Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Celebrating International Women’s Day at UPS

Mar 08, 2023
Leaders share inspiring advice for the next generation
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A century of women at UPS: This year, we’re celebrating 100 years since the first woman was hired in 1923 – Jessie Bell, who worked as a clerk-stenographer in the Los Angeles office. Today, we’re proud that our company is led by one of the few women CEOs in the Fortune 50 ranks, Carol B. Tomé.

For International Women’s Day we asked trailblazing UPSers from around the world to reflect on their careers and share words of wisdom for the next generation.

Tara Redmond, vice president of buildings and systems engineering for UPS Canada in Toronto, 24 years with UPS



“You don’t need to have it all and be it all, all the time. Look to other women for support and challenge and inspire each other.”

Tara leads UPS Canada’s sustainability council and was recently responsible for the construction and implementation of the Caledon Automated Hub, the country’s largest facility. She is happily married and a mom to two teenage daughters.

Fabiola Santos, engineering manager in Brussels, 7 years with UPS


“My best advice is to leave imposter syndrome behind. Bring your authentic self to work and make your voice heard at the table.”

Fabiola started her career at UPS Spain after completing her MBA in Lisbon, Portugal. Born and raised in Venezuela, she enjoys experiencing new cultures and languages and is passionate about tennis.

Cher Porties, president of the North Atlantic District, 19 years with UPS


“Focus on conquering your part of the world, not the entire world. Don’t feel like you need to balance it all. You have a whole lifetime of learning to get it right.”

Cher leads small package operations in New York and is responsible for more than 10,000 UPS employees. Prior to her current position, she led small package and transportation operations in six states across the Mid-South and was responsible for over 25,000 employees. Cher and her husband, Ronald, have two children, Troy and Loren.

Deepanwita Basu, gateway operations manager in New Delhi, 13 years with UPS


“Work through your fear of being judged and the pressure to prove your worth. Get to know your strengths and limitations and take new opportunities, no matter how big the challenge is.”

Deepanwita works closely with government agencies and the airport authority to maintain regulatory compliance. When not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with family and shopping.

Maria Luisa Boyce, vice president of public affairs in Washington, D.C., 6 years with UPS


“Remember the importance of leading with kindness and remaining resilient through the highs and lows.”

María Luisa leads UPS’s government affairs efforts in Latin America, advocates for global policy impacting UPS’s small business customers and heads up the UPS Women Exporters Program.

Mireya Hernandez, legal manager in Mexico City, 1 year with UPS


“Understand that everything takes time. Overcome the pressure to be perfect and don’t be so self-critical.”

As part of the Latin Americas District legal team, Mireya is responsible for Mexico’s labor, civil, commercial, corporate and administrative matters for the small package and Supply Chain Solutions business units.

Did you know? The United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day in 1975. Learn about this year’s theme ‘Embrace Equity.’

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