Grocery From Her Seat, Insights for Independent Grocers

Women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles within the grocery industry, challenging traditional norms and reshaping the landscape. This short clip emphasizes the value of networking and engaging at the annual NGA Show. Amanda is a veteran attendee and a 5th generation of her family's century old company.
Over the years at the NGA show she has:
• Seen the rise of women leaders in grocery
• Felt the value of networking at NGA events
• Explored the opportunity and significance of the gig economy
• Explored recruitment strategies to attract younger talent
• Analyzed and brainstormed generational shifts in work ethics and values
• Joined HR share groups for transparent dialogue on challenges and solutions
Listen to the full episode for inspiring reasons for attending this year's NGA Show February 23rd - 25th.

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Sign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industry
Join WGAJoin NGAAttend this year's NGA showF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssn
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/
Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot

Sierra Brewer stands at the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation in grocery. As a Cornell University student preparing to become the first US category manager for The Modern Milkman, she brings fresh perspectives on how sustainability and convenience can reshape grocery retail.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is Sierra's bold prediction that the grocery industry is approaching a critical inflection point—"a bubble about to pop." She identifies four major forces driving this change: economic pressures forcing price sensitivity, expansion of hard discounters, acceleration of digital shopping options, and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainability and transparency.
Sierra also addresses the significant gender disparity in grocery leadership. Despite women comprising two-thirds of the grocery workforce, only 10% of newly appointed retail CEOs last year were women. Her experiences with female mentors like Stacey Tovar at Whole Foods and Jennifer Boone at Albertsons highlight the importance of seeing women succeed in leadership positions.
Her enthusiasm for bringing young talent into grocery is matched by her conviction that independents can thrive by emphasizing local connections, sustainability, and personalized shopping experiences that mass retailers cannot replicate.
Ready to hear how the next generation views the future of grocery? Sierra's insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire new thinking about where our industry is headed.

#FreshProduceAssociation

#GlobalProduceAndFloralShow

#Suppliers

#Vendors

#WGASyncUp

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National Grocers Association Foundation
Welcome to "Grocery From Her Seat," the WGA podcast offering a unique perspective on the independent

Support the show

Sign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industry
Join WGAJoin NGAAttend this year's NGA showF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssn
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/
Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot

Beverly has an exciting full circle career journey in associational management and lobbying. On this podcast she shares key motivational sayings that have guided her decisions and how important it is for all of us to pay attention to local and state legislative decisions.
After this podcast you may want to spend a day shadowing Beverly to learn more about lobbying. What a great resource Beverly is to connect to your state associations.
Don't miss this episode and opportunity to meet someone who has an impact on the entire food industry through her work.
www.fiae.net
The Food Industry Association Executives [FIAE] is a national professional association representing local, state and regional food association executives since 1927, who in turn represent over 95 percent of the grocery retail industry.

FIAE's mission is to provide a forum for professional growth of the members' employees and to serve as a vehicle for the interchange of ideas and advancement of the food industry agenda.

Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.

Support the show

Sign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industry
Join WGAJoin NGAAttend this year's NGA showF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssn
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/
Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot

Lupe Lopez is a co-founder of Avanzando and the owner of Arteaga’s Food Center. She holds a degree in Network Engineering from the Masters’ Institute. Lupe is a trailblazer in organizing Community Health Fairs and in building partnerships with community organizations to promote awareness and healthier eating habits through the availability of high-quality food and education. She has been instrumental in expanding the WIC and Double Up Food programs in Rural California.
Lupe will share her journey through challenges to a place where she is now seen and respected. She is one very passionate, intelligent and caring leader. We all need mentors like Lupe.
Mexican Grocery Store, Taqueria, Mexican Supermarket | Arteaga's
#familyowned

Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.

Support the show

Sign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industry
Join WGAJoin NGAAttend this year's NGA showF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssn
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/
Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot

Jamie Collins shares her career journey and insights on grocery marketing trends, emphasizing the significance of data, adaptability, and mentorship in the evolving landscape. The conversation highlights generational shifts in consumer behavior and the challenges of technology in marketing.
• Jamie's transition from corporate marketing to grocery
• Importance of data-driven marketing strategies
• Generational differences in consumer behavior
• Mentorship’s role in professional growth
• Challenges and opportunities with technology
• The need for community and support among women leaders
If you found value, be sure to subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode.

Dierbergs Grocery

dierbergs.com

Jamie Collins

Did you love the show - Text and tell us why.

Support the show

Sign up for women leadership opportunities in the independent grocery industry
Join WGAJoin NGAAttend this year's NGA showF: https://www.facebook.com/NationalGrocersAssn
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grocers-association/
Host: Kristin Popp
Producer: Rachael Melot