Nelly Cabral: Risk Manager at DHL

In the high-stakes world of risk management, few professionals bring the grit, grace, and global perspective of Nelly Cabral. As a seasoned Risk Management Professional at DHL, Nelly has spent over 15 years safeguarding organizations against everything from cyber threats to natural disasters. But her path to the top wasn't paved in gold. It was carved through resilience, curiosity, and an unshakable belief in second chances.

“My journey into this career wasn’t exactly planned,” she says with a knowing smile. “It was a complete accident, a serendipitous detour guided by the keen eye of a Risk Manager who saw something in me before I saw it in myself.”

That detour became a defining turning point. Since 2009, Nelly has built a reputation as a sharp, strategic thinker with an eye for both detail and the big picture. “I thrive on identifying potential risks before they become real problems,” she explains. “From shifting regulations and market instability to internal fraud investigations, every threat has a pattern if you know how to read the signs.”

What truly sets her apart is the depth of experience she brings, not just professionally but personally. Diagnosed with dyslexia and placed in special education as a child, Nelly dropped out of high school in 11th grade. “I was labeled a slow learner,” she shares. “But I never gave up on myself.” She earned her GED, pursued higher education in her 30s, and this May, she’ll proudly graduate with a Juris Master in Legal Contracting Risk Management from Florida State University.

“For that introverted kid who felt defeated enough to give up on high school, this is more than a degree. It’s a triumph,” she reflects.

Nelly’s work is rooted in more than just risk mitigation. It’s about people. Whether she’s crafting mitigation strategies or mentoring others, she brings authenticity, integrity, and an unflinching sense of purpose. Her favorite piece of career advice? “Suck it up, buttercup.” She laughs, then explains, “It sounds harsh, but it taught me that this field isn’t for the faint of heart. You need thick skin and an unshakeable sense of self.”

Outside the office, Nelly is an adventure junkie who has zip-lined through rainforests, surfed waves around the world, and played chess with New York’s homeless community. “Those games taught me more about love, politics, and survival than any textbook ever could,” she says. But her greatest adventure is motherhood. Her son, who is autistic, inspires her daily. “He faces challenges head-on with such grace. It reminds me of myself, and I couldn’t be prouder to see that same drive in him.”

As the risk landscape evolves, Nelly sees technology reshaping the field. “AI, data analytics, and predictive modeling are transforming how we work. We’re moving from reactive to proactive, from compliance to strategy.” And with that shift comes the need for professionals who can see beyond the numbers, those with vision, resilience, and heart.

In three words, Nelly describes herself as confident, ambitious, and observant. But anyone who’s had the privilege of hearing her story might add one more: unstoppable.