2023 WOI West

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Tribute offers insight into careers of 30 honorees

The Shelby Report of the West presents its 18th annual tribute to Women of Influence in the food industry. This year’s slate of honorees – 30 strong – runs the gamut from presidents and VPs to managers, directors and supervisors. They are among the leading executives in their respective fields, but their candid responses to questions from the Shelby team also reflect how they handle their other roles – as wives, mothers, sisters and even grandmothers. Whether they’ve worked there decades or just a few months, these women are making an impact at their companies. Some have MBAs or law degrees,

while others are pursuing doctorates. Nearly all belong to professional associations and are active in their communities.

In the pages that follow, 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.

We found their responses refreshing and inspirational, and hope you will as well. Join us as we celebrate the 2023 Women of Influence.

HeeSook Alden

Gelson’s VP of Team Development and Public Affairs

I am responsible for ensuring our team members get the educational support to do their jobs and become experts in their fields. I also oversee legal compliance for our company, ensuring that it is wellinformed and follows legal compliance.

Delaney Bashaw

Niagara Bottling

Supply Chain Planning Manager

I am responsible for a team of analysts who make strategic decisions around planning inventory, production and distribution.

I love my job because I get to process and solve

Samantha Bertoncini

Smart

& Final

Store Manager

I currently work at Smart & Final in Merced, California. I have raised five boys. Two of them play

Additionally, I am given special projects to lead, which I enjoy because I get to work with cross-functional teams. When a leader gets the opportunity to work with people from different areas of the business, it is gratifying and teamwork at its best.

My job's best and most rewarding part is to help others succeed through mentorship and education. A leader's job is to bring others along, lifting and supporting them. Servant and empathic leadership are key to me. Working with people, treating them as human beings and appreciating what all team members bring.

intricate problems every day. My team provides a positive impact on our organization by analyzing the constraints and resources available to make the best decision for the company.

The challenge in that is that a new challenge arises with each passing day and needs to be solved. The non-stop nature of supply chain planning can be overwhelming and unpredictable.

It’s critical for my team to understand the positive impact they make daily and feel they have my trust and are empowered to make decisions.

college baseball – one for Stanislaus State and my youngest at Fresno City. This is where all my off time is spent.

I plan and direct the day-to-day operations of the store, developing strategies to improve customer service, drive store sales, increase profitability, maintain company policies and grow the customer base. I also maintain high store standards and conditions and foster a positive workplace environment.

One of the biggest challenges as grocery operators is dealing with the ever-changing legislation that makes it cumbersome to run our businesses.

The biggest turning point in my career was joining the California Grocers Association. Working with leaders across our industry and collaborating for the common good is gratifying.

One of my biggest career accomplishments was to be the chair of the board of directors for the California Grocers Association. What an honor to have served and worked with some of the most accomplished leaders in the food industry.

Being empowered by my mentors as an analyst is what has given me the confidence to trust my judgment and take risks.

My advice to the future of our industry is to challenge yourself to be better every day. And to be better, you need to build relationships with those around you. You never know when you may need a friendly voice to walk through a problem you are facing.

The connections I have made in my career are what have elevated me and helped me grow in ways I never could have imagined.

I've always been skilled at bringing people together and working toward common goals. My experience successfully leading my team and managing my store allowed me to receive top honors with Smart & Final, winning District and Northern Region Store of the Year awards.

My advice to up-and-coming leaders: Be brutally honest with yourself about what’s working and what isn’t.

THE SHELBY- GRIFFIN REPORT

Katrina Brooks Smart & Final Manager, Talent Development & Engagement

I am truly fortunate to have a career in the grocery industry, where I not only get to leverage my passion for developing others but also work on a team with talented individuals who share that same passion. In my role, my primary duties are to manage the learning and leadership

Lori Brown

Rosie, an Instacart company

Head of Industry and Customer Development

Before joining Rosie, the industry leading online grocery shopping platform for mobile and web, Lori spent the previous 18 years at Post Consumer Brands, most recently as the regional VP for the West. She has worked in the grocery

Megan Campos

Suja Life Director of Sales

I am responsible for managing our business with our conventional grocery retail partners, broker teams and distributor partners. Our team develops and executes strategies to drive growth through assortment and trade

Alondra Carcamo

Food 4 Less/FoodsCo

Store Leader

My entire career has been with Food 4 Less. I have 17 years of being a part of this outstanding company. My forte lies in comprehending people and constructing teams that perform exceptionally well. I prioritize the growth, development and well-being of my associates and take immense pleasure in

Amanda Cuellar

Smart & Final

Construction and Maintenance Project Manager

My heart is at home with my husband of eight years, Steve, who brought two amazing boys into my world and are now not so small. Together we have one son. All three give us a run for our money.

