To My Ladies.....

I admit, this week is going to be hard. We are packing up our second daughter, Ava, as she prepares to leave for college. A couple of years ago, I was inspired by Wendy Davidson to gift our oldest daughter, Anya, with a journal, filling the first few pages with words of wisdom. This week, I’m working on the same for Ava, and it’s really got me thinking about the power of women.

Ava has been an incredible dancer her entire life. She rose to the top of her class, becoming a leader in her award-winning drill team. She spent countless hours dancing, but what really stands out to me is how she created lifelong friendships through working together for a common goal. The girl power was in full effect. These ladies had each others backs and supported and lifted each other every day and I know this will result in life long friendships and bonds.

As I reflect on this, I see how it parallels my own career. I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by women who have been incredibly supportive of me and others. There is serious GIRL POWER in our industry! There is power in rooting for a woman you know is capable and worthy, and then seeing her shine. Believing in each other, sharing wisdom, caring enough to call and ask, “How can I help?”—and caring enough to help correct the wrongs and mentor through the errors. The likes, the shares, the "You Go Girl" (or as my teens say "Slay Queen!")The "we are all in this together" is something I witness daily. This has been a guiding light in my career. While we may not be dancing (although, give me a couple of glasses of wine and a dance floor with my girlfriends, and watch out!), we are focused on building each other up.

I’m encouraged by the progress I’ve seen in my career and know there’s still more work to be done. Groups like Women’s Foodservice Forum, Foodservice Women’s Alliance, WORTH, Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) and others are making a real difference.

We now have more women leaders talking about women in leadership in real and transparent and authentic ways than ever before. While the representation of our industry does not reflect the same at the top, I am encouraged that we are headed in the right direction. As a data geek the numbers don't lie and we have work to do. We have lost CEO seats, lost board seats but there are also more women in executive leadership. Progress takes time and I want us all to have a front row seat in watching it happen!

And to the many women who inspire me, thank you! There are too many to count, but over the last few months, these women have especially come to mind, and I am filled with gratitude for them. We may talk on the regular, we may have just met, I may just see the impact you are having on the industry, I recognize and appreciate your hustle and dedication. You are part of the story line of powerful women doing big things in our industry! Maria Rivera , Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. , Joni Thomas Doolin , Heather Leed Neary , Alicia Kelso , Kathleen Wood , Sarah Lockyer , Sheryl Coyne-Batson , Sarah Higgins , Amy Valentine , Emily Bennett , Stacey Floberg, Staci Drilling,SPHR, SHRM-SCP , Arlene Estrada Petokas, SPHR , Megan Lynberg , Gje Greene-Wallace , Diana Isaacson , Diana Hovey , Alison (Kieckhafer) Blackwell, CMP , Deana Gammero , Lisa W. Miller, CSP , Tracy Tennyson, ACC, CLC , Amy Hom , Jen Henriksen , Tammy K. Billings, MBA , Courtney Martinez , Gini Quiroz , Amanda Hite , Christina Clarke , Christina B. , Robin Blanchette , Sara Harding Lou , Jackie Woodward , Caren Prince, CPA , Dawn Keller , Kirstie Johnson , Lue Kraltchev , Serah Morrissey, SPHR , Caroline Skinner , Diane Steele , Quennie Potes , Liz Moskow , Lori Cominsky, PMP , Abby Schwalb , Roz Mallet , Sarah Palisi Chapin , Lauren Fernandez , Carol Dover , Wendy Traylor , Alyssa Prince , Alexa Noorigian , Shelley Duren , Tina S. , Jayne Strickland , Tennille Boyer , Felicia White Ed.D, CHT , Heather Hughey Pickett , Kelsey Erickson Streufert , Avery Block , Alicia Sienne Voltmer , Arlene Estrada Petokas, SPHR , Kristi Turner , Carin Stutz , Edna Morris , Destinie Ames , Shelly Garner Monica Rothgery , Daniella Voysey Olson , Sumi (Paek) DeBenedittis Satyne Doner Donna Josephson , Julie Swift , Kelli Valade , Fasika Melaku , Mary Hamill , Kat Hoffman-Flynt , Raechel Barnes , Rachael Nemeth , Linda Neukirchner , Morreen Rukin , Lyndsey Patel , Sheila Bennett Jen Hidinger-Kendrick , Jenifer Kern , Taeyun Kim , Brianna Foulds Renae Scott , Lauren Selman, CMP , Adriana Froncillo , Jolisa Johnson Erin Blackburn-Smith , Tamra Gaines, CMM, CPC, ELI-MP, CUDE Elicia Orsbourn , Lindsey Newkirk, MSC , Janet Hoffmann, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Adriana Froncillo Dianna J. Atali Samuel . Dana Minton Rachel Richal, CHT Julie Zucker

Keep on inspiring! We see you!

See a woman in the industry you want to recognize as a stand out? Tag them here! We are SO lucky to have so many and let's clap them up!