Foodservice Women's Alliance - FWA

📢 Calling all FWA Members headed to IFMA President’s Conference Join us for a FWA MEET UP in Scottsdale! When: Monday, November 4th at 4:00pm Where: Event Hotel - Fairmont Scottsdale Princess at the outdoor bar Our casual networking event is a during a break in the conference and offers the opportunity to meet each other in person! Questions? Contact Ryan Cigler or reply in comments below. We hope to see you there!

Join us TOMORROW for a nitty gritty convo with Julie Swift, FWA Founder and Chairwoman on the state of women in the foodservice industry and how Foodservice Women's Alliance (FWA) is charging full steam ahead towards a brighter future. With her experience and passion for empowering women in foodservice, Julie will share her vision for the future and FWA's Meeting lead, Kristi McGill will moderate, ask the tough questions and open the chat for candid conversation. #NOFILTER To wrap up, we’ll open breakout rooms for small group discussions, giving you the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and expand your professional network with some of the best humans in the industry. Whether you’re a member or not, we welcome you to join us for October’s Member Meeting! Friday, October 25th | 12PM CT FWA members, check your inbox for more details. If you’re not already registered to attend FWA Member Meetings, don’t forget to register. If you would like to register to attend our member meetings, we would love to have you be our guest. Contact us at info@foodservicewomensalliance.com

We started with a vision. We envision an equity balanced foodservice industry, where authentic, diverse and talented women are empowered to drive their own career paths. We imagine women networked to women, horizontally and vertically, offering one another connections, introductions, job offers and promotions, advice and mentoring. We imagine an industry changed by that network of women, with equitable gender representation at every level. Then we imagined how we could get there. As an industry-wide, grassroots collective, we 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. Then we imagined HOW WE COULD HELP COMPANIES get there. We connect companies to resources and learning specifically to power an environment where women can thrive and succeed, all while disarming the obstacles holding companies (& women) back. Join us in the journey -- FWA | Foodservice Womens Alliance No fees, gimmicks or gotchas. Just limitless potential.

Join us for a nitty gritty convo with Julie Swift, FWA Founder and Chairwoman on the state of women in the foodservice industry. Learn how Foodservice Women's Alliance (FWA) is charging full steam ahead toward a brighter future for all women in all stages of their Foodservice careers. With her experience and passion for empowering women in foodservice, Julie will share her vision for the future and FWA's Meeting lead, Kristi McGill will moderate, ask the tough questions and open the chat for candid conversation. To wrap up, we’ll open breakout rooms for small group discussions, giving you the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and expand your professional network with some of THE very best humans in the industry. Whether you’re a member or not, we welcome you to join us for October’s Member Meeting! Friday, October 25th | 12PM CT FWA members, reminder to make sure you're registered. If you would like to register to attend our member meetings, we would love to have you be our guest. Contact us at info@foodservicewomensalliance.com

We know when companies lack inclusivity, they face significant setbacks. Reduced innovation – the impact of not inviting varied perspectives Lower employee morale – less engaged employees who don’t feel valued Damaged reputation – making it harder to attract top talent (& loyal customers) Legal risks – when inequalities are not addressed, legal consequences can ensue Stagnant growth – businesses struggle to evolve in a competitive market If your company isn’t inclusive, it’s doubtful anyone is going to feel safe enough to be honest with you about the lack of inclusivity. But these signs are pretty good indicators you’ve got work to do. 😏 Lack of diverse representation in leadership 😏 A small group of homogenous (exclusive) people in leadership 😏 Decisions are made by a select few 😏 Diverse and opposing opinions are not actively sought (or valued) 😏 Subtle (often unintentional) actions that stereotype someone On the flip side – Best measures of inclusive environments ✅ Fair treatment – We are recognized and rewarded fairly. ✅ Integrating differences – We value each other’s opinions. ✅ Decision making – We consider everyone’s ideas and suggestions. ✅ Psychological safety – I can express my true feelings. ✅ Trust – Communication is open and honest. ✅ Belonging – People in my organization care about me. 3 Things to You Can Do to Impact Inclusion Today 1.Self-reflect & take action.  It starts with you. Leaders set the bar – make it a key business imperative. 2. Be vigilant Create a safe place that values differing perspectives. Develop your team’s inclusive skills. 3.Take action.  Advocate for the diverse & valuable point of view women bring as if the success of your business depends on it. Lead with enthusiasm. Check up & check in frequently.

