A celebration o� in�uential �omen in the �ood industr�
Nine from across Northeast share insight into their careers
Our loyal readers, particularly those in the Northeast may be familiar with The Griffin Report of the Northeast’s annual Women of Influence section. Now in its 16th year, the special tribute salutes female executives who are among the leaders in their respective fields.
For years, the popular feature has drawn interest from across the nation. And in response to reader requests, we have expanded Women of Influence this year to include our other four regions – West, Midwest, Southeast and Southwest.
In our November print editions and online, you’ll hear from some inspirational
women as they share advice for up-and-coming professionals, as well as detail some of the challenges and rewards they’ve experienced along the way. In addition, you’ll learn about the defining moments in their careers.
And if you know of a deserving candidate who is not featured this year, don’t worry. We’ll soon be accepting nominations for our 2022 Women of Influence program, which will appear in the second quarter of next year.
In the meantime, join us in the following pages as we celebrate the 2021 Women of Influence in the Northeast from this month.
Jaime Audiss
illy cafe North America
Years with the company: 10
I am national division manager-U.S. retail.
A defining moment in my career was being hired at Gallo Sales Company after getting my bachelor’s degree from Chico State University in California. Joining a company that was known for sales training set the tone for my career. It was a pivotal job experience that has had a long-lasting effect.
In my current position, the most rewarding thing is coaching and mentoring others to achieve sales success.
The most challenging part about my current job is letting my sales team figure out things on their own.
My advice for up-and-coming professionals is to be humble and go the extra mile even when nobody is looking.
Nick DiLuccia and Miles Jones were my first managers at Gallo and they set the bar high for any manager to come afterward. Both were professional yet so encouraging that I wanted to achieve things to make them happy. I cannot say enough wonderful things about them. They are very sensitive and patient men that shaped my sales career.
Ashley Cox
Utz Quality Foods
Years with the company: 3.5
I am VP of sales-South grocery. I've had the opportunity several times in my career to grow into newly created roles orchestrated by two important leaders in my career, Kristen Rabon and Tim Heil.
There was an amazing moment when Kristen called to offer me a role with a strategic account I had been working towards for years – while I was in the hospital to deliver my son.
The ever-changing CPG environment is both the most challenging and most rewarding part of my role. It's important to be nimble enough to manage a multitude of tasks daily, while clearly understanding and articulating key priorities and strategies.
Advice: Be clear about your goals. If you are over-delivering the objectives of your current role, leadership will take note and help guide you on development. But you have to be clear about where you want to land. Speak up – loudly and often – if there is an expanded responsibility, new role or department you have an interest in.
I am blessed to have a personal and professional mentor in one person. My father, Randy Watts, spent his entire career in CPG and continues to be my north star for advice on: being my own best advocate; delivering compelling presentations; listening rather than responding; and when to give it to God.
I am on the executive committee for the Utz Women's Mentoring Group and have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
Twyla Bailey
Mondelez International
Twyla Bailey has more than 25 years in the CPG industry and her current position is VP of sales for U.S. food and mass business at Mondelez International.
Twyla has found tremendous personal and professional growth while in her current and past leadership roles – leading teams of high-performing professionals at Mondelez and collaborating with an incredible customer landscape across the U.S.
She experiences her greatest career satisfaction when delivering transformational work that serves industry needs for both today and the future.
Twyla's defining moment, which inspired confidence and led to achieving progressive career potential, was many years ago when she came out as a proud member of the LBGTQ community. Since that point, she openly shares her personal journey that she now defines a limitless power of true authenticity. This has led to dynamic opportunities to be an impactful leader in the most essential work of diversity, equity and inclusion, where she aspires to continue to be an agent of change.
Additionally, Twyla’s purpose includes serving her community, with particular passion for youth mentoring and supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Jessi East
The Fresh Market
Years with the company: 15
My current position is store manager. A defining moment in my career was moving to the Greensboro, North Carolina, market to manage the corporate stores.
I have the opportunity to collaborate with many different team members across the organization. My team and I are usually the first to pilot new programs, test technology and work with many different departments to bring The Fresh Market's vision to life.
In my current position, I find it rewarding to develop team members, celebrate their successes and give them opportunities to continue to grow. Having the ability to provide feedback on new programs and processes that could potentially impact the organization is extremely rewarding as well.
The most challenging part of my job is being able to adapt to the ever-changing demand on the supply chain.
My advice for up-and-coming professionals would be that you are only limited to what you want to do. The opportunities are endless.
I have had many different mentors throughout my time at The Fresh Market. Too many to list.
I have an associate’s degree from Allentown Business School.
Alona Florenz
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Years with the company: 13
I am SVP of corporate development and FP&A.
