2025 Class Of Medical Supply Chain Emerging Leaders

Learn about these emerging supply chain leaders, including their backgrounds and what drew them to the field. These 13 undergraduate students will join medical supply chain leaders at the 2025 MedSupplyChain Conference, where they will learn about demand management, logistics, technology and resilience, and discuss how these areas impact healthcare distribution.

Mia Frances Bustamante; Wayne State University

• Mentor, Wayne Women In Business
• Member, Global Supply Chain Management Association
• Proficient in Tagalog/Binisayâ/Filipino

“Working as a transporter at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital has given me unique insight into how logistics and the seamless flow of supplies support patient outcomes. I have seen how efficient transportation and timely delivery of essential medical products directly contribute to patient care. These experiences have fostered a deep appreciation for the intersection of logistics and healthcare, motivating me to pursue a career in medical product distribution.”

Anaya Carson; North Carolina A&T State University

• Sales Enablement Co-Op, United Health Group
• Supply Chain Intern, Raytheon Technologies
• G.W. Brooks Scholarship; Mount Zion Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC

“I am eager to engage in conversations focused on supply chain visibility and resilience, while also exploring how I can contribute to solutions that ensure equitable and reliable access to medical supplies for all.”

Aayush Divase; Arizona State University

• Supply Chain Analyst, Sai Pharmacy
• Created Supply Chain Optimization Model that yielded $200,000 in savings
• Customer Insights Extern, Beats By Dre

“My passion for healthcare distribution isn’t just rooted in logistics; it’s driven by a desire to bridge the gaps in global healthcare access. Every vaccine delivered, every surgical tool transported, is a link in the chain that determines whether a life is saved or lost. My mission is to revolutionize this chain, transforming it into a highly efficient, adaptable, and technology-driven system that can respond to the unpredictable nature of global healthcare needs.”

Tristan Drake; East Carolina University

• Supply Chain Work-Study, Topics in Operations Management, ECU Health
• Supply Chain Management Intern, Discount Tire
• Childcare Volunteer, Williamson Chapel, Mooresville NC

“My interest in a career in healthcare distribution stems from the critical role it plays in patient care and its ability to address many of the challenges that exist in healthcare today. Healthcare is a complex and dynamic industry, governed by strict regulations, including FDA standards and HIPAA compliance to ensure patient safety and privacy. Furthermore, healthcare supply chains are rapidly evolving with the adoption of technologies such as AI and predictive analytics. In looking to pursue a career in the healthcare distribution system, I will aim to ensure that critical supplies including medications, surgical tools, and protective equipment reach healthcare providers on time as this is a necessity that directly impacts patient outcomes.”

Brittany Kalaj; Wayne State University

• MBA Candidate, Global Supply Chain & International Business
• Supply Technician, Henry Ford Hospital
• Office Coordinator, Wayne State University School of Law

“I consider healthcare to be one of the most important supply chain fields to exist presently. The consumers are patients, not customers. If a particular medical product is not delivered to the hospital on time, the patient will have to suffer for it, especially with their lives on the line.”

Akarshit Khanna; Arizona State University

• Procurement Intern, Lemon Tree Hotels, Aerocity, Delhi
• Member, Supply Chain Management Association
• SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Specialist

“The looming threat of superbugs and the need for rapid, efficient distribution of new antibiotics and treatments further underscore the importance of robust healthcare supply chains. I believe that by combining my analytical skills with a deep understanding of supply chain principles, I can contribute to developing more resilient, responsive, and equitable distribution systems.”

Edward P. Lewis; Western Michigan University

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Intern, Parker Hannifin
• Student Instructor, Western Michigan University Developmental Mathematics
• Student Case Competition, Michigan Association for Health Care Resource and Materials Management

“The seamless care I received as a child relied on efficient supply chain management to ensure that patients like me received the right care at the right time.”

Aditi Nagariya; Arizona State University

• Supply Chain Analyst Intern, Arizona State University
• Operations Intern, Mauranipur Logistics, Ahmedabad, India
• Business Development Associate, AIESEC

“I am inspired by companies like Pfizer, which streamlined vaccine distribution through advanced cold-chain logistics, and Cardinal Health, which improved visibility to minimize disruptions. These innovations highlight the importance of building resilient and sustainable systems in healthcare — a responsibility I am eager to embrace.”

Logan Neal; Wayne State University

• Licensed Pharmacy Technician, Kroger Pharmacy
• ProMedica Hospice Volunteer, Southeast Michigan
• Wayne State Global Supply Chain Management Association

“Working in healthcare distribution provides critical support for frontline workers, allowing them to focus on their patients and ensuring those patients can get the equipment and medications that could save their lives.”

Devang Singhal; Arizona State University

• Supply Chain Analyst, Satvik Enterprises Limited, India
• Virtual Reality Pod Operator, Arizona State University
• Business Development Analyst, Bihar Foundry & Castings, India

“Healthcare distribution is not just about moving products, it forms the foundation of patient care. Precise and efficient systems are essential in healthcare distribution, where reliability and resilience are non-negotiable.”

Jillian Smith; University of South Carolina

• Vice President, Supply Chain & Operations Excellence Club
• Associate Logistics Coordinator, Werner Enterprises
• Operations Intern, Kroger Grocery Company

“I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of others by ensuring optimal health through access to health-related products and services. Efficient, effective healthcare distribution is essential to supporting the ever-evolving healthcare industry.”

Gaganjot “G.G” Kaur Sohi; Arizona State University

• Master of Science Candidate in Business Analytics
• Procurement Assistant, Arizona State University
• Logistics Coordinator, Harjeet Goods & Co. New Delhi, India

“I am eager to be in a room with some of the most experienced and seasoned individuals in the supply chain field. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the unique obstacles and developments reshaping healthcare distribution.”

Alicia Turner; North Carolina A&T State University

• Summer IT Intern, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
• Sophomore Class Treasurer, Student Government Association
• Camp Counselor, Henrico Police Athletic League

“My life changed drastically when I began experiencing severe heart issues that required immediate surgery. Due to delays in the healthcare system, I had to wait six months for the procedure. This experience shifted my perspective and ignited my passion for entering the medical field. I want to understand how the medical supply chain operates, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring timely access to care. I hope to share my insights from a consumer's viewpoint.”

HIDA offers an Emerging Leaders scholarship for undergraduate students each year. The scholarship provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in informative general sessions, networking events, and breakout tracks during HIDA’s MedSupplyChain Conference.