Her Story
About Bessy
Bessy Arriaga is a seasoned supply chain and business management professional with more than 25 years of experience in procurement, logistics, supply chain operations, and regional business management across Central America and the United States. As Regional Purchasing and Logistics Manager at Flavor Materials International, she oversees purchasing, inventory management, international logistics, customs compliance, vendor relationships, and cross-functional initiatives that support uninterrupted operations throughout multiple countries. Her expertise spans purchasing, logistics, supply chain coordination, operational improvement, stakeholder management, vendor management, customer service, and inventory planning, enabling organizations to improve efficiency while maintaining strong partnerships across multicultural environments.
Arriaga's career began in Honduras, where she gained hands-on experience working in her father's transportation business while studying business management at night. This practical foundation led to opportunities in the international shipping industry, including leadership roles with Maersk, where she supported startup operations in Honduras, Costa Rica, and Houston, Texas. Over the past decade, she has focused on the food and beverage manufacturing sector, leading regional purchasing and logistics functions across Central America and the United States. A graduate of the Universidad Tecnológica de Honduras with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, she also holds an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Montgomery College and is currently pursuing Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Six Sigma certifications to further strengthen her operational excellence expertise.
Throughout her career, Arriaga has attributed her success to a commitment to continuous learning, resilience, and helping others grow. She has built a reputation for leading with integrity, fostering collaboration, and overcoming the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry through determination and a solutions-focused mindset. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she believes that true leadership is measured by the positive impact made on others through mentorship, collaboration, and service. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she supports an organization in Honduras that assists elderly individuals through charitable financial contributions, reflecting her dedication to giving back to her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bessy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning and a genuine passion for helping others. By embracing opportunities to grow, expand my knowledge, and support those around me, I've been able to build meaningful relationships, adapt to new challenges, and achieve lasting success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Success is not a journey, its not a destination. every day you have an opportunity to learn something new, you have an opportunity to help someone else, and just become a better version of yourself - continue striving regardless of the setbacks and disappointments that you may have in life
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Your beginnings do not define your limits, There will be bumps in the road, but if you keep getting back up, keep looking forward - never lose sight of where you want to go. There are no limits to what you can achieve
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that it is traditionally male-dominated. I see it as an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrate my expertise, and encourage more women to enter the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are resilience, integrity, and a willingness to keep learning. I believe these qualities help me overcome challenges, earn trust, and continue growing both professionally and personally.
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