The Foodservice Women's Alliance: An industry-wide, grassroots collective born 'out of necessity' to fill a wide gender gap prevalent in Foodservice, exponentially so for women of color

LOS ANGELES , July 29, 2024 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

This article is part of Industry Intelligence's Executive Summary, a complimentary weekly report featuring insights from C-Level Executives, and providing businesses with an overview of key headlines and market drivers in key industries.

When Julie Swift first founded the Foodservice Women's Alliance (FWA) in 2022, she did so "out of necessity."

"There is a wide gender gap prevalent in Foodservice, exponentially so for women of color," Swift said during a recent interview with Industry Intelligence. "Something needed to be done to bridge that gap."

From there, the FWA was born.

The FWA is a no-fee, no sponsorship-fee based community where, according to Swift, true disruption can occur without limitation.

An industry-wide, grassroots collective, the organization aims to act as an incubator in connecting women and people marginalized due to gender, to resources and community, paving it forward for all women in all stages of their Foodservice careers.

The results thus far? The FWA has just under 500 members and is currently growing at a rate of over 100 members a quarter, all in just over 18 months.

Swift attributed much of this rapid growth to the FWA's board: Crystal Duncan, Monica Johnson, Lynne Karo, Marlisa Montero, Jen Roth, Stephanie Lind, Kareema Goodwin, Alison Sherberg, Alicia Paliuca, Jeanette Gerger, and Kelly Silence.

"So much credit goes to these amazing women--all volunteers--who signed up to lead, disrupt and make a sustainable difference now and for the future. SO much credit goes to the tireless work they've done," Swift said.

Swift envisions an equity balanced Foodservice Industry where authentic, diverse, and talented women are empowered to drive their own career paths.

"We aim to disrupt the current cycle that prevails in our industry in order to drive equality as we recognize we are part of a system that wasn’t designed with our success in mind," Swift said. "Our alliance is set on changing this culture with companies, associations and the industry as a whole.

"We are an inclusive environment where we can speak our own truths openly and be heard all while impacting each other’s journeys through our authenticity."

To learn more about the FWA, click here.

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