Supply chain professional with 7 years of experience across consulting and internal strategy roles in CPG sectors. Has worked in procurement strategy, network optimization, supply chain digital transformation, and competitive benchmarking across the value chain.

Stephen C. Day III is a business operations professional from Washington, Pennsylvania with a background in project management, process optimization, procurement, and other management functions. He began his career working on various programs at Lockheed Martin, where he developed a passion for innovation and efficiency. Eager to expand his expertise, he looks forward to collaborating with peers and gaining new insights throughout the program. Outside of work and academics, he enjoys traveling, country music, camping in the snow, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

Wathila Ekanayake is a graduate candidate in MIT’s Supply Chain Management program and a recipient of the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Award. Prior to MIT, he graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management worked in server supply chain planning at Dell Technologies. At MIT, his interests include supply chain analytics, data science, and digitalization. Wathila’s MIT graduate capstone project, sponsored by ExxonMobil, explores whether machine learning and natural language processing can accurately extract demurrage-related data from shipping agreements and normalize this information into a structured database to support predictive analytics, optimization algorithms, and simulation models aimed at reducing demurrage costs.

Hi, I’m Utkarsh Goel from New Delhi, India. I have a background in Supply Chain Management with experience across the Telecom and Aviation sectors, most recently at United Airlines. Over the years, I’ve worked across key areas such as procurement, inventory planning, and vendor management-building a strong foundation in end-to-end supply chain operations. Outside of work, I’m a soccer enthusiast, car lover, and avid solo traveler. My role in aviation allowed me to explore the world, both professionally and personally. My passion for supply chain brought me to MIT, driven by the belief that supply chain is not just a support function-it’s a strategic force that drives innovation, resilience, and global impact. I’m proud to be a supply chain evangelist and excited to contribute to shaping its future.

Hi Everyone! I’m Shivam from Toronto, Canada. I’ve spent the past 5 years working in retail supply chain at Canadian Tire Corp, tackling challenges in replenishment, network design, and demand planning. These experiences have honed my analytical skills and given me a deep appreciation for the complexities of modern supply chains. I’m eager to build upon this foundation by learning from the world-class faculty and brilliant peers in the SCMr program. Outside of academics, I’m excited to immerse myself in MIT’s vibrant community. In my spare time I hope to explore coffee shops around Cambridge, join the intramural basketball team, and find a local book club! Fun fact: I spent two amazing weeks this summer exploring Vietnam, marvelling at the beauty of Ha Long Bay and sampling various Vietnamese coffees. I look forward to meeting you all, sharing ideas, and contributing to a fantastic year ahead.

Junyeon is an experienced procurement and supply chain leader at Hyundai Motor Group with more than a decade of work across Korea and the U.S. automotive industry. He has led sourcing strategies for advanced technologies such as electric and electronic components and achieved significant cost optimization through innovative and data-driven approaches.

During the COVID‑19 crisis, he was dispatched to the U.S. to address global semiconductor shortages, playing a key role in stabilizing Hyundai’s production. More recently, he has been responsible for developing and executing supply chain localization strategies in response to tariff changes and geopolitical risks—driving U.S.-based sourcing initiatives to enhance cost competitiveness and supply resilience.

Junyeon is currently pursuing the MIT Master of Supply Chain Management program to strengthen his U.S. industry network and explore how emerging technologies—such as AI and automation—can be integrated into supply chain operations. He aims to leverage this experience to drive innovation across technology-intensive industries and contribute to building more agile and globally resilient supply chains.

Adam Kang is the Co-founder and Head of Business Development at ShipSaving, a logistics technology platform that empowers e-commerce sellers and warehouses with smart shipping and fulfillment solutions. Based in Los Angeles, he has extensive experience in last-mile logistics, retail distribution, and cross-border supply chain strategy.

At ShipSaving, Adam has led partnerships with major platforms and third-party warehouses, helping thousands of merchants reduce costs and streamline operations. Prior to joining MIT, he built and scaled logistics ventures focused on making shipping more accessible, transparent, and efficient for global commerce.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. After graduation, I joined General Motors through its Technical Rotation Program before becoming a Technical Product Manager (DRE), where I led the launch of advanced driver-assistance camera modules across multiple vehicle platforms. In this role, I managed cross-functional programs, partnered with global suppliers, and drove semiconductor supply chain resilience initiatives that delivered multi-million-dollar cost savings. I am now pursuing my Master’s in Supply Chain Management at MIT, bringing a track record of bridging engineering depth with supply chain strategy to solve complex challenges in global operations and technology-driven industries.

I’m Ben McGrath from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I graduated with a BS from the United States Naval Academy and recently completed seven years of active duty service. During my career I’ve deployed to the Arctic, Mediterranean and throughout the Middle East aboard multiple guided missile destroyers with a focus in operations, engineering, and weapon systems. My career has allowed me to see transportation and shipping on a global scale, including transiting through the Suez Canal and the Bab el Mandeb strait. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me running or chasing the perfect tee time. I’m excited to be apart of the MIT community.

Maya Mercer is a member of the MIT Supply Chain Management Master’s Program, Class of 2026. With five years of experience in market research, strategy, and analytics, she brings a proven track record of driving meaningful change. Before joining MIT, Maya was a Manager of Strategy & Market Intelligence at Oldcastle Infrastructure, a leading manufacturer of building products, where she led strategic initiatives to identify and capitalize on key opportunities. Prior to Oldcastle, she held several roles at Norfolk Southern, a Class I railroad, where she developed a passion for all things supply chain. A native of Nebraska, Maya earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating with highest distinction. She is dedicated to leveraging her expertise to deliver innovative solutions in operations, manufacturing, and supply chain.