Abby Ellis

New Leaf Community Markets

Store Manager

Abby came to the food industry looking for a way to use her supply chain, process improvement and engineering problem-solving skills in a career that

Shannon Flowers

Safeway

Denver Division Manager of Corporate Initiative

My most excellent satisfaction comes from motivating and empowering individuals to unleash their full potential and strive for excellence every day. Engaging in organizational change can be a challenging task, mainly

development of our corporate office and supply chain associates, as well as to support our company’s performance management and engagement efforts.

I love my job. It has been a challenging and exciting time recently as our team's areas of responsibility have started to expand into all three banners of Chedraui USA. I am looking forward to being a part of leadership development on a larger scale.

My boss, Joe Tischbern, is a mentor to me. He has seen my growth over my nine years with the company. Not only has he seen it, but he has invested in it and has advocated for me. He understands who I am and

business for 40 years, starting in retail at Kroger while in college.

Lori received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound and her master’s degree from USC in Food Industry Leadership. She also completed the USC Food Industry Executive Program.

Lori serves on several boards and education foundations. In March 2021, she was nominated as president of the Pacific Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America. She is the first woman elected to this role in 111 years. Lori serves in the officer role of Tailite (secretary) for the Illuminators

optimization, category management, retail execution and route to market efficiencies.

A defining chapter of my career so far has been working at Suja in the first couple of years as the brand was just getting started and experiencing the passion and drive of our co-founders and the grit that they inspired in our team. I will never forget those early “all-hands-on-deck” days, and I will continue to channel that tenacity, creativity and scrappiness moving forward.

One of my favorite parts of the job is the relationships that I get to build with our retailers, broker partners and especially with my amazing team and

helping them advance their careers through education.

Fortunately, I have had the privilege of working alongside my district leader and mentor, Steve White, who is a highly knowledgeable individual with abundant experience. Steve has always been an enormous support to me, showing remarkable patience and belief in me when I lacked confidence. His inspirational leadership and challenges have enabled me to achieve my full potential.

To all emerging professionals, I urge you to lead by example, inspire others and continue to learn throughout your career. Always strive to

What I find most rewarding at work is being able to help our stores become better and more efficient through remodels and fixing/replacing large pieces of equipment – providing our customers with a more beautiful store and a better shopping experience.

I have two amazing mentors who have shaped the way I handle situations and see my opportunities: Jeanne Nash, director of maintenance, and Rosie Squieri, SVP of store development and construction. These two women have championed me getting into this program and have supported me tremendously over the past five years within the department. They are my not-so-silent advocates, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everything

made a positive impact on the world. She started at MOM’s Organic Market as a clerk and quickly grew into store leadership.

The Mindful Leadership Forum at MOM’s made a lasting impression on her leadership style, teaching her to bring out the best in others through curiosity and collaboration. Abby has made a point of working for companies whose mission and values align with her own and believes that is the key to living authentically.

because others may exhibit resistance to change. Empowering people to find and embrace new solutions or practices moves us all forward, personally and professionally.

I have been fortunate to have two mentors – Todd Broderick, Denver Division president, and Michael Mariolle, Denver Division VP of retail operations – who have guided me along the way. Their patience, trust and pride in me have empowered me to be the best version of myself.

Attending the USC Marshall School of Business has been a defining moment. Witnessing the synergy between education and industry has

what I need to be successful. Joe has provided me with opportunities that challenge me to grow personally and professionally.

I have been blessed with mentors inside and outside of the company. These are people who I am immensely grateful to and who have encouraged me to continue to invest in myself and my education.

Advice that I would give to up-and-coming professionals would be to remember that you are not on anyone's timeline but your own. Believe in yourself. It's never too late to start on a new path toward your goals. The effort will always be worth it.

