Abasto interviewed seven women with different roles within and outside the food and beverage industry as a tribute to International Women’s Day.
They shared their female leadership stories, the best advice they have received, and the best part of their day.
Women inspire women; hence, they all agreed that their mom was their first inspiration. Their grandmothers, aunts, or coworkers have also guided female leadership to get where they are.
Most also pointed out the importance of recognizing their achievements, taking a break to care for themselves, and asking for help.
Meet who these female leaders are.
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Carmen Alejandra Rolón, Director of Financial Services, Prospera
Carmen has worked for Northgate Markets for 28 years, holding different female leadership roles. Since 2010, she has managed Prospera González, the financial center of the supermarket chain. She was born in Mexico but grew up in Santa Ana, California.
The best part of her day is leading 253 associates, 230 female and mostly Latina. “Knowing that our company’s financial center is managed, for the most part, by women is an example of the gender equity that exists today.”
Angelica Urquijo, President and Chief Strategist of The Imagen Group, Inc.
Angelica is proudly Mexican and Latina. She was born in California and is the daughter of Mexican parents. Being bilingual propelled her to be a journalist and businesswoman and to benefit the community. Resilience was vital in adapting to life’s plans and not her own. Her eye color and blonde hair stood out as she identified as Latina as a child. Her biggest inspiration for moving forward and breaking stereotypes? Maria Elena Salinas and Gloria Molina.
Advice received: Try it! Find a way to do it.
Claudia Caballero, Director of Centro Hispano of East Tennessee
Claudia is from Honduras and manages the Centro Hispano de East Tennessee. This organization has supported immigrants for the past eight years. Her primary responsibility is ensuring she has the necessary funds to serve the community. In her home country, she and her family ran a restaurant. She worried about how her parents would fare without her in the U.S. But her dad’s advice before she left has stayed with her ever since.
Advice received: Life is short, and no one is that important.
Seny Taveras, Executive Director of the National Supermarket Association (NSA)
Seny leads the association representing the owners of some 600 independent supermarkets in the New York metropolitan area. She was born in the U.S., but her family is from the Dominican Republic. She has an extensive career in New York politics and has held several notable female leadership positions.
Advice received: Nothing takes the place of preparation. You have to study and prepare yourself so that when an opportunity arrives, you can take advantage of it. Without preparation, there are no opportunities.
Veronica Lievana, Senior Marketing Director, Heritage Grocers Group
Veronica dreamed of becoming a sports journalist and covering major international events as a child. She has 17 years of experience working in retail and almost five years at Heritage in California.
The best part of her day is being in contact with customers in the Hispanic community. “Understanding them and transforming their needs and opinions into actions for improving their experience while visiting our stores. Listening and receiving their feedback is always an opportunity for being better”.
Mayra Velázquez de León, CEO and President of Organics Unlimited
Mayra founded her company in 2000 in San Diego, California. The company provides high-quality organic tropical fruits, primarily bananas, to U.S., Canada, and Mexico consumers. She hails from Mexico and has followed in her father’s footsteps.
The best part of her day is to make a sale. “Making a sale is what motivates me. Making that new sale or upselling with a repeat customer is what really drives me. It’s kind of an adrenaline rush that I feel.”
Isis Andoor, Human Resources Manager, Amapola Market
Isis was born in Guatemala but grew up and studied in California. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. She has worked in various human resources roles and has accumulated 25 years of professional experience. Nine years ago, she joined Amapola Market, a grocery store chain in California. She is responsible for internal processes, payroll administration, and reporting for the three stores.
Advice received: Take responsibility for my actions and always focus on what I can control.