A KICK-ASS WOMAN IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY…

Cindy Rhodes
Chief Executive Officer and Owner
Cape Cod Select® Premium Cranberries
“It’ll never happen!” This was a phrase I
encountered when I first came up with the
concept of making cranberries available
to consumers year-round. My idea to offer
frozen cranberries in retail outlets was met
with skepticism by many in the industry,
but that single phrase drove me to make
my dream a reality.
That being said, my advice to young
women entering the food/beverage
industry is to believe in yourself and be
passionate in whatever you do. Walt Disney
said, “When you believe a thing, believe it
all the way, implicitly and unquestionably.”
So, always believe in yourself and in your
ability to accomplish whatever you set
your mind to.
Gale Myers
Technical Support Manager
Sensient Food Colors
Ten years ago, I wish I’d known how
rewarding it would be to embrace the
role of mentor to young people entering
the industry. Steering your way through
the sometimes-challenging waters of any
industry requires guidance from more
seasoned team members. We all need to
realize this is not a competition but rather
a journey that requires teamwork. My
advice: If you are a young person starting
your career, seek out a mentor and accept
their guidance and tutoring. If you are a
seasoned professional, embrace the role of
mentor and enjoy the rewards it offers.
Sandy Toney
Vice President, Corporate Quality and
Product Development
Masters Gallery Foods, Inc.
Find your strengths and set goals.
Whether you have small dreams or soaring
expectations, setting goals gives you a
clear understanding of your pathway to
business success. Goals give you longterm
vision and short-term motivation.
Never burn bridges behind you. Everything
you say or do might affect your future. For
women in the business world, there are
always going to be struggles and tests of
our willpower, but with a positive mind-set
we can become more driven.
Have an open mind, believe in yourself and
have the courage to follow your heart and
intuition. Speak your mind, be confident
in your decisions and don’t back down. Do
not dwell on failure; you need to forgive
others as well as yourself in order to
achieve your goals in life. Never forget the
people who have helped you along the way
and always reach for the moon, for even if
you fail you are still among the stars.
Shazi Visram
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Happy Family Brands
Believe in yourself. Work
harder than everyone else
and overcome challenges.
Business is not rocket
science, and even if it were,
you can build a rocket if you
need to. Make it happen.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D.
Food Scientist and Principal
Corvus Blue LLC
Master the core fundamentals of your
work. Being authoritative and authentic
makes you truly trusted and respected.
Use your knowledge and skills to do the
right thing instead of just doing right. Make
no apologies for doing what’s right.
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