Organization. She serves on several boards, including California Grocers Association, Washington Food Industry Association, the WFIA Educational Foundation and the Navigator Lighthouse Foundation.

Lori has earned numerous awards over her career. In 2021, Lori received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to young people from the Boy Scouts of America. In April 2023, the Washington Food Industry Association announced Lori and Rosie, an Instacart Company, as its Vendor of the Year for being a tireless champion for independent grocers.

the cross-functional teams that I work with at Suja.

Advice for up-and-coming professionals: Embrace the opportunity to build genuine connections across all levels of the business. Brené Brown says that, "Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued.” I think that can be a powerful message to help guide our interactions with people in our jobs and in life.

empower your team and continue to seek opportunities for your personal and professional growth.

I am a graduate of the 2023 Food Industry Management Program from USC Marshall School of Business. In addition to being a graduate of the Retail Management Certificate Program, I hold an associate's degree in business administration and management from Cerritos College. I am in the process of transferring to San Diego State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration.

they have done for me.

Outside of work, I love to help our local community through Ontario Western Little League, where I’ve been serving on the board of directors for more than five years. Another area of service dear to my heart is NextUp, where I have met and am building some amazing relationships with strong and independent women (and men).

My “why” statement: To empower women through relationships, learning and trust, so that we may fundamentally change our own lives and inspire those around us.

After moving to California’s Central Coast, she joined New Leaf Community Markets in 2021, where she has continued to grow as a store leader. The part of her job that she finds most rewarding is coaching budding leaders to find their voice and style.

Abby’s advice to folks of all ages – and especially to up-and-coming professionals – is to follow their hearts to opportunities that let them be their best, fullest selves.

opened my eyes to new ways of analyzing business opportunities. I advise up-and-coming professionals to proactively seek opportunities to learn, grow and develop new skills. Build a strong network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career. Be willing to take calculated risks, embrace new challenges and always strive to maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Remember that success is not always immediate. But with persistence and dedication, it is always achievable.

I am a member of the Women Inspiration & Inclusion Network.

Faith Garrard Raley’s Director, Meat and Seafood

Faith began her career in the food industry as an intern for a meat company while in college at Oklahoma State University. After graduating, she moved to California to become a customer service representative for that

same company, Superior Farms, an employee-owned American lamb company headquartered in Sacramento.

While there, she held several roles, including international sales and corporate retail account management. In 2018, she had the opportunity to “switch sides of the desk” and join Raley’s, a family-owned grocery retail operator based out of West Sacramento, as a category manager for beef, pork, lamb and bison.

She now leads a team of merchants and analysts who support the Raley’s, Raley’s ONE Market, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods banners. She

attributes much of her success to the relationships she has built within and outside her companies.

She was accepted into the Food Industry Management Program at USC Marshall to represent Raley’s in 2023. She attributes her success to a lifelong desire to learn.

She would advise up-and-coming professionals to “be courageous and say ‘yes’ to opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. Growth requires risk, and great people do things before they are ready."

Angel Gonzalez Superior Grocers

Retail Systems Manager

I am proud to say that I have worked for the company for 15 years. I oversee the pricing department, highly involved with stores projects, new stores and building teams to support the goals of the company. Additionally, I oversee the Blackhawk gift card program, which has grown incrementally

Liz Gustafson

East West Tea Co.

National Account Manager

I have held several sales roles at East West Tea, serving various retail partners across the U.S. and Canada. I am proud to work for a B-Corp Certified, mission-driven company. “Doing good” and wellness are at the forefront of my mind, and I am thankful to work for a company aligned with my values.

Jackie LaPointe Upside

Director of Retail

Jackie is an experienced sales leader with a successful track record and has consistently remained a top 1 percent sales performer. At Upside, Jackie is responsible for building out a sales strategy that will help increase revenue and reach high-growth targets related to the company’s grocery business. She

Yvonne Manganaro Gelson’s SVP Customer and Team Experience

With more than 30 years in retail – nearly 20 of those with SoCal stalwart Gelson’s – Yvonne Manganaro has a passion for the seasonality, trends and dynamic interplay between customers and team members that the

each year.

