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Armando Duran’s parents figured they couldn’t do better than him after bringing eight children into the world. Growing up the youngest provided the San Luis Potosi, Mexico, native with support, empathy, and even a little spoiling. His parents, who had no formal education, worked hard to provide their family with everything that they needed, allowing his brothers and sisters to pursue careers in medicine, psychology, engineering, and accounting.
“Even though my parents didn’t go to university, there was no doubt in my mind that I would go,” Duran says. “I worked hard to earn scholarships, and I could have gone to medical school. That’s what my father wanted for me, but my brother introduced me to computer systems, and that made up my mind for me. He showed me a Texas Instruments calculator and that was it.”
Today, Duran is the senior IT director for global logistics and center of excellence at Cummins, where he has spent his professional career. He has earned consistent promotions through nine roles over twenty-four years at the designer, manufacturer, distributor, and servicer of power solutions. He credits his long tenure at Cummins to shared values: honesty, transparency, welcoming diversity, and “walking the talk.”
“It doesn’t matter where you come from here,” Duran says. “This is a truly global company. We do things all over the world, and we work together toward the same goal. Whether we’re physically in a room together or meeting virtually, that room feels inclusive. You feel welcomed and like your perspective matters.”
Duran’s team handles IT functions for aftermarket and global logistics at Cummins, including distribution centers, transportation, processes, trade and compliance, and packaging. That global team is made up of 65 full-time employees and120 contractors spread out across the globe.
Working globally was a skill Duran learned while working in Mexico early in his career. He wanted to move to the US for broader, more diverse opportunities, but the move took time, patience, and two unsuccessful attempts.
“[M]y brother introduced me to computer systems, and that made up my mind for me. He showed me a Texas Instruments calculator and that was it.”
Armando Duran Paramo
Duran didn’t want to force his wife to find a new job, and he had two young children. But eventually, the timing felt right, and the Duran family committed to making a life in the US.
“There are moments when you need to challenge yourself,” Duran says. “Sometimes, comfort is all that is keeping you in a role. If I feel too calm and unchallenged, I know it’s time to try something new.”
Along with fulfilling his day-to-day IT responsibilities, Duran has also elected to advocate for diversity at Cummins. He’s an active member of the organization’s Latino employee resource group as well as Cummins Advocating for Racial Equality, an internal group dedicated to criminal justice reform, creating economic empowerment by building wealth and income, and driving social justice reform to amplify community voices and priorities.
Duran’s involvement with these groups is an outgrowth of the responsibility he feels toward other Latinos and people of color. Corporate leadership is still often virtually monochromatic, and Duran believes in the power of representation to drive change.
“I hope it’s not presumptuous, but I think that Latinos, like everyone, need role models,” Duran says. “They just aren’t abundant. For every Latino that is in a position of standing up and helping others, that can have a multiplying effect for others.”
Cummins partners with organizations like the Indianapolis Urban League, which hosts events aimed at helping Latinos and other minorities advance or begin their careers. Those events include résumé writing, mock interviews, and networking opportunities. Duran says his group hopes to make an impact on 250 Latino families by the end of 2025. It’s a chance for families to find careers outside of the normal stereotypes of construction and warehouse work. And, more importantly, it’s a chance to build upward mobility for future generations.
Duran also finds time to devote to one of his other true passions. The senior director is a fútbol fanatic. His passion has led him to take a seat on the board of directors for the Columbus Express Soccer Club, a nonprofit community-oriented soccer club that Duran’s children have spent significant time playing in.
“What could be better than to serve the youth, create healthy habits, and develop yourself in something as fun as soccer?” Duran asks. “I always tease my kids that while it may not be all that important when it comes to real priorities, soccer should be the most important unimportant thing in life.”
We are honored to collaborate closely with Armando and the exceptional team at Cummins. As Cummins advances its journey of digital transformation to achieve greater business agility and resilience, our partnership in enhancing operations through a robust supply chain solution marks a significant milestone in our enduring relationship.
With more than 40 years of global experience in partnering with and managing manufacturing organizations, HCLTech is a trusted leader in transforming traditional business processes into next-generation operations optimized for exceptional performance. Our advanced supply chain solutions empower manufacturing companies to navigate today’s dynamic environment by leveraging cutting-edge technologies that foster innovation, enhance profitability, optimize operational efficiency, and unlock new avenues for sustainable growth.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Armando on being featured in this edition. His unwavering commitment to technological excellence, along with his dedication to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, continues to inspire and resonate with many.
