Trailblazers and Innovators: Kellanova Women in STEM

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.

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.

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