I am very fortunate to lead a strong pricing team that is highly motivated and a true example of teamwork. The members are collaborative and always willing to grow. It’s important to me that we are aligned and that each of my team members know they are valuable to the company. Finding talent in the stores, building and developing individuals is also rewarding in my role.

As of this year, I also celebrate 30 years in the grocery industry. I started my career in 1993 at Ralphs Grocery Company, working at store level for six years and corporate for nine years. The opportunities that I have been

The foundation of my career was on the broker side. I spent several years observing vendor best practices and learning to understand how to effectively partner with different styles of retailers.

I returned to school for the University of California-Irvine Fully Employed MBA program and set new career goals. In my last year at UCI, East West Tea gave me an opportunity that changed the trajectory of my career.

I am grateful for the remarkable mentors I’ve had along the way, especially Joe O’Hern, who first took the chance on me at East West Tea and continues to coach and mentor me six years later. The amazing people I’ve

is a key driver in helping to cultivate relationships with existing and potential merchants – one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

She brings deep experience in process improvement and team mentorship. She also has a keen ability to think outside the box. Jackie's energy and enthusiasm for the grocery industry is contagious. She goes above and beyond to put others before her through her efforts to mentor and serve those in the industry.

When she’s not racing in triathlons and marathons, she spends her spare time mentoring others in the retail space across all outlets. She even has her own video series, called Quick 5 with Upside, where she hosts five-minute,

industry provides.

Yvonne joined Gelson’s just after completing her MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, with an emphasis in marketing and strategy.

Since beginning her tenure at Gelson’s, Yvonne has had direct responsibility for leading the marketing team. Over the last decade, she has launched e-commerce for the chain and has added responsibility for store décor and private label design.

With her promotion in 2022, Yvonne now has the opportunity to

fortunate to be faced with have defined me greatly throughout the years. I am truly excited for more to come with Superior.

The mentorship, guidance and support of our leaders has been key to my success through the years. Through changes and needs of the company comes challenges, but they are always followed by growth and learning. I am very passionate and love to take on new challenges.

I truly believe that you can be a good leader, but you can only be great when you utilize the greatness of your team. Developing leaders is my goal for my team and those I am fortunate to interact with.

met in our Industry through FISMC, Illuminators and NextUp have been a huge support and pushed me to complete USC’s FIM program.

I will forever be grateful to my boss Don Skloss, VP of sales, and Sat Bir Khalsa, our director of global people and culture, for creating a path to complete USC FIM, the most impactful experience of my professional life. My advice to future leaders is: Be curious, be courageous and serve the needs of others.

My incredible husband, Drake, our family and our friends give me the support and grace to continue growing and learning.

five-question interviews with female execs in grocery to highlight advice for the next generation of female leaders. Jackie has a clear passion for helping others rise and become the best possible version of themselves.

Advice for up-and-coming professions: Stop thinking; just do it. New opportunity, new role, new project, new personal challenge...the longer you think about it, the more likely you are to talk yourself out of it. Just do it.

Jackie is a member of the Women Grocers of America, Executive Female Leaders, CGA, WAFC and Illuminators.

work more closely with the leaders of the human resources, training and development and real estate teams.

The best part of the job? “It’s always been the people,” Manganaro said. “Gelson’s is blessed by amazing associates with incredible dedication to the company. I am fortunate to work with some of the best women and men in the business. I look forward to continuing our company’s evolution to serve the next generation of customers who love great food, while providing our team members with the chance to grow.”

18th

Annual

THE SHELBY- GRIFFIN REPORT

Natalia Merienne ANYE Produce (Avocado Queen)

Founder,

President, CEO and Director of Sales

I am the founder of ANYE Produce and the Avocado Queen brand, with the active role of president, CEO and director of sales.

