The vision and dedication of women leaders increasingly shape the food and beverage industry. These profiles showcase the journeys of five remarkable women: Lizette Gomez, Lori Garrard, Monica Abarca, Celia Hernandez, and Sharon Davis. Their experiences highlight the diverse opportunities and the importance of mentorship, hard work, and authentic leadership. They share their journey, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation.
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Think outside the box – Lizette Gomez, marketing director for Vallarta Supermarkets
Lizette runs PR, events, photoshoots, and charity work. Her grocery career began at Fresh & Easy, where she honed her creativity in designing ads and signage. She learned to think outside the box and embrace change. She credits numerous mentors, learning from everyone, especially at Super King, where an owner pushed her creatively. Now, at Vallarta, her experience ensures a smooth workflow. Gomez emphasizes the grocery industry’s fast pace and the need for adaptability, patience, and collaboration. She advises aspiring marketers to be open to new ideas and never give up, even if a job description isn’t a perfect match. Hands-on experience is crucial, and continuous learning is key. Gomez stresses waking up positive and grateful, which influences her workdays. She ensures deadlines are met and enjoys the variety in her work, from donations to store openings.
Advice to women: Even if a job description doesn’t perfectly match your experience, don’t give up and apply.
Show up and show out – Lori Garrard, general manager at All American Quality Foods
Lori began her grocery career in overnight stocking, a temporary job that became a 15-year passion in Stockbridge, Georgia. She learned the business from the ground up, emphasizing a strong work ethic and striving to excel. Garrard credits mentors like Howard Hughes and Terry Nash for her success and has mentored countless others, instilling valuable life lessons. Her daily routine includes a store walk to assess conditions, spot trends, and connect with early-morning customers. She celebrates team achievements with small goals and rewards. Garrard believes the industry’s future is product-centric and specialized. Crucial leadership qualities include a strong work ethic, quick thinking, and decisive decision-making.
Advice to women aspiring to leadership: “Show up and show out”—be present, be proactive, know your strengths and weaknesses, and always have a backup plan.
Engage and find a mentor – Monica Abarca, Director at The Performance Group
Monica has a food and beverage industry background, including roles at Post Consumer Brands, Post Foods, Unified Grocers, and Smart & Final. Her initial interest stemmed from a fascination with marketing psychology and product placement. As a special-order coordinator in her first industry role, she learned the importance of research and mentorship. Abarca values the advice from her mentors: always have solutions ready, engage actively in the industry, and manage time strategically. Mentoring others has been rewarding, especially seeing their confidence grow. She starts her day by prioritizing 4-5 key tasks. Creative problem-solving and collaboration make a workday memorable. Abarca believes successful food and beverage leaders must communicate clearly, have a strong vision, inspire others, and adapt to change.
Advice to women aspiring to leadership: engage actively, build relationships, find mentors and sponsors, and commit to daily learning.
Community and authenticity – Celia Hernandez, owner of Don Tomate Meat Market and More
Celia was motivated to join the supermarket industry by the need for Mexican products in her community in Texas. Her first job, managing trucking agencies, taught her the importance of continuous learning. Hernandez values her mentors, especially her father, who knows no impediments, and Roberto Garcia, who believed in her potential. She starts each day with gratitude; what makes a day unforgettable is seeing a customer’s smile upon finding the product they need. Hernandez believes successful leaders are passionate, disciplined, committed, adaptable, and stay informed. Her advice to women is to be authentic and embrace their unique style. She says that authenticity fosters trust and respect while inspiring others. To younger women, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and making the most of mentoring opportunities.
Advice: Never tire of learning and find a more experienced person to learn from.
Go for it – Sharon Davis, New Business Development and Trade Show Exhibit Sales Director at PLMA
Sharon has spent 18 years connecting manufacturers and retailers in the private label industry. She focuses on attracting new exhibitors and overseeing exhibit booth sales for PLMA’s U.S. trade show. The PLMA is the largest North American private brands event held in Chicago, with more than 2,800 exhibit booths and more than 1,800 exhibitors.
Davis’s sales background made her a natural fit for PLMA. She credits her early career mentors, Brian Sharoff and Anthony Aloia, for developing her private label expertise. Davis starts each day organized and focused, though her plans can shift. Launching a successful new product category at the trade show is particularly rewarding. She believes listening, consideration, inclusivity, and genuine communication are the keys to success.
Advice to women aspiring to leadership: “Just go for it.” She’s seeing industry changes with more women holding significant leadership and executive roles, including PLMA President, Peggy Davies, the association’s first female president.