Adriana Campos
Adriana Campos Vargas is a senior international trade and logistics executive with more than 16 years of experience in global supply chain management, customs, procurement, sales, and business development. She specializes in international logistics for perishable goods, with deep expertise in cold chain operations, customer service, and end-to-end supply chain strategy across maritime, air, and land transportation. She has built a dynamic career leading complex commercial operations and driving growth across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe while supporting high-value client relationships and global market expansion.
Her professional journey reflects resilience, independence, and continuous growth in a fast-paced, operational, and historically male-dominated industry. She began her career in Costa Rica in commercial and supplier-focused roles, developing logistics business across Europe and the United States. In 2020, she set a clear goal to expand operations into the U.S., a vision that became reality when she relocated in December 2021 to help establish and grow the U.S. office from the ground up. A defining milestone in her journey was obtaining her work visa, a rigorous process that recognized her professional contributions and future impact in the U.S. market. Today, as Head of Sales at UCC America, she leads commercial strategy, manages key global accounts, oversees budget performance, and contributes directly to the U.S. P&L while working closely with teams across the Americas and global markets.
Outside of her executive role, Adriana is passionate about classical singing, which she studied extensively and continues to pursue through competitions and international festivals across Europe, Argentina, and the United States. She also enjoys exploring art, culture, and food, particularly in Philadelphia. Her artistic background brings a unique dimension to her leadership style, enhancing her discipline, creativity, and emotional intelligence, which she integrates into her professional approach to global logistics and business development.
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Curso Herramientas Básicas de Power BI para el Análisis de Datos
• Finanzas y Operaciones de Marketing y Ventas
• Liderazgo de Equipos
• Universidad Braulio Carrillo - BS, Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician
• Cerem Global Business School - MSCM
• Award from Crowley Shipping Line
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and adaptability, especially through navigating international transitions and building my career across different countries and markets. A strong sense of self-awareness and mental discipline has also been essential in helping me stay focused, grounded, and consistent in high-pressure environments. In addition, my ability to build meaningful relationships across cultures and markets has played a key role in my growth and effectiveness as a global leader. I also place great importance on maintaining mental health and balance, particularly in a demanding, travel-intensive industry, as I believe sustained success comes from both performance and well-being.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received has been shaped by my experiences working across international markets and in environments that required me to adapt quickly, lead effectively, and grow independently. Throughout my professional journey, I have learned that success is built not only on technical expertise but also on resilience, curiosity, and the ability to take ownership of challenges without waiting for ideal conditions. My path has reinforced the importance of self-driven leadership and continuous learning through experience, especially when navigating complex, fast-paced global operations where decisions, accountability, and adaptability define long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The first thing I would tell them is to take mental health very seriously. We are right now, as women, in a men's world, and we have been growing with an instructor that says we have to do and act and be and look like something specifically. Growing and getting to adult age thinking that - it's difficult. So the first thing is, take care of your mental health, because in this industry, and in this world, which is a man's world, you have to face a lot of different situations. Knowing yourself and having that deep, deep connection with your health, with yourself, and the real world you have - that's going to be the main tool you have to go through this industry and put your step in a good place and have a name. You need that deep connection with yourself to navigate the challenges and establish yourself successfully.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In my field, the biggest challenges come from working in a high-demand, travel-intensive global environment, where priorities shift quickly and success depends on consistently navigating cultural and market differences across international logistics networks, all while maintaining balance and well-being in a fast-paced industry. At the same time, there are significant opportunities in the continued expansion of global trade and supply chains, the ability to build and scale businesses across emerging and established markets, and the growing value of cross-cultural experience in driving innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth. Overall, I see logistics as a field full of opportunity for those who are adaptable, globally minded, and committed to continuous growth and leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are perseverance and independence, which have guided me through complex and fast-changing environments, as well as cultural connection and a global perspective, which allow me to build meaningful relationships across diverse markets. I also deeply value personal growth and resilience, as I believe continuous learning and the ability to adapt are essential for long-term success in any field. Above all, I prioritize authenticity and self-awareness, staying grounded in who I am while navigating change, because I believe true success comes from understanding yourself and leading with purpose and integrity.