About myself – I was born and live in San Diego, California, but was raised in Mexico most of my life. I have a beautiful, highly active 10-year-old

Angelina O’Connor-Alcantar

Ralphs Grocery Company

Store Leader

The most rewarding part of my job is the ability to develop people. I am a firm believer in the notion of lifting while I climb. While this fulfills me intrinsically,

Sunny Reelhorn Parr

Ralphs Grocery Company +

Food 4 Less/Foods Co

Director of Corporate Affairs

Sunny serves as the director of corporate affairs for Ralphs, Food 4 Less/Foods Co – the California

Clara Paye

UNiTE Food

Founder and CEO

Clara Paye is a Sudanese immigrant and the founder of UNiTE Food, a company that produces nutritious and sustainable protein bars. With a passion for healthy eating and a desire to create a positive impact on the world, Clara

daughter, a wonderful loving fiancé and three awesome dogs.

What I find most rewarding about my current position is helping our team members develop and grow professionally, while having the ability to set direction, take risk and make things happen for the good of our customers, team members and our company.

When I am faced with challenges in my job, I believe in seeing them as opportunities and handling them as such. I believe in being strong, kind, bold, thoughtful, honest and humble.

A defining moment in my career was when – after the first year of operations at ANYE Produce (Avocado Queen) – we had our first P&L

I believe that we as a society absolutely need to do that for one another. The hardest part of my job is undoubtedly retention. As an industry, we are battling this challenge. But as a leader, it’s my job to navigate those difficulties to find solutions and ultimately a path forward.

My mentor has always told me the job was never going to be easy, but it will ultimately be rewarding. Some of my fondest memories in this industry involve watching my associates grow into better associates, leaders and

banners of The Kroger Co. With annual revenues of $148 billion, Kroger is one of the country’s leading supermarket chain and ranks No. 21 on the Fortune 500 list.

In her role, she oversees communications, media relations, government relations and philanthropy for the state by elevating our story and building meaningful relationships that enhance our reputation and license to operate. She is committed to living Kroger’s purpose to feed the human spirit.

has dedicated her career to promoting healthy and sustainable food choices. Before founding UNiTE, Clara spent 17 years as the managing director of EZ-Flo International, where she honed her skills in leadership, strategy and innovation. Her experience in a large distribution business, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, led her to create UNiTE Food, a company that focuses on using natural and wholesome ingredients to make delicious and nutritious protein bars.

In her free time, Clara enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, playing competitive tennis and dreaming up new protein bar flavors.

statement. We were operating deeply in the red, and I had to make the decision of whether we were going to continue with this venture. I strongly believed in the project and – most of all – in my team, so I decided to continue. Now years later, we continue to have good organic growth for our company, thus reinforcing my belief that "teamwork and dedication are essential building blocks of a company.”

Advice for up-and-coming professionals: Have core values and live by them.

people. I am in the USC FIM program in part because of my mentor. If I could offer a piece of advice to up-and-coming professionals it would be to always be curious, take risks and lean in. You never know where that might take you. In my case, it’s taken me to the USC FIM program, which is something I will never forget.

I have a bachelor’s degree in interior design and am a member of WAFC.

Her dedication to health and wellness is not limited to her work but is a fundamental part of her personal life as well.

Clara is committed to empowering individuals and communities to make healthy and sustainable food choices and is a role model for those looking to live healthy and fulfilling life.

In addition to founding UNiTE, Clara is also the founder of a nonprofit that aims to amplify and create access for BIPOC founders in the CPG industry. She is a mentor at SKU, a CPG accelerator program, and is an active member of Next Up and YPO.

Kristin Peters

The Save Mart Companies District Manager

With 35 years of retail experience at Save Mart, I have had the privilege of overseeing the operations of 17 stores. In my current position, leading a team of store managers passionate about taking care of their employees and

Subriana Pierce Navigator Sales and Marketing

Managing Partner

I lead an amazing team of CPG and retailer veterans at Navigator Sales and Marketing, a fullservice brokerage firm with coverage nationwide, as we help our brands land on grocery shelves and navigate this industry.

Casey Piatt

Store Leader

I find the most rewarding aspect of my current role to be leading and developing my team at City

Veronica Rios Superior Grocers

Sales Director

My passion is growing and developing my team by guiding them, overseeing direction and aligning our personal goals with the company’s mission. Building and continuing to grow and develop my staff is my job as a director, while executing company policy and performing in sales.

delivering excellent customer service is the most rewarding aspect.

I have been fortunate to have several mentors who have helped guide me throughout my career. Bobby McDowell taught me the importance of servant leadership, which is a style that prioritizes the needs of others above one's self-interest. Servant leadership has been crucial in helping me build and maintain a positive work culture, motivate my team and drive operational excellence.

