Kenia Pineda Mesa – Women's day interview

For the Women’s History Month, we sat down with some women in the company to talk about their work at SumUp. We met Kenia Pineda Mesa, who moved from Montréal to Berlin to work in the logistics department. There is a whole lot of things that we don’t know about logistics. We spoke with Kenia about her daily tasks and why she chose to work in Berlin.

“Don’t be afraid to take a path that nobody took before you because perhaps you can be the most inspiring person for other women.” Kenia, SumUp

Logistics is a vast field, can you explain what you and your department are working on day to day?

In short, we are responsible for ensuring that our merchants receive their readers as soon as they place the order. This must happen in the right quantity to the right address. Therefore, we need to keep a strong relationship with our 3 PLs (short for third-party logistics such as warehouses and carriers).** We also make sure they receive replacements and refunds. Also, it is very important to make sure we have enough inventory to satisfy our merchants' demands.

As a Logistics Project Manager, I help our department to improve our processes, conducting cost analysis and monitoring the performance of our carriers.

What made you decide to work at SumUp?

It was not very difficult to align with SumUp as I was personally always struggling to pay with my cards here in Berlin. Working with SumUp I have an opportunity to contribute to make Berlin a cashless city.

Has there been anyone in your life who has had a significant impact on the direction of your life?

My grandma. I grew up with her. She taught me a lot of things that I know now, above all, how to be a woman, and how to be a powerful woman —To follow my dreams and to follow what I want to do in my life.

What can you recommend to every woman?

I think a Career Workshop is really important. To develop your skills, to know what you really want to do in life. This is a specific workshop to help you find out what you want to do if you are not sure. Or, if you are already in the career of your dreams and you want to grow, this Career workshop would help you to develop your skills.

What advice do you want to give to your fellow female co-worker?

For any woman, I would recommend believing in yourself. Believe in your instincts. Don’t be afraid to take a path that nobody took before you because perhaps you can be the most inspiring person for other women.

What is a strength you are proud of?

I would say some people say that it is my craziness. I always follow my dreams, and I make most of them a reality. For example: I want to improve my German. I want to speak German like a native. That’s a bit crazy, haha.

If you had the possibility, what would you change for the advantage of women all over the world?

It would be to give the possibility to all women around the world to have access to education. We come from a country that has it, but there are a lot of countries where women do not have it.

Thanks for your inspiring words and your time, Kenia!

Did you enjoy this? Check out another insightful interview with Web Chapter Lead Monica. Follow us on Instagram to learn more about SumUp!