more about how and where things are made.

Q. Was there a specific moment or person that influenced your decision to enter this field?

I was influenced by my high school chemistry teacher to seek a career in chemistry, which I started when I went to college. There, I was introduced to Food Science and Food Technology. Since I love food and learning about where our food comes from and how it is made, I chose to go in this direction.

Q. What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you were starting out, if any?

There are so many careers in STEM. Explore STEM careers that interest you and what you have a passion for. There is so much you can do to build your skills, enhance your knowledge and create something that the world has never seen before.

Q. What advice would you give to young people interested in STEM?

Try it, if you don't like it, try something else. Keep exploring what life in STEM has to offer.

About Kellanova
Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles^®, Cheez-It^®, Pop-Tarts^®, Kellogg's^® Rice Krispies Treats^®, RXBAR^®, Eggo^®, MorningStar Farms^®, Special K^®, Coco Pops^®, and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our net sales for 2024 were approximately $13 billion.

At Kellanova, our purpose is to create better days and ensure everyone has a seat at the table through our trusted food brands. We are committed to promoting sustainable and equitable food access by tackling the crossroads of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion. Our goal is to create Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). For more detailed information about our commitments, our approach to achieving these goals, and methodology, please visit our website at https://www.kellanova.com.

SOURCE Kellanova