One defining moment in my career was when I was able to lead my team through the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, we rallied the

I am also founder of Navigator Lighthouse Foundation. The focus with the 501(c)(3) foundation is to help women and minority entrepreneurs learn what it takes to win at grocery shelves.

I have been in the grocery business for more than 25 years, working at Albertsons Companies and PepsiCo.

I have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors, sponsors and advocates throughout my career, and my goal is to pay it forward. I am so proud to serve as an officer for the Illuminators, which is an organization of vendors and suppliers dedicated to developing and enhancing key relationships within the grocery industry and raising scholarships.

Market in Aspen, Colorado, and achieving results together.

Along my career journey, I've been fortunate to have mentors who have guided me, including my current supervisor, Misty, who has provided clear feedback, celebrated my accomplishments with me and challenged me when needed, making her an amazing mentor.

A defining moment in my career was being selected to attend the USC Marshall School of Business FIM program this year, where I gained

My mentors gave me a great start in this company. I will strive to do the same to nurture and grow a great future for the company and my employees. The moments that defined my career were challenges that I had to overcome that pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to develop into the leader I am today.

I grew up working in this industry. From a young age, I knew I would work in this field as I had great examples in my family to follow. They showed me that hard work and dedication were rewarding and would provide a great future for my own family in the business.

teams around a shared vision and helped them understand the importance of working together. As a result, we successfully navigated this challenging time and emerged more potent as a team.

My advice for up-and-coming professionals is never to stop learning and growing. Instead, continuously seek opportunities to expand your skills, knowledge and experiences and always be willing to take on new challenges. Additionally, remember to prioritize the needs of others and strive to be a servant leader who supports and empowers your team.

I serve on the board of directors for the California Grocers Association. I also serve as executive advisor for NextUp (formerly NEW), which helps to promote equity for women in the grocery industry. I sit on Autism Speaks’ board of directors, as well as City of Hope Food Industry Circle. The greatest part of my role is the relationships I’ve built working with the most incredible leaders in our industry and amazing entrepreneurs who are turning their dreams into reality. My advice to others is to 1) learn from those before you 2) support those around you and 3) lift up those behind you.

valuable knowledge and skills that I am excited to apply in my professional endeavors.

My advice to fellow professionals is to never stop learning and growing and to surround yourself with individuals who are smarter than you. They can offer valuable insights to help you improve.

In addition to my bachelor of science degree in business, I am also actively involved in volunteering with Lasagna Love.

My own experiences as a director have given me much insight into the business and have shown me that knowledge should be passed on and growth is an investment that we need to be willing to make.

My advice to up-and-coming female leaders is to build connections and relationships with your team to learn what drives them and better understand their individual strengths and weaknesses to be able to guide them.

I am grateful for all the challenges and opportunities to advance and grow my career with this company and will continue to enjoy all the challenges that my job can provide.

City Market

Angela Seibel Stater Bros. Director of Center Store

I have had the honor of working in the food industry for 15 years at Stater Bros. Markets. I have held many positions throughout my career journey and am currently in my favorite so far. My role is to support a team of brilliant category managers in reaching their goals. As a team, we are

Mindi Tamparong Albertsons Companies/SoCal Division

Grocery Operations Specialist

What I find rewarding about my job is helping others achieve their full potential. Whether it's coaching a new employee or working with a store director to implement a new process, seeing the impact of my guidance is

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

ECOS

President and CEO

In her role, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks oversees four facilities across the U.S. for California-based ECOS green cleaning products, as well as a European manufacturing platform.

She has been widely recognized for her leadership and influential voice

Caitlin Weins

PepsiCo

Key Account Manager

I call on multiple retail customers within PepsiCo’s West Division. Throughout my career, I have worked across various business segments, including grocery, C&G and the dollar channel. I began my career as a retail sales

responsible for category sales, merchandising, pricing and promotion.

The most rewarding aspect of my career is developing, coaching and being a support system for our team. We strive to be students of the business and work cross-functionally across all areas of the company. We learn from each other, our industry and our valued vendor partners.

