Her Story
About Nikki
Nikki Kemp is a Supply Chain IT Manager with 17 years of professional experience across retail supply chain technology, IT operations, consumer goods, and other technology-driven environments. She currently serves as East Coast IT Operations Manager at Ross Stores, Inc., where she leads a team of analysts responsible for IT operations supporting distribution centers across the East Coast. Her career has included progressive leadership roles at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Walmart, where she managed supply chain technology, warehouse management systems, product implementations, and large-scale technology initiatives. Her areas of expertise include supply chain IT operations, distribution center applications, warehouse management systems, process improvement, and technology implementation.
Prior to her current role, Nikki served as a Senior Product Manager and Product Manager at Lowe’s, where she led technology implementations supporting the company’s market delivery network. Her accomplishments included designing and delivering a customized Blue Yonder Warehouse Management System solution, leading technology implementations for new cross-dock terminals, transitioning warehouses to a SaaS-based solution, and supporting the development of a new Pro Fulfillment Center. At Walmart, she managed warehouse management system initiatives focused on storage and replenishment within the eCommerce supply chain, in addition to serving as a Program Manager for major enterprise initiatives. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Analysis from The George Washington University School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from Chicago State University, along with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Professional Scrum Master certification.
Nikki attributes her success to persistence and a never-give-up mentality, approaching obstacles as challenges to work through rather than reasons to stop. She values integrity and believes strongly in having the confidence to speak up when something does not seem right, even when doing so may be uncomfortable. She also emphasizes the importance of knowledge, continuous learning, mentorship, and taking advantage of professional opportunities, particularly for young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. Beyond her professional work, Nikki has been involved with organizations including the Junior League and National Society of Black Engineers, supporting initiatives related to maternal health, young women and teenagers, food banks, and science and technology.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nikki
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my never-give-up mentality. I am persistent and willing to keep pursuing a goal even when I encounter obstacles along the way. If there are 50 doors that need to be opened and I have to knock down 49 of them before I reach the one that opens, I will keep going. That determination and willingness to keep trying have helped me tremendously throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I received came from a former boss, who essentially taught me that when the people and teams you support look good, it reflects positively on you as well. The lesson was simple: do your job, do it well, and consistently deliver strong results. When you focus on doing excellent work and helping your organization succeed, your contributions will be recognized by your leaders.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The biggest piece of advice I would give young women entering the industry is to be knowledgeable. Learn as much as you can, understand your field, and continually build your expertise. Knowledge gives you confidence and helps you contribute meaningfully, particularly when you are working in complex or challenging environments.
I also encourage the next generation to take advantage of every opportunity they are presented with. Every experience can provide an opportunity to learn, develop new skills, build relationships, and expand your perspective. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and make the most of the opportunities available to you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most valuable opportunities in my career has been having mentors in different areas. Mentors provide a sounding board for ideas, offer different perspectives, and help me approach challenges from viewpoints I may not have considered on my own.
At the same time, working in fields such as oil and gas, supply chain warehousing, and technology can present challenges because they have historically been male-dominated environments. There have been times when I have been the only woman in the room, which has made learning how to speak up thoughtfully and meaningfully especially important. I see the ability to contribute my perspective, ask questions, and challenge ideas when appropriate as an important part of professional growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the most important values to me, both professionally and personally. I believe in being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in the way I approach my work and my relationships with others.
I also value the courage to speak up, particularly in situations where doing so may feel uncomfortable. If I have a question, notice something that does not seem right, or believe an idea deserves to be challenged, I believe there is nothing wrong with respectfully voicing my perspective. Speaking up thoughtfully can lead to better conversations, stronger decisions, and meaningful improvements.
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