2025 Women of Influence

The Shelby-Griffin Report presents the 20th annual tribute to Women of Influence in the food industry. For 20 years, we’ve honored the outstanding women shaping the food industry—from executives and innovators to mentors and community leaders. This year’s nominees represent a diverse range of roles, backgrounds, and regions, each making a profound impact in their careers and beyond.

Explore their stories below, and join us in celebrating their achievements.

2025 Women of Influence

2025 Women of Influence

Heather Allan

Operations Manager, W. Lee Flowers

Heather Allan brings exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to W. Lee Flowers and the community. Heather's journey in the grocery business began in high school at BI-LO and she has excelled at every level, from floral manager and scan coordinator to assistant manager and store director. Her ascent to multi-unit leadership as a host experience generalist and now as manager of operations for W. Lee Flowers is a testament to her commitment and expertise. Heather has been instrumental in reviewing contracts, identifying cost savings and rolling out innovative programs such as Pro-Health and Huddles for store teams. Her ability to implement these initiatives has significantly enhanced the company's operations and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. In addition, Heather demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to personal growth. She earned her degree while raising three children and now proudly has four grandchildren. Her dedication to her career and family is inspiring. Heather's deep roots in the community are evident through her volunteer work with the Salvation Army and other nonprofits. Her passion for helping others and making a positive impact is a cornerstone of her leadership style. Heather's professional journey, community involvement and passion for people make her an exemplary leader.

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2025 Women of Influence

Heather Griffin

Director of Produce Retail, JOH

Heather Griffin exemplifies what it means to be a Woman of Influence through her leadership, dedication and commitment to mentoring others at JOH and in the produce industry.
With nearly two decades of experience, Heather has risen through the ranks at JOH, starting as a part-time merchandiser and earning multiple promotions, most recently to her current position. Her journey is a testament to her work ethic, industry expertise and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with clients, customers and teammates.
Beyond her career, Heather is a dedicated mom, team player and someone who lifts others up along the way. She's known for her positive energy, collaborative spirit and ability to get things done, all while making time for road trips, beach days and family fun.

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2025 Women of Influence

Heidi Huff

SVP, Consumer Engagement, Alliance Retail Group

Heidi Huff has spent the last 17 years in the grocery business ¬– the independent grocery business – she and love it. She leads a talented group of people who help independent grocers succeed with marketing and advertising solutions. Her team is instrumental in supporting independent businesspeople with solutions to help them succeed. Many clients are four-plus generations strong. Knowing that they help them with today's tech, solutions and expert guidance to efficiently run their business makes it all worth the effort. One thing that has defined Heidi's career is when she realized that she loves working in a space of creating something new. Whether it's a program or a new department within the company, this is where she has passion and thrives. This has guided her as she has moved throughout her career, knowing what kind of work and environment helps her shine has been the key to work happiness. A key piece of advice Heidi gives her team members is to figure out what is it about their job/career that they love and why and what they don't like. This may seem simple – and it can be – but it's important so that as they continue to grow in their careers, she can help determine what next step will and won't be right for them. Heidi an 11-year member of Women Grocers of America Executive Board of Directors and a member of WGA's Executive Female Leaders Network. She also is a member of the NGA Foundation Board of Regents and a member of CHIEF.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jaime Powell

VP, Labor and Employment Law, C&S Wholesale Grocers

Jaime Powell is a strong leader who manages a team of lawyers and other professionals devoted to ensuring the company's compliance with all applicable labor and employment laws.
She personally handles, directs or supervises all collective bargaining and labor relations with unions representing the company's employees. She manages critical issues affecting the health of the company, including employment litigation matters, sensitive investigations, policy development and execution and merger and acquisition initiatives.
Jaime is an empathetic, knowledgeable and strong leader. She works to protect the company's reputation while also ensuring that all rights and applicable regulations are followed to the letter of the law.
She provides continuous counsel and guidance and holds herself and all leaders to the highest standards. Jaime is a dedicated and hardworking leader that goes over and above to ensure excellence.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jeanne Fuda

Director of Sales – East, Ole Mexican Foods

Jeanne Fuda is a self-driven women that provides great leadership to all who work for her. She is a mentor and great teacher who works tirelessly to achieve the company goals but also to help achieve goals as employees. She is always working to better employees and to share her values. Jeanne has been in the wholesale profession for more than 35 years and has worked her wayup to be one of the top women at Ole Mexican Foods. The first year she was with the company, she helped shape its future with the relationships that she gained over the years and to bring new ideas to a smaller company. Jeanne encourages people to be their best while working with them to improve their knowledge of working with customers and also teaching people to be their best. Jeanne has been a great inspiration to the people who surround her. She is a great asset to Ole Mexican Foods.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jen Doxey