The most challenging part of my current role is my biggest motivation – to continue learning and investing in my leadership and growth to be a better teammate every day.

I have had many mentors throughout my journey; however, I owe a special thank you to Paul Stoffel, VP of sales and merchandising. He has

truly fulfilling.

However, with any job comes challenges, and the most challenging aspect of my role is dealing with the unknown. As the grocery industry is constantly evolving, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, ensuring our stores are meeting the needs of our customers. Despite these challenges, I thrive on finding innovative solutions and adapting to change in order to stay relevant in the marketplace.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have several mentors who have helped guide me along the way. One mentor in particular was my

in corporate social responsibility and sustainable manufacturing. VlahakisHanks has transformed her family's 56-year-old green cleaning products company into a leader in sustainable manufacturing and high-road employer practices.

As a woman of African American and Greek descent, she has made environmental and social justice a cornerstone of ECOS’s mission. She actively promotes a corporate culture of diversity and empowerment; 60 percent of her top executives are women and 40 are BIPOC.

In addition, she has led ECOS to become a climate positive company and the first manufacturer to achieve LEED Zero certification in energy,

analyst with PepsiCo, which taught me the business from an analytical and strategic perspective. My experience has taught me different aspects of the business and has allowed me to challenge myself to learn and develop along the way.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have had wonderful mentors who helped guide me, provided consistent feedback and challenged me to grow personally and professionally. I am forever grateful for these relationships, and it continually reminds me that what matters most in this business are the people and the relationships we develop.

been my mentor, coach, servant leader and friend. He challenges me to improve, gives me the tools to succeed and actively puts our team first in all decisions. His knowledge of the business, drive and passion for growth inspires me, and I am better because of it.

My advice to future leaders in the industry and up-and-coming professionals is to have courage, listen with purpose, be curious and always be a student of the business. Also, continually invest in yourself and lead with grace.

district manager who saw things in me that I didn't even know I was capable of. His guidance and support helped me develop the necessary skills and confidence to take on new challenges and advance in my career.

A defining moment in my career was when I became a store director. It was a challenging role that required me to take on a higher level of responsibility. For up-and-coming professionals, my advice would be to never stop learning and to always be open to new opportunities. The sky is the limit and, with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind and heart to.

carbon and waste.

Her innovative products, like liquidless laundry detergent sheets, help reduce plastics that harm the environment. Her long history of providing high wages and family-friendly benefits such as paid family leave support her employees and their local communities.

Vlahakis-Hanks is a member of several boards, including the XPRIZE Foundation, where she supports radical break-throughs to solve the world’s greatest problems. Her charitable work has raised millions of dollars for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with my customers and consumers and building mutual plans that can make an impactful difference. I am passionate about people and development and strive to continually challenge myself and those around me to show up authentically and be the best versions of ourselves.

My advice? Stay curious, say “yes” and take risks. The most rewarding – and often the most challenging – experiences and lessons I have learned resulted from saying “yes” and taking a chance on myself. Allow yourself the opportunity to stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Simone Hadley Wilson Vori Head of Marketing

Simone Hadley Wilson is a dynamic and experienced marketing and communications leader. At the startup Vori, the modern operating system for the grocery industry, Simone spearheads the company's approach to brand awareness and customer acquisition and retention. She also has been

June Wong Superior Grocers

Director of Benefits

I have worked in the retail industry for nearly 30 years and have always been in the benefits/HR field.

Sonig Yirikian Super Center Concepts

Controller

I enjoy being an accountant in the supermarket retail industry. I have had many mentors through my

instrumental in driving growth and success for the company since 2021.

Simone is known for her expertise in introducing foundational industries to novel technologies, ensuring transformative technological advancements are accessible and approachable to those who need them most. Simone has held positions across all integrated marketing communication disciplines at companies within the retail, automotive, healthcare, higher education and sports and entertainment industries.

Before joining Vori, Simone played vital roles at several brands, including Lyft's Self-Driving Vehicles Division (acquired by Toyota's Woven Planet), Aptos Retail, Ingenious Med and the WNBA's Tulsa Shock.

