2025 Women of Influence

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Kristin Popp

  EVP, Woodman's Markets

  Kristin Popp has been with the Wisconsin-based Woodman's Markets for 28 years. In this role, she works directly with the operations team to ensure stores are fully supported and meeting standards and expectations, overseeing all functions for corporate teams and seeking opportunities for the company to increase efficiencies as it looks forward while maintaining the foundation of its success. She also is a part of the 2023 NGA Strategic Planning Committee and on the NGA Show Planning Committee. As president, Kristin has led the growth of the Women Grocers of America to a professional, relevant organization in the independent grocery industry, implementing opportunities to support females at all levels of their careers and looking to engage the next generation to attract and retain into the industry. WGA has grown from 20 members to more than 400 and from one annual scholarship to four. She has launched leadership communities for women in the industry that led to a signature annual symposium. Outside of work, Kristin was involved in bringing the Girls on the Run program to the local school district. And she serves as a great model for balance between her career and her daughters.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Kristine Wydro

  VP, Human Resources, Tops Friendly Markets

  Kris Wydro holds the highest-level human resources position in the Tops Friendly Markets
  organization, providing the Eeecutive team with guidance on all employee-related matters for more than 14,000 associates. She is relied upon for her HR knowledge and expertise and, most importantly, acts as the soul of the organization.
  Following the merger between Tops Markets and Price Chopper, Kris's dedication to transparency and honesty helped minimize attrition. Her ability to build trust with others has been essential as the two entities work together to establish policies and procedures for the united organization.
  Kris also manages the relationships with 11 labor unions that Tops Markets partners with. Her ability to maintain a strong working relationship while balancing the needs of associates and the best interest of the business has helped the organization to be successful. Kris's leadership style brings out the best in those on her team, whom she expects will provide the highest level of service to the organization.
  Kris is a volunteer for the Mission of Hope, which aligns with her commitment to supporting the less fortunate. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Food Marketing Institute Human Resource/Training and Development Committee and UFCW Local One Trustee (health and welfare, pension and 401K funds). She also is a board member of Western New York Crime Stoppers.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lauren Anderes

  Senior Manager Global Sourcing, Walmart

  Lauren Anderes is recognized for her commitment to excellence, relationship-building and delivering quality, nutritious produce. She embraces innovation, remains resilient under pressure and aligns her efforts with the organization's core values and strategic vision. Over the years, she has demonstrated remarkable growth, enhanced supplier partnerships and contributed to the success of multiple product categories within Walmart. Beyond her professional achievements, Lauren devotes significant time to philanthropic work, notably with the Ronald McDonald House. She volunteers and organizes fundraising efforts to support families in need of essential care and resources. This dedication to service reflects her compassionate leadership style. She empowers colleagues, fosters a collaborative environment and seeks improvement for her team and the broader community. Lauren's blend of results-driven performance and civic-minded values showcases her as a standout professional. Whether exceeding ambitious sourcing goals or lending her expertise to local charities, she demonstrates integrity, empathy and an unyielding drive to make a positive impact. Her approach to leadership – thoughtful, resilient and inclusive – reinforces her reputation as someone who creates lasting value for her organization and the people around her.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lauren Furr

  Director of Learning, Development and DEI, Harris Teeter

  Lauren Furr is an exceptional professional, combining leadership with boundless energy and a deep passion for people development. She has been instrumental in shaping and implementing strategies that drive leadership excellence, foster inclusive environments and promote continuous learning within the organization. Her dynamic approach inspires growth, not only in the people she works with but also in the organizational culture as a whole. Beyond her impactful contributions, her external achievements further solidify her as a leader of extraordinary caliber. As a member of the FJM Grants committee and the FJM Executive Board, she cares deeply about her fellow associates, who are the recipients of grants from the FJM Foundation. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her SPHR and ICF ACC coaching certifications, showcasing her dedication to staying at the forefront of her field. In addition, her leadership of the DEI team played a pivotal role in Harris Teeter earning recognition as one of Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2025, a testament to her ability to drive transformative results. Whether she's mentoring individuals or spearheading strategic initiatives, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion and innovation. Her remarkable contributions continue to inspire those around her.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lauren Kennedy