Director of Sales, Fox Packaging & Fox Solutions

Jen Doxey is a leader in the fresh produce, flexible packaging and packing equipment industries. With more than 20 years of experience, she has developed high-impact sales strategies, fostered long-term customer relationships and led high-performing teams to success. Jen values her customers and team, approaching every challenge with grace and competitiveness to navigate supply chain concerns while ensuring that solutions meet customer needs and Fox Packaging's business objectives. Her expertise allows her to provide strategic, results-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in fresh produce packaging. Jen is a recognized industry advocate who is committed to sustainability and innovation. She serves as co-chair of the Sustainable Packaging Working Group for the International Fresh Produce Association and is a member of the PCR Content and Plastic Packaging Working Group for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. These roles enable her to shape industry standards, champion sustainability and drive change. Jen's strategic leadership, customer-first approach and problem-solving mindset set her apart as a Woman of Influence. Her ability to engage with the industry, develop tailored solutions and mentor future leaders makes her an invaluable asset to the fresh produce and packaging sectors.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jena Sowers

CEO, Alliance Retail Group

As a highly engaged and respected member of the NGA Board and through her involvement with ROFDA, FMI and NFRA, Jena Sowers continually positions herself in a way to make an impact on behalf of the independent grocer. Relationships are the cornerstone of driving progress. The success and growth of the company can be directly attributed to the depth of her relationships with top CPG companies and influential wholesalers. She turns relationships into results by opening doors for vendors and retailers to work together in a unique and transparent way. She's been instrumental in developing an innovative reporting platform designed to help independent retailers level the playing field with national chains. Progress on this initiative has not only showcased her technical skills, but also the ability to see an opportunity and execute in a way that makes a difference. Jena's leadership is the definition of authenticity. She creates a space where people feel supported, valued, motivated to do their best and part of a shared success. She is a steward of the Alliance brand in every sense of the word. As a role model, she has particularly inspired female employees and working mothers, proving that you don't have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling life – you can have both. As a mom to two boys, she shows up with the same drive, grit and heart at home as she does in the boardroom. She's proof that you can lead a company, raise a family and stay true to who you are.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jenn Vannucci

Director of Marketing, Alpha 1 Marketing

Jenn Vannucci has been a driving force in the independent grocery industry for more than 3.5 years. At Alpha 1 Marketing, an affiliate of Krasdale Foods, she leads a dynamic team specializing in shopper marketing, digital, social media, influencer partnerships and retail media, with consistent annual revenue growth under her leadership.
Jenn supports marketing initiatives across eight states, focusing on the Northeast and Florida, with the business centered in New York City's urban market. She has expanded CTown and Bravo Supermarkets' organic social media audience by 5,205 percent, launched paid and earned influencer programs and leveraged digital strategies to drive consumer engagement.
Her impact extends beyond social, as she sold the largest digital marketing campaign in Alpha 1 history, developed brand merchandise for influencer partnerships and facilitates Krasdale and Alpha 1's annual vendor summit for 300-plus industry leaders. She also represents Alpha 1 at FMI and NFRA's annual industry leadership conferences.
A 2023 Woman of Influence in The Shelby Report and seven-time NFRA Golden Penguin winner, Jenn is also a board member and officer for the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry, supporting charitable initiatives in the grocery trade.
Her expertise and leadership continue to elevate Alpha 1 and the grocery industry. She resides in Westchester County, New York, with her wife, Danielle, and their dog, Zoey.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jenna DiLuigi

Research and Product Development Manager, DiLuigi Foods

Jenna DiLuigi is the driving force behind DiLuigi Foods' products. Her culinary expertise elevates every offering, but it is her relentless pursuit of perfection that sets the company apart.
Jenna's knowledge and dedication ensure that every product meets the highest industry standards without compromising flavor while continuing to delight customers and reinforcing the company's commitment to quality and safety.
Jenna's hands-on approach is invaluable. Spending time on the production floor, she assists in making informed decisions, evaluates situations and resolves any potential challenges to uphold and maintain the company's rigorous standards.
Beyond developing formulations and prototypes or conducting shelf-life and analyzing results to meet regulatory standards, Jenna leads the research and development team while fostering strong relationships with customers, vendors and local food banks.
Through these connections, Jenna has spearheaded generous donations helping to feed people in need. Her commitment extends beyond the business – she is making a real difference in the community.
Since joining DiLuigi Foods in 2012, Jenna has been a vital part of the team. When she is not creating recipes, tracking market trends or ensuring excellence on the production floor, she's at home wrangling her two energetic boys, ages 4 and 7, with the help of her husband, Jack.

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2025 Women of Influence

Jennifer Vespole

Director of Sales Development – Convenience, C.A. Ferolie

Jennifer Vespole is a trailblazer in the foodservice and convenience industry, bringing more than 30 years of leadership, innovation and impact to every role she has held. She drives strategic growth through customer-focused solutions, cultivating meaningful partnerships and delivering measurable results in a rapidly evolving channel. Prior to this, Jennifer founded and led J.E.N. Food Solutions, a product innovation and menu engineering firm. There, she leveraged her expertise to identify emerging cultural and consumer trends, transforming them into craveable, high-performing food and beverage solutions that fueled growth across the retail food landscape.

Her 30-year tenure at QuickChek as director of food service illustrates her influence and consistency. Jennifer played a pivotal role in elevating the company’s foodservice program into a gold standard within the convenience space. She oversaw product development, menu innovation and team leadership – redefining customer expectations and achieving sustained business success.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has balanced strategic thinking with giving back to her community by partnering with organizations such as Grow A Row, whose mission is to deliver free fresh produce to fight food insecurity.

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