WFF Conference Speakers Changing The Face of Leadership

The Women’s Foodservice Forum 2015 conference featured a roster of industry keynote speakers.

Keynote speakers including Buffalo Wild Wings CEO Sally Smith, The Coca-Cola Company chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent, and McDonald’s retired CEO Don Thompson who shared their personal leadership stories. The lineup also included author Daniel Pink and long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad.

“Our theme, "Changing the Face of Leadership", was brought to life by our dynamic speakers through their own leadership stories providing our participants with the inspiration to forge their individual plans for career success,” says Hattie Hill, WFF president and CEO.

As part of the event, WFF also presented Outstanding Performance and Achievement Awards in foodservice and scholarship awards to support leadership development efforts of exemplary women.

Lorna Donatone, COO and president of Sodexo Education, received the premier Fritzi Woods Pikes Trailblazer Award in recognition of her support of gender diversity, creating new pathways for women in her company and the industry at large.

Kraft Foods received the SOAR Award, in recognition of the company’s corporate initiatives that have resulted in a strong track record of attracting, developing, retaining, and promoting women to the highest levels of the organization.

Lisa MacNeil, general manager of the United Restaurant Supplies for Gordon Food Service Canada was the recipient of the WFF Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership efforts in pursuing the goals and overall success of the WFF.

Marie Perry, interim CFO, controller, and treasurer of Brinker International received the Outstanding Board Service Award in recognition of the major impact she has made as a board member.

Leadership development scholarships were awarded to Heather Stage, director of vending sales and operations for Coca-Cola Refreshments and Marilyn Jones, director of process improvement of the Ben E. Keith Company.

The first recipients of the Fritzi Pikes Woods Aspire Higher Fund scholarship were:

Carmen Cortez, owner of Carmen’s Delicious Catering
Andrea Guzman, regional sales manager for Verde Valle Foods
Hanna Koski, director of the “WE Over Me Farm” at Paul Quinn College.

HME Hospitality and Specialty Communications Releases New Text-to-Speech Feature

HME Hospitality and Specialty Communications announced the release of Text & Connect, a powerful new NEXEO | HDX feature used to send real-time, personalized, text-to-speech alerts to select restaurant teams and stores via the NEXEO headset. Text & Connect revolutionizes store operations by enabling restaurant leaders to build employee engagement, recognize outstanding performance, and deliver consistent […]

California Pizza Kitchen’s $50,000 ‘Thank You Card’ Sweepstakes Ends April 22

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Thank You Card promotion – where every card is a winner – is still going on through THIS Sunday, April 22! Most importantly, $50,000 in cash is still up for grabs, which means everyone with an unopened Thank You Card needs to head out to their local CPK over the next five days to find the big grand […]

Peter D’Amelio Named Strategic Advisor to Leo’s Italian Social

Peter D’Amelio, CEO of PJD Hospitality and former president of the Cheesecake Factory, has joined Leo’s Italian Social as a strategic advisor to help steward its growth in the Midwest and along the East Coast. With an impressive 30-plus-year track record in the hospitality industry, D’Amelio brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the […]

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Pledges $1 Million to Ohio State

The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology announced a generous $1 million commitment from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) on Monday for the renovation of Campbell Hall. The news was shared during The Big Dish, the Hospitality Management Program’s annual signature event, which celebrates the program’s graduating seniors and industry partners. The program’s […]

Kyuramen Opens in Sandy Springs, Georgia

Kyuramen, the renowned Japanese ramen chain, introduced its location at 6623 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 that brings authentic and innovative ramen experiences at an affordable price to Sandy Springs residents. Participating in Kyuramen’s nationwide “New Bowl Lottery Game,” the Sandy Spring location allows diners to have a chance to win a free […]

Denny’s to Offer Discounted Sweet Cream Cold Brew on 4/20

This 4/20, come to Denny’s for a brew-tiful celebration. In honor of National Cold Brew Day on April 20, Denny’s is pleased to provide Denny’s rewards members 20 percent off one Sweet Cream Cold Brew. Customers must become value members before April 20 to be eligible for this special all-day offer. No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, […]

You might also like...

Get daily updates on quick-serve industry news, tips, and events.