A defining moment for me was feeling complete exhaustion after a deal we had worked hard on did not work out. It was a good experience because it taught me that failure has as much learning as success.
What is most rewarding is seeing your team members grow and develop and take on more as they advance their understanding and experience. Nothing better. Also, gaining insight into problems that leaders are struggling with and trying to make sense of what actions are needed to work through those issues.
A challenging part of the job is that it can take years before projects or accomplishments come to fruition. You have to be patient and have a long-term mindset.
Advice: Dive as deep as you can into learning the business; things constantly change, so there is always more to learn.
My mentors have always been the really tough bosses. They push and pull you to be your best.
Professional and volunteer affiliations: Airport Marketing & Development Committee member, Monadnock Family Services incorporator.
I have a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and an MBA from MIT.
Katerina Thompson Crosby's Market
Years with the company: 31
I am store manager. Early on in my career, I accepted a position that required me to step out of my comfort zone, take a risk and tackle new challenges. This presented me the opportunity to learn and develop new skills and to lead a small team. It also showed me how powerful it is to have people believe in you.
To recognize and propel forward the incredibly talented individuals on my team is most rewarding. Most challenging is recruiting and onboarding employees in today's tough labor market.
Advice: Always maintain personal and professional balance. Elevate yourself and those around you. Appreciate and recognize everyone's contribution to a team.
My mentors have included Jim Crosby, David Crosby and Bob Vello. Their guidance, knowledge and willingness to share their wisdom and skills contributed to my strong management style and success.
My professional and volunteer affiliations include: Arc, Salem PAC, Book Buddy, Lifebridge, Care Dimensions fundraising and teaching meal prep to young adults with disabilities.
I have a bachelor's degree from Salem State University and an associate's degree from North Shore Community College. I’m pursuing a master’s degree.
Kimberly Snow
Aleia's Gluten Free Foods
Years with the company: 14
Both of my parents were entrepreneurs. Through them, I learned anything is possible.
Kimberly Snow, founder of Aleia’s Gluten Free Foods, is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who made it her mission to ensure celiac disease and her journey to good health never got in the way of her enjoyment of food.
Her culinary journey and defining moment began when she discovered bland gluten-free foods in the market. She began creating flavorful gluten-free foods and Aleia's, a real grassroots company, was born. Today, Aleia's manufactures gluten-free baked goods for the retail, commercial, and food service markets, and is one of the major manufacturers of certified gluten-free foods.
She says it is a great feeling to be able to create something that impacts the lives of others and in that sense, become an integral part of their well-being. The ability to work with a diverse group of people to accomplish a quality standard that she holds dear drives her passion. Being able to work in such an exciting industry keeps her motivated and inspired. There is no doubt that it is a challenging and exciting industry.
Advice to up-and-coming professionals: Don’t be afraid. Dream big. Prepare yourself as best you can. Your skills will grow. You can achieve success by identifying your weak-nesses and assembling your team around those who have the other skills to complete the team.
Maria Wilson C&S Wholesale Grocers
Years with the company: 13
I am a senior IT budget analyst. A defining moment in my career was purchasing three pieces of real estate and becoming an entrepreneur by age 23. Putting together a business plan and working to bring it to fruition is a rewarding and educational experience.
The challenge of opportunities to gain efficiencies, improve processes and locate savings are what I find most rewarding. Additionally, leading our internal Women in Informational Services Empowered Committee to help empower and support the women in the IS department. Most challenging is a work-life balance.
Advice: Know your worth and don't let anyone take that away from you. Become comfortable being uncomfortable as this is when you grow. Never stop learning or let anyone tell you it cannot be done. Finally, have a strong work ethic. Following these tips will carry you far in whatever you are passionate about.
I was fortunate to have many strong women in my life growing up. I saw in them determination, grit, perseverance to never stop or give up. However, I don't believe they were ever given the recognition they deserved. I have made it my mission to carry their character but not fall short of being recognized and rewarded for my efforts.
I am a member of the Network of Executive Women and have a bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University and DE&I In the Workplace Certificate from USF.
Emily Zraunig
C&S Wholesale Grocers
Years with the company: 11
I am director of continuous improvement and warehouse technology. After spending three years in procurement, I decided to leave the corporate setting and move into a position in the warehouse. This was a defining moment. In this role, I gained exposure to all areas of the warehouse, and almost 10 years later, I continue to build on the knowledge I gained during that experience.
Finding ways to make the work environment and experience of our employees and leaders easier and more enjoyable is what I find most rewarding about my current position.
Motivating our internal customers to adopt new technologies and processes can be quite challenging.
My advice for up-and-coming professionals: Whether they are good or bad, learn from every situation and leader you have. And ask “dumb” questions. I have a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University.