  SVP, Strategic Accounts, Upshop

  Lauren Kennedy's recent promotion exemplifies her leadership and strategic vision in the food retail sector. Overseeing a high-performing team across the U.S. and Canada, she drives innovative solutions that ensure long-term business success for more than 250 North American food retailers, with her team contributing to 85 percent of organizational growth targets. In her previous role as VP of customer success and training, Lauren built dedicated teams that exceeded business objectives while strengthening client relationships. Her influence extends beyond sales, as she shapes product development and go-to-market strategies that fuel business innovation. Lauren's impact is evident through three significant achievements this past year. First, she designed and facilitated an innovative customer cohort experience across major U.S. cities, creating collaborative spaces for thought leadership on the future of in-store operations. Second, her commitment to talent development resulted in multiple team promotions, demonstrating her ability to identify and nurture future leaders. Lastly, she spearheaded the integration of customer experience functions during the Invafresh merger, ensuring seamless transitions while unifying customer-facing operations. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lauren serves as executive director of the Ryan Dungey Foundation.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lauren Pilgrim

  Store Manager, Ralph's Grocery Co.

  Lauren Pilgrim has the gift of stepping back to listen and reflect on what's going on in any situation. As a leader, she can take care of people's hearts while she takes care of business.
  Along her journey, Lauren has taken the time to understand herself as a leader. As a result, she is able to set goals, instill hope and drive results.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lauren Rastelli DeMarco

  VP of Marketing, Rastelli Foods Group

  Lauren Rastelli DeMarco is a dynamic force in the food industry, exemplifying leadership, innovation and purpose. She has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a foodservice powerhouse into an emerging leader in the retail and e-commerce space. Her vision and execution have helped successfully launch the Rastelli brand into major retail chains and digital marketplaces, delivering high-quality proteins to consumers nationwide through innovative packaging and design. Lauren serves on the planning committee for the Annual Meat Conference, helping shape important conversations around industry trends, innovation and the future of meat retail. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to advancing the industry as a whole. Lauren also leads Rastelli's partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey and was instrumental in establishing the Rastelli Entrepreneur Center – creating meaningful opportunities for future food industry leaders and entrepreneurs. She embodies the values of the Rastelli legacy – hard work, integrity and service – while bringing a strategic, modern perspective to an evolving market. As a devoted wife and mother of four young children, she balances business and family life with unmatched passion and grace.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Lawanda Kinnard

  Kroger Corp. HR, Kroger Inc.

  Lawanda Kinnard is a true leader who oversees human resources functions, employee relations and HR policies. She cultivates a culture of engagement and development for all associates. Lawanda coordinates HR initiatives to support the company's core values and goals. She promotes fundraising events, community service projects, educational programs and other events for her sorority and church. She has a positive attitude in all situations. Lawanda displays the true meaning of compassion while always maintaining professionalism as she diligently pursues the needed results for the business.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Leah Neal

  Account Executive, JOH

  Based in the Twin Cities, Leah Neal is a standout leader within JOH's North Central Region. With her relentless drive, strategic mindset and people-first approach, she is a key contributor and a powerful force behind the results delivered for clients and customers. Leah consistently goes above and beyond; not for recognition, but because she's deeply committed to helping others succeed. Her focus is always on the greater good, the clients she represents, the customers she supports and the teammates she works with. She sets the bar high and leads with humility, integrity and heart – a true JOH'er. She is the kind of teammate others look up to and strive to replicate. Her work hasn't gone unnoticed. As one client shared, "Moving representation to JOH last year was the biggest and best decision we made in all of 2024. Leah has been nothing short of amazing." Leah brings excellence to everything she does, along with a sense of joy and positivity that uplifts everyone around her. She is respected, admired and trusted; an authentic leader who makes a lasting impact. Outside of work, Leah enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time outdoors with their two dogs, Nugget and Barkley.

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  2025 Women of Influence

  Leann Saunders

  Co-founder and COO, Where Food Comes From

  Leann Saunders has impacted the food industry through her commitment to transparency, market access and sustainability efforts. She has led the company to the forefront of on-farm third-party verification in North America. Where Food Comes From's mission is to build trust by connecting farmers, brands and consumers, while promoting a sustainable food system. Leann, alongside her husband, John, began this venture in 1995 in Missouri. Nearly 30 years later, it continues to thrive in Colorado thanks to their passion. Leann's dedication to the industry has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2022 United States Meat Export Federation Distinguished Leader Award and the 2023 Colorado State University Livestock Leader Award, highlighting her contributions to the meat and livestock sectors. She also influences future agricultural leaders through roles with the University of Nebraska's Engler Advisory Board and the Colorado State University Agriculture Sciences Dean's Advisory Council. Her influence extends beyond business, as she maintains ties to her New Mexico ranch and imparts values of community and stewardship to her three children. Leann's journey illustrates achievement through dedication and vision. She is focused on family, community and a sustainable, transparent food future.

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