👉🏾 TWO FWA MEMBER MEETINGS LEFT IN 2024: 🍂 October 25th & December 6th 🎄 Stay tuned for more details on both upcoming meetings. Whether you’re a member or not, we WELCOME you to join us for October’s Member Meeting! Friday, October 25th | 12PM CT FWA members, check your inbox for more details. If you’re not already registered to attend FWA Member Meetings, don’t forget to register. If you would like to register to attend our member meetings, we would love to have you be our guest. Contact us at info@foodservicewomensalliance.com And, if you’ve been looking for a good reason to join FWA – 📣consider yourself officially invited (enrollment link in comments)!  ✔ No fees. ✔ No gimmicks. ✔ No kidding. Come join our grassroots community as we pave it forward for all women in all stages of their Foodservice careers.

🌟Performance Reviews: A Double-Edged Sword for High Performers🌟 As we approach THAT TIME of the year, let’s talk performance reviews & this crucial period for reflection and growth. Now more than ever, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by high performers, especially women and women of color, in our industry. 🔍The Double-Edged Sword: High performers often face the paradox of being both highly valued and overly relied upon. This can lead to burnout and a lack of recognition for their continuous efforts. It’s vital to ensure feedback is not just about maintaining high standards but also about acknowledging and rewarding the hard work and dedication these individuals bring to the table. 💬Constructive Feedback: Let’s shift the focus from merely pointing out areas for improvement to celebrating achievements and providing actionable, supportive feedback. This approach not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of continuous development and empowerment. 🤝Support and Recognition: At Foodservice Women’s Alliance, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every woman’s contributions are recognized and valued. Let’s use this performance review season to uplift each other, advocate for fair evaluations, and ensure that our high performers receive the support they need to thrive. If you’re lucky enough to be reviewing a high performer, join us in making performance reviews a positive and empowering experience for all! 💪✨ Take a look at the article in the comments for more.

🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with FWA! 🌟 From September 15 to October 15, we honor the rich history, vibrant culture, and invaluable contributions of the Hispanic community as well as the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) that help recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and stories that make our industry and our world so unique. At Foodservice Women’s Alliance, we believe in the power of diversity and the strength it brings to our workplaces. We’re grateful to ERG’s who uplift and support our Hispanic colleagues, help everyone learn from their experiences, and continue to build an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing your stories, attending local events, and supporting Hispanic-owned businesses. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all. 💪🏽❤️ #HispanicHeritageMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #FoodserviceWomen #Empowerment #SupportHispanicBusinesses #PaveItForward #FoodserviceIndustry #FoodserviceWomensAlliance

"When women connect, they create a powerful force for change.” Heck, yes. In Erica Keswin’s article, she emphasizes the importance of these connections in fostering . . . GROWTH INNOVATION RESILIENCE Women supporting women is not just beneficial; it is essential for progress. YET, research tells us most women feel they're too busy to network but if we want to move forward in our careers – that needs to change. By building strong networks and deepening our connections, we ensure that more women can take their rightful place in leadership and beyond. Let us continue to support and uplift each other, for real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. Join us (it's free)! No gimmicks or gotcha's. Just a grassroots, organic environment where women are networked to women, horizontally and vertically, offering one another connections, introductions, job offers and promotions, advice and mentoring. We imagine an industry changed by that network of diverse women, with equitable gender representation at every level. Link to the FWA website & Forbes article "Good Things Happen When Women Connect" in comments

Does it Feel Like You Have a SHORT RUNWAY to Prove Yourself in Business? So, What Can You Do About It? In the dynamic world of business, many women feel an urgent need to prove their worth quickly. But why is this the case, and what can be done about it? 🔍 Gender Bias & Stereotypes: Persistent biases and stereotypes often question women’s competence, pushing them to demonstrate their value swiftly. 👩💼 Underrepresentation in Leadership: With fewer women in top roles, those who make it face heightened scrutiny, feeling the pressure to excel immediately. 🤝 Networking Challenges: Limited access to influential networks and mentorship can make it harder for women to find support, increasing the urgency to succeed. ⚖️ Work-Life Balance: Balancing professional and personal responsibilities can be particularly challenging, creating a sense of urgency to prove professional worth before personal commitments are perceived to interfere. 💰 Funding & Resources: Women entrepreneurs often face greater difficulties in securing funding, shortening the timeframe to show results and secure further investment. 💪 Confidence & Self-Perception: Societal expectations and internalized biases can affect confidence, making women feel they need to prove themselves quickly to validate their place in the business world. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help navigate challenges. Build Networks: Actively participate in professional networks and organizations to expand your support system and opportunities. Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to highlight your achievements and advocate for your needs and goals. Continuous Learning: Invest in your professional development through courses, workshops, and certifications to enhance your skills and confidence. Work-Life Integration: Find strategies that work for you to balance personal and professional responsibilities effectively. Support Each Other: Lift up other women in your industry by sharing opportunities, offering support, and celebrating successes. At Foodservice Women’s Alliance, we believe in empowering women to break these barriers and thrive in their careers. Together, we can create a more equitable and supportive business environment for all! 💪✨ Check out a couple of articles on this topic in the comments