The Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), a Dallas-based nonprofit advocacy group working to accelerate women’s progress in the foodservice industry, has announced its Change Makers Class of 2024. The group consists of women who show high potential to make a difference and who are driving strong business results, exemplify inclusive leadership, and represent the future of the foodservice industry.

WFF is the largest nonprofit advocacy group working to accelerate women’s progress in the foodservice industry.

“Cultivating the next generation of women leaders is critical to enabling the foodservice industry to compete for, develop, retain and promote top talent and thrive in this dynamic environment,” WFF President & CEO Therese Gearhart said in a statement. “Each WFF Change Maker is impressive not only for what she has contributed to her own organization already, but also for the promise of how she will impact the industry throughout her career as she rises and expands her contributions.”

Supporting women leaders in food service

Launched in 2019 as part of WFF’s 30th anniversary, the Change Makers program honors both current and future industry leaders, WFF said.

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary helping women break through barriers and seize new opportunities, WFF partners with companies across all segments of the foodservice industry to support ambitious, talented women reach their full potential.

This year marks the sixth class of WFF Change Makers.

Despite more women leading in senior roles than ever before, research from McKinsey & Co. and others makes clear that challenges remain to achieving gender equity in pay, promotion, and access to the feedback and mentoring that drives career success, according to the WFF.

Through partnerships with forward-thinking companies across the foodservice industry, WFF said it provides women with targeted educational programming, purposeful networking, and access to inspiring role models that can accelerate career progress.

2024 Change Makers

Change Makers are selected by their companies for their outstanding contributions and exceptional promise as rising leaders that are committed to expanding opportunities for everyone, WFF said.

The Change Makers will be recognized March 25-27 during the WFF Leadership Conference Limitless Together in Dallas and engage in unique opportunities throughout the year to interact with top industry leaders.

The WFF Change Makers Class of 2024 are:

• • Anna Karousis, T. Marzetti
  • Anna Lutz, The Hershey Co.
  • Ashley Fehr, Chick-fil-A
  • Becky Davis, The Wendy’s Co.
  • Brandy Stricker, General Mills
  • Candace Watkins, Brinker International
  • Carina McLaughlin, Nestlé Professional
  • Caryn Masinas, Ventura Foods
  • Casey Cohen, Texas Roadhouse
  • Caty Strawther, Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Chanel Quinn, Topgolf
  • Christina Barker, Middleby
  • Claudia Ortiz, Darden Restaurants
  • Colleen Tidd, Ecolab
  • Donna Manwaring, Inspire Brands
  • Gillian Moffat, Gordon Food Service
  • Heidi Hughes Jones, Royal Caribbean International
  • Janice Kim, Woodland Gourmet
  • Jasmine Taylor, Denny’s
  • Jennifer Todd, GoTo Foods
  • Jessica McMillan, Cargill
  • Jill Tinsley, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
  • Juliana Cuartas, PepsiCo
  • Karen Morton, Sysco
  • Katerina Roemer, Keurig Dr Pepper
  • Kathleen Hansen, Land O’Lakes
  • Kathy Cortner-Mercer, McLane Co.
  • Katie Hindman, Georgia-Pacific
  • Laura Lyne, McCain Foods
  • Lauren Genovese, Rich Products
  • Linda Bosacker, Schwan’s Food Service
  • Lyndsey Chrisman, P&G Professional
  • Madisen Morse, Armada
  • Marjorie Hope, Bloomin’ Brands
  • Meagan Hill, US Foods
  • Meradith Brammer, Dine Brands
  • Nataliya Kudryashova, Yum! Brands
  • Priscilla Rios, Aramark
  • Sandhya Pillay, The Coca-Cola Co.
  • Sandy Acosta, Performance Food Group
  • Shannon Coco, Kerry Group
  • Suheily Natal Davis, McDonald’s
  • Tonya Sult, First Watch

Since 1989, WFF has worked to provide the tools and resources to help women build leadership competencies that enhance career advancement, the organization said. It added that it also partners with the foodservice industry to create work environments where women thrive, and organizations reap the rewards of a gender-diverse workforce.

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