Women@Freight – “The Pharma Sector Needs Critical Thinking”

Keysamir Rojas is a pharmacist working at DHL Freight in Spain – a role that may seem unusual at first glance in a logistics company. To mark International Women’s Day, we are featuring her in our Women@Freight series.

How did your career at DHL Freight begin?

I’ve been working at DHL Freight in Madrid since October 2023. Spanish law requires a licensed pharmacist to oversee Good Distribution Practice (GDP). GDP ensures that counterfeit medicines do not enter the supply chain and that the quality and integrity of pharmaceuticals are protected.

Because I am a pharmacist, I took on this responsibility. I also had a clear goal: reopening the pharmaceutical warehouse in Madrid while meeting all regulatory requirement and the quality standards of the pharma sector.

And – are you reaching your goal?

Yes. This year, our pharma warehouse in Madrid will reopen. It’s a very important growth opportunity for DHL Freight’s pharma business and for DHL Group overall. My responsibilities have also expanded. In 2025, I took over GDP quality management for the entire Iberia region (Spain and Portugal). Since then, I have led external audits for pharma customers at several terminals, as well as audits by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) in Madrid. The work is incredibly enriching. Even when things get stressful, the results make it worthwhile.

What does a typical working day look like?

No two days are the same – and that’s what motivates me most. In pharma quality management, new challenges arise constantly, making the work dynamic and exciting.

A large part of my day involves investigating issues when something has gone wrong. I analyze data to identify the root cause and define actions to prevent the problem from happening again. I also advise our operations teams on the correct handling of pharmaceuticals.

We transport health – so we must ensure product quality and safety at all times. That requires analytical and critical thinking as well as cross-functional collaboration. That’s exactly what makes this work so exciting for me.

What do you value most about your team?

Even though I don’t lead my own team, I truly value working with my colleagues. I collaborate closely with full truck load (FTL) teams, terminal teams across the Iberian Peninsula and their managers, the quality department, and warehouse operations. We listen to each other, support one another, and find solutions together. This team spirit is essential for achieving real, sustainable improvements.

What advice would you give women who want to work at Freight?

I would tell them to trust their knowledge, professional judgement, and leadership skills. Freight is a place where talent, commitment, and the drive to improve truly make a difference – regardless of gender.

My advice: Don’t hesitate to take on challenges, ask questions, and propose improvements. Logistics and the pharma sector need diversity, critical thinking, and passionate professionals – and Freight is an excellent place to grow, learn, and make an impact.