October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates inclusive workplace policies and the contributions of workers with disabilities. As part of our “Fearless Females of Supply Chain” Blue Yonder Live series, Blue Yonder’s Chief Customer Officer Susan Beal spoke to Laura Coleman, Senior Manager, Operations Strategy Projects at Altria. Laura shares how she is a disability champion at her company and her own journey to embrace her disability. You can watch their conversation here.
Susan Beal: Laura, please tell us more about Altria and your role within the organization.
Laura Coleman: Altria is a U.S.-based manufacturing company with the goal of leading the transition of adult smokers to a smoke-free future. We have approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, and I work out of our headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. Recently, I was responsible for managing the entire spare parts inventory for our manufacturing facility in Richmond, which was approximately one million physical units, $120 million worth of parts and 90,000 unique SKUs. Now I manage our business planning process, focusing on integrated business planning (IBP) and sales and operations execution (S&OE), as well as the technology that enables us to improve planning and operations and remain competitive in the industry.
Susan: Is this the career you envisioned for yourself growing up? If not, how did you find yourself in the supply chain field?
Laura: As a child, I never dreamed of having a job in supply chain. In fact, growing up with disabilities — I have ADHD and dyslexia — my parents were told I would never go to college. But I did just that. After graduating high school, I went to Virginia Tech and received my bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering, and decided I wanted to pursue a career in the manufacturing space. I love working with people and improving processes, so I went on to obtain my Master of Business Administration from the University of Richmond.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in all aspects of manufacturing, from branding to business strategy and operations. This diverse background has enabled me to expand into supply chain and technology. After deploying Blue Yonder Warehouse Management in our stockroom, I’m now looking at other ways we can utilize intelligent technology such as control towers throughout our operations.
While I never thought of myself in the tech space, technology plays an important role in what I strive to do — make people’s lives better and easier. I want them to not only enjoy what they do, but also have time to do the things they enjoy outside of work, like spending time with family and friends. Implementing technology into our supply chain and business operations enables me to do just that.
Susan: What does diversity and inclusion mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Growing up with disabilities, I always hid it because it was something people would make fun of me for having. Back then, I had learned to not let anyone know about it because they would think differently about me. On a more personal level, I have a 7-year-old daughter that has some genetic conditions that required her to undergo surgeries at birth. She’s incredibly smart and wonderful, and I want to be a good role model for her, which is why I really started talking about my disabilities, advocating for both of us and setting that positive example for her. I want her to grow up learning that disabilities aren’t something to be afraid or ashamed of.
On a professional level, I paired up with a colleague at Altria to develop Rise, an employee resource group for people with disabilities and caregivers of those with disabilities. We started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At that time, Altria had nearly a dozen different employee resource groups, but not one specifically dedicated to disabilities. Within the first 48 hours of creating the group, we had more than 700 employees express interest in it, which was an amazing feeling.
In addition to the employee resource group, we’ve also implemented a hiring program for individuals with cognitive developmental delays to help them gain valuable job skills and hands-on experience. We are also working on a similar program for college interns. I’m very proud of the work we’ve been able to do with the neurodiversity support programs at Altria. It really is a testament to the great support I received from my parents and those around me.
Susan: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
Laura: I wish I would have spoken up about my disabilities sooner. I didn’t see the full value in sharing my story until I actually did it. The number of people in the company who were going through a similar journey and have come up to me and said, “Thank you, I thought I was alone” have made me realize how important and empowering it is to come forward and embrace your truth in the workplace.
Susan: What advice do you have for other women who are looking to advance their careers?
Laura: First and foremost, be true to yourself. It’s hard to put yourself out there, but it’s worth it in the long run. When you can find a way to bring your passion into work like I’ve been fortunate enough to do, it makes work so much fun. Surround yourself with supportive individuals — whether they’re mentors, sponsors, confidants or advisors — who can be there for you and help you on your journey. Make it a mix of people inside and outside your organization, regardless of job title or position, who are successful in what they do and will inspire you to do the same. Those relationships will not only serve as an example for you, but also help you learn how to be that role model for others. It’s all about helping each other out.
Susan: Thank you for joining us today, Laura. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Laura: DisabilityIn is a non-profit organization that helps businesses create inclusive workplaces for employees with disabilities. They offer certification programs, training, and resources to promote disability inclusion and diversity. Visit their website to learn more.
