When I founded Females in Food (FIF) five years ago, my goal was not just to bring women together but to create a space where they could truly feel seen, supported, and empowered. Having spent years in the food industry myself, I understood the challenges women face in making meaningful progress and finding allies who champion their growth. This is my journey—one that started with a vision and has since evolved into a thriving community.
From Food Science to Community-Building: My Background
Before founding Females in Food, I (Angela Dodd) built my career as a food scientist and commercial sales leader, working with food ingredient organizations and learning the complexities and demands of the industry. As I advanced, I noticed a common challenge for women in food: we were often present, but seldom heard or fully represented at senior levels.
Today, as a mother of two boys, I feel an even stronger commitment to creating a world where women leaders are the norm. When I founded Females in Food, I recognized that women needed something beyond traditional networking—a space built on real, supportive connections. FIF began with the understanding that we needed to build authentic bridges, not just connections, to truly uplift each other.
The Birth of Females in Food
The idea for Females in Food was born from this desire to create an authentic, supportive community. I wanted FIF to offer more than a business card exchange; I envisioned a place where women could bring their full selves—sharing their dreams, struggles, and achievements openly. FIF would be about learning from each other, growing together, and creating a collective impact that would help close the gender gap in leadership.
So, in 2019, I launched FIF with a clear vision: to close the gender gap in senior leadership by connecting women with the resources, support, and community they need to succeed. Starting small, we held workshops, networking events, and industry discussions to create safe spaces where women could connect deeply and meaningfully.
Redefining Networking as Community-Building
From the beginning, my goal with FIF was to change the narrative of networking. We emphasize “community” over “network” because we believe in building bridges that go beyond transactional relationships. For FIF, networking means building a community of women who are invested in each other’s growth—personally and professionally.
Networking in FIF is about helping each other grow by sharing real experiences, expertise, and guidance. Whether it’s mentoring a newcomer, sharing insights on work-life balance, or collaborating on ways to foster inclusivity in the workplace, our community thrives on genuine connections.
Five Years of Progress and Impact
Over the past five years, FIF has grown from a small, close-knit group to a global movement, with over 2,000 women participating in events, workshops, and mentorship programs. Some key achievements that I’m especially proud of include:
- Building a Digital Platform and App – This platform provides our members with real-time feedback, resources, and connections, bringing support right to their fingertips.
- Hosting 150+ Events and Two Major Summits – From fireside chats to panel discussions and immersive symposiums, FIF has created countless opportunities for women to share knowledge, build confidence, and make meaningful industry connections.
- Corporate Partnerships – FIF now collaborates with companies looking to elevate female thought leadership, strengthen their employer brand, and support women in leadership roles. These partnerships allow us to amplify our impact on a larger scale.
- Expanding Our Reach – Over the years, FIF has brought valuable insights and resources to over 100,000 people, expanding our mission of gender equality and inclusion across the industry.
- Supporting Career Growth for Women – Through our leadership development initiatives, FIF provides the resources for women to step into their power and advance their careers, whether through peer mentorship, skill-building, or cultivating a growth-oriented mindset.
What’s Next for Females in Food
We have an enhanced membership launching in January and a new executive-level membership designed for women in senior roles, offering more tailored resources and opportunities for growth. Members will also enjoy greater access to industry advisors and executives, gaining insights from top leaders in the F&B industry. Our State of the Industry Report will provide key insights and actionable recommendations to help drive change. In addition, we’re introducing more regional events to strengthen local networks and boost our presence at major industry conferences. Finally, we’re expanding our corporate partnerships to collaborate with organizations on leadership development, talent connection, and employer branding—helping companies create inclusive environments where women can thrive.
A Final Thought: Building Bridges
Females in Food isn’t just about networking; it’s about building lifelong connections that support and sustain us as we move forward. I am incredibly grateful for every member, partner, and supporter who has joined us on this journey. Together, we are not just building bridges but creating pathways for future generations of women to thrive.
As FIF continues to grow, I am honored to stand with each of you as we redefine what it means to network, to lead, and to succeed in the food industry. Here’s to many more years of building bridges, breaking barriers, and supporting each other every step of the way.
