Leading Female Store Managers of 2025 in the Grocery Sector

Leading Female Store Managers of 2025 in the Grocery Sector

Top Women in Grocery Honours 2025: Celebrating Exceptional Store Managers

The grocery industry is buzzing with news of the 2025 Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) awards, a programme that recognises female achievers in the North American food retail and grocery sectors. This year, the spotlight is on the store managers who have shown exceptional leadership and contributed significantly to their respective stores and the industry.

Elizabeth Duke, Store Manager at Food Lion Store #0610 in Hayes, Va., has been a shining star since 2001. Her dedication and hard work have led to her store surpassing all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and increasing Food Lion To Go sales by an impressive 20%-plus. Furthermore, the store received a commendable 97% score in food and workplace safety.

Jen Saylor, Store Director at Lowes Foods Store #230 in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., has implemented cross-training for hosts in multiple areas and actively incorporated their feedback to eliminate process inefficiencies. Her innovative approach has undoubtedly contributed to the store's success.

Sevilla Burns, Store Manager at Sprouts Farmers Market Store #226 in San Diego, has achieved first place with a perfect 100 points on the Sprouts company scorecard in Q4, winning the Ultimate District Award for 2024. Her commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.

Gwendolyn Pratt, Store Manager at Tops Markets Store #49 in West Seneca, N.Y., is a leader for the district and a key trainer due to her sales-driven perspective, great merchandising skills, and ability to create themed displays. Her sales-driven approach has undoubtedly contributed to the store's success.

Elizabeth Brewster, Store Director at Lowes Foods Store #191 in Raleigh, N.C., has achieved the No. 1 ranking in the division for the Cart to Class program. Her dedication to community initiatives is commendable.

Manjiri Joshi, Store Director at Meijer Store #188 in Livonia, Mich., has delivered a remarkable $2.5 million increase over plan, along with a year-over-year sales increase. Her impressive financial management skills have undoubtedly contributed to the store's success.

Michelle Valdez, Store Director at King Soopers Store #87 in Conifer, Colo., has guided her location through several challenges and was one of the first to implement Store Operational Segments. Her resilience and adaptability are truly admirable.

Robyn Lilleberg, Store Manager at Amazon Fresh Store # MAC9 in Long Beach, Calif., has led her store to exceptional sales results, ranking No. 1 in the region and No. 5 overall for Amazon Fresh stores nationwide during Prime Day. Her sales-driven approach is truly impressive.

Mafi Vasquez, Store Leader at QFC Store #835 in Lynnwood, Wash., started a career in nursing but pivoted to grocery when she came to live in the United States. Her diverse background and dedication have undoubtedly contributed to her success in the grocery industry.

Vannessa Valdivia, Assistant Store Manager at Save Mart Store #105 in Riverbank, Calif., has helped with a multimillion-dollar remodel and launched successful new programs that were expanded to other stores. Her initiative and creativity are truly inspiring.

Catherine Kiely, Store Team Leader at Whole Foods Market, Lexington, Ky., was elected as the only store rep to the board of directors for the Whole Foods Market Foundation. Her commitment to community initiatives is truly commendable.

The 2025 TWIG Store Manager honorees will be celebrated during PG's annual Grocery Impact event in November. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable women and their contributions to the grocery industry.

[1] Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery awards program recognises female achievers in the North American food retail and grocery industries. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://www.progressivegrocer.com/2025-top-women-grocery-awards-program [5] Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery awards program honours female achievers in the North American food retail and grocery industries. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2023, from https://www.progressivegrocer.com/2025-top-women-grocery-awards-program-honours-female-achievers-north-american-food-retail-and-grocery-industries

1. Elizabeth Duke's store, Food Lion Store #0610, excelled in various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and witnessed a substantial increase in Food Lion To Go sales.
2. Jen Saylor's innovative approach to cross-training and process improvement at Lowes Foods Store #230 has significantly contributed to the store's success.
3. Sevilla Burns' dedication and commitment to excellence, as expressed in her perfect 100 points in the Sprouts company scorecard, is truly inspiring.
4. Gwendolyn Pratt's sales-driven perspective, great merchandising skills, and themed displays make her a key asset to Tops Markets Store #49 in West Seneca, N.Y.
5. Elizabeth Brewster's dedication to community initiatives and successful division ranking in the Cart to Class program at Lowes Foods Store #191 is commendable.
6. Manjiri Joshi's financial management skills and remarkable sales performance at Meijer Store #188 in Livonia, Mich., have undoubtedly contributed to the store's success.
7. Mafi Vasquez, a former nurse, leverages her diverse background to navigate the grocery industry with success at QFC Store #835 in Lynnwood, Wash.

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