Kim Bearden Honored with 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum Award for Leadership
In a remarkable recognition of female leadership in the supply chain sector, Kim Bearden, the Director of Operations at Dataknox Solutions, has been awarded the 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum™ Award in the Trailblazers category. This prestigious award, presented by Food Logistics and Supply Demand Chain Executive, aims to honor women who have made significant strides in the supply chain field, demonstrating excellence and providing mentorship to inspire others.
Marina Mayer, the editor-in-chief of both Food Logistics and Supply Demand Chain Executive, shared her thoughts on the importance of this award, emphasizing that it not only celebrates individual achievements but also signifies growth and progress in the industry. With over 300 submissions this year, the event highlighted the increasing recognition of female professionals within the supply chain. Notably, the record number of self-nominations—70—underscores the desire for women to amplify their voices and accomplishments, while 44 submissions from male colleagues also set a new standard in this realm.
As the Director of Operations, Bearden is at the helm of Dataknox Solutions’ operational processes, overseeing essential functions that support the company’s expansive infrastructure services. Her role encompasses managing third-party maintenance programs, logistics, IT asset disposition, and hardware lifecycle management, to name a few. Within her position, she serves as a vital connector among various stakeholders including customers, teams, vendors, and logistics providers to ensure that operational projects are completed effectively and efficiently.
Joining Dataknox in 2020, Kim has driven the company’s ambitious growth trajectory which has seen a 400% increase in business and expansion into over 30 countries. Her strategic oversight has solidified Dataknox’s reputation as a trusted provider of IT lifecycle services and logistics support on a global scale. CEO Ankush Dham attributes a large part of this success to her contributions, calling her honor well-deserved given her instrumental role in the organization’s evolution.
The Women in Supply Chain Forum™ will honor Bearden and her fellow awardees at an upcoming event scheduled from November 17-19, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina. This gathering will serve not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a platform for networking and mentorship among female supply chain professionals, fostering an environment for continued growth and empowerment within the industry.
Kim Bearden’s recognition is a testament to the impact women can have on the supply chain industry, paving the way for future generations of leaders. Her story reflects a commitment to excellence and a desire to inspire change, highlighting the essential role of women in shaping the landscape of supply chain management today.