Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshops (RIW)
1 session on September 10, 2026
A Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop examining the "Persianate World" and its use as a regional and transregional concept.
1 session on September 15, 2026
Supply chains are the backbone of the global economy. While the fragility, geography, and organization of global production networks are at the forefront of supply chain discourse, the people who make and study consumers’ products are often forgotten. Women especially play a critical role in the production of goods and services and global procurement.
The Women in Supply Chains (WiSC) Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop (RIW) was created to understand these issues and create a space for graduate students interested in the intersection between gender and supply chains. WiSC researches gender disparities in supply chain scholarship and practice to advance awareness and pursue more equitable outcomes. We seek to bring together an interdisciplinary group to collaborate on topics related to our three research pillars: 1) supply chain discourse and governance, 2) supply chain gender inequities, and 3) barriers to equitable supply chain research and practice. Our interdisciplinary approach addresses the intersections of patriarchy, gender, power asymmetries, and economic exploitation in global production networks. Recent industry research shows that progress on gender representation in supply chains has stalled, demonstrating a need for sustained academic engagement (2024 Women in Supply Chain Survey Report | Gartner).
Research questions we plan to explore include:
To what extent do supply chain theory and discourse rely on or reinforce patriarchal values?What gender-based inequities and power asymmetries exist in global production networks? How can supply chain stakeholders mitigate these inequitiesWhat barriers do gender-marginalized individuals face as supply chain scholars or practitioners? How can we build community for people who work in supply chains?We plan to hold monthly events (approximately 1 hour) on a consistent day of the week (based on the availability of participants/guest speakers). We also plan to attend and promote events on campus (e.g., speakers, lectures) as they relate to gender and supply chains. Planned events include hands-on activities and treks, including a book club and a manufacturing site tour.
The Women in Supply Chains (WiSC) Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop (RIW) was created to understand these issues and create a space for graduate students interested in the intersection between gender and supply chains. WiSC researches gender disparities in supply chain scholarship and practice to advance awareness and pursue more equitable outcomes. We seek to bring together an interdisciplinary group to collaborate on topics related to our three research pillars: 1) supply chain discourse and governance, 2) supply chain gender inequities, and 3) barriers to equitable supply chain research and practice. Our interdisciplinary approach addresses the intersections of patriarchy, gender, power asymmetries, and economic exploitation in global production networks. Recent industry research shows that progress on gender representation in supply chains has stalled, demonstrating a need for sustained academic engagement (2024 Women in Supply Chain Survey Report | Gartner).
Research questions we plan to explore include:
To what extent do supply chain theory and discourse rely on or reinforce patriarchal values?What gender-based inequities and power asymmetries exist in global production networks? How can supply chain stakeholders mitigate these inequitiesWhat barriers do gender-marginalized individuals face as supply chain scholars or practitioners? How can we build community for people who work in supply chains?We plan to hold monthly events (approximately 1 hour) on a consistent day of the week (based on the availability of participants/guest speakers). We also plan to attend and promote events on campus (e.g., speakers, lectures) as they relate to gender and supply chains. Planned events include hands-on activities and treks, including a book club and a manufacturing site tour.
2 sessions available from September 23, 2026 to September 23, 2026
Join MiSciComm (formerly MiSciWriters) for in-person and virtual workshops designed to develop science communication skills!
No science communication experience required.
We are always welcoming new writers, editors, translators, and/or illustrators. If you'd like to join MiSciComm, fill out our membership form here. Our onboarding workshops are held once per semester and can be registered for below. Please reach out if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.
No science communication experience required.
We are always welcoming new writers, editors, translators, and/or illustrators. If you'd like to join MiSciComm, fill out our membership form here. Our onboarding workshops are held once per semester and can be registered for below. Please reach out if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.