The most rewarding part of my job is working closely with the management team and the broker/carriers to develop and implement benefit programs. Having lived in Hong Kong for so many years, learning and understanding U.S. benefits was a completely new subject to me. I enjoy taking care of employees and their families and have developed a true passion for employee benefits. I'm also glad I'm able to be a role model for my children.

career, and I am always listening to and learning from others around me. In the past three years, I’ve learned a lot from my CFO and continue to grow professionally. My advice for others is always chose a career path that makes you happy and challenges you mentally.

Simone grew up in a U.S. Air Force family and was mentored by the late Steve Greene, an accomplished marketing and advertising executive, professor and author. A defining moment in Simone's career was moving from Atlanta to San Francisco to pursue new opportunities in tech.

Simone's advice comes from her mentor: "Go with your peace.” Also, “Relationships are the keys to the kingdom."

Simone has a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a minor in mass media communications from Oral Roberts University.

Throughout my career, I've had many guiding lights – some individuals offered me new opportunities and others reassured me when things got difficult. I truly appreciate each and every one of them.

Shelby Publishing has expanded its popular Women of Influence section from the Northeast to the other four regions of the nation. Look for the following outstanding female leaders from across the country to be featured in our May editions…

NORTHEAST

Meyka Albright

Felis Andrade

Carolyn Barbarite

Patty Barry

Robin Bisson

Tina Black

Samantha Brown

Jenn Carson

Jennifer Carter

Andrea Chapman

Kate Clarke

Ingrid Crane

Michele Delozier

Tayna Demetriou

Elda Devarie

Aimee Diliberto

Laurie Drake

Mary Fassett

Alona Florenz

Sandi Ford

Adrienne Frank

Christine Gallagher

Maureen Gillespie

Kim Griffith

Patricia Herrick

Hasija Hodzic

Joan Hubbard

Alisa Hundley

Thu Huynh

Adrienne Khomphengchan

Jamie Lee King

Jennifer Heinzen Krueger

Nicole Kunecki

Sarah LaFollette

Tricia Lorenzetti

Emily Massi

Amy McAllister-Flynn

Michelle Morale

Erica Perry

My Pham

Cynthia Ramos

Kendrick Repko

Michelle Rex

Marisa Robertson

Cheryl Rondenelli

Mary Seibel

Amy Stainbrook

Suzette Stevenson

Amanda Stromgren

Rachael Vegas

Ann Visser-Depp

Katie Zapata

Karri Zwirlein

MIDWEST

Liz Bleakley

Laura Boitnott

Lauren Brown

Carrol Cheatwood

Julie Companey

Alicia Cook

Amy Cossey

Kerri Dishman

Erin Fleckenstein

Lindsey Hickey

Jennifer Hopper

Heidi Huff

Haley Johnson

Tara Larson

Emily Mallahan

Darlene Murphy

Laura Dierberg Padousis

Kristin Popp

Jena Sowers

Donna Tweeten

Georgia Van Gundy

Bridget Wasser

Kristin Williams

Mandi Woodworth

Ozlem Worpel

Lindsey Ziegler

SOUTHEAST

Crystal Ackerman

Jesi Allen

Brandi Appell

Tracy Aquila

Ginger Atkins

Harley Breaux

Susan Brosnan

Caroline Catoe

Gwen Christon

Lora Coggins

Amber Cramer

Jennyfer Dickenson

Jennifer Enoch

Sandi Ford

Jennifer Holmes

Heidi Huff

Linda Johnson

Lauren Kennedy

Adrienne Khomphengchan

Megan Kiersey

Jennipher Landry

Erin McCulloch-Crume

Sierra Merritt

Kellee Miller

Sarah Montgomery

Brooke Rice

Sally Robinson

Andrea Rodriguez

Deborah Sabo

Marygrace Sexton

Jennifer Sierk

Rene Stai

Terri Templin

Karen Watkins

Ginger West

Jenny Zabaneh

SOUTHWEST

Melanie Bauman

Stephanie Bazan

Noma Burr

Samantha Bustillo

Julie Companey

Shannon Flowers

Laura Gump

Meggie Giancola

Carolyn Gouldthorpe

Merrilee Kick

Becca May

Casey Piatt

Amy Pinkerton

Dwana Day Robertson

Elysia Trevino-Gonzales

Kara Watson

Tracy Watson