Member Spotlight

A Visionary in the Food Industry

Leading with Purpose and Empowerment

Championing Transparency in Food

Inspiring Change and Shaping the Future

February Spotlight Award: Tergel Erdenebat – Driving Dairy Innovation Through Digitalization & Automation

This month, we are excited to shine the Females in Food Spotlight on Yifat Rogers!

With over 15 years of experience in product development, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, Yifat has made her mark across R&D, supply chain, and leadership roles. During her time at General Mills, she contributed to familiar household-name brands like Betty Crocker, Progresso, Pillsbury, and Hamburger Helper. Her expertise didn’t just stop at product innovation—Yifat was instrumental in driving substantial cost savings and process optimization, showcasing her ability to deliver results on multiple fronts.

In 2022, Yifat took a bold step by founding Yaniv Consulting, where she focuses on turning complex food science challenges into practical, hands-on solutions. Her scientific mindset, combined with a strategic and data-driven approach, sets her apart as an expert who not only understands the intricacies of food science but also knows how to drive breakthroughs that propel businesses forward.

Yifat is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a PhD in Food Science from North Carolina State University. Through Yaniv Consulting, she provides flexible leadership and R&D solutions, offering hands-on workshops designed to inspire “Eureka!” moments for her clients. Her recent panel presentation at IFT on “Methods and Technologies Leading to Cost Savings for F&B Developers” underscores her status as a thought leader in the industry.

What’s even more inspiring is Yifat’s openness in sharing her experiences, especially when it comes to overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. She reminds us that even the most accomplished professionals can face self-doubt—but by holding on to positive client feedback, she stays focused on the immense value she provides.

Despite the hurdles of working in a second language and in a different country, Yifat has built a thriving career, proving that determination and resilience can overcome any obstacle. Her story is a testament to perseverance, and we’re proud to celebrate her contributions to the food industry.

Please join us in recognizing Yifat Rogers, our October Females in Food Spotlight honoree!

Jaime Underwood, the September winner of the Females in Food Spotlight Award, is the Principal at Edible Chemistry and a true advocate for fostering innovation and creativity within the food and beverage industry. With her company sponsoring numerous Females in Food events, Jaime’s commitment to uplifting women in the industry has been both evident and impactful.

Jaime’s journey into the food industry began after a brief stint in biotech. Recognizing that it wasn’t the right fit for her, she sought out a career that was fast-paced and innovative. Her chemistry background translated seamlessly into food science, and she quickly fell in love with the dynamic nature of the field. “Food is ever-changing,” Jaime shares, “there’s always something new to learn and exciting products to try.” This passion for constant innovation and learning has driven her career forward.

At the core of Jaime’s expertise is her specialization in hydrocolloids and stabilization sciences, areas that are fundamental to product development but often overlooked within the broader scope of food science. Hydrocolloids play a critical role in the texture, consistency, and stability of food products, and Jaime’s deep knowledge in this field has been pivotal in advancing product commercialization efforts. As she explains, “Stabilization is essential to every area of food science, yet it’s a skill set that is often underappreciated. I’m passionate about ensuring that this knowledge is passed on to the next generation of food scientists.”

Jaime’s work also extends into commercialization, where she bridges the gap between scientific development and bringing products to market. This expertise has been invaluable to both her team at Edible Chemistry and the broader industry, where she frequently engages in training and mentorship. “I do a lot of training within our team and with other organizations,” she says. “It’s important to me that the next generation of scientists not only understands stabilization but can also apply it in ways that lead to successful commercialization.”

One of Jaime’s proudest accomplishments has been mentoring and teaching young scientists. “It’s important to me that we continue to foster creativity and innovation in the next generation.” Her dedication to mentorship speaks to her broader mission of contributing to a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.

Despite challenges in large corporate environments, where Jaime found it difficult to navigate political landscapes, she took a leap of faith and launched Edible Chemistry in early 2018. She has since built a team of diverse individuals, each contributing uniquely to the company’s success. “Every single person at Edible Chemistry has helped me grow and become a better human being,” she shares.

Jaime is also inspired by the young entrepreneurs she’s had the pleasure of working with, especially in areas like product development and commercialization. Companies such as Amborella Organics, Bella Bars, and Ascentix Labs have pushed the boundaries of innovation, and Jaime is proud to have supported their journeys.

The support Jaime has received from the Females in Food community has been pivotal in her professional growth. After years of feeling isolated in corporate environments, she found in FIF a network of genuine support. “This group wants nothing more than to lift all of its members up,” she says. The backing from this community has been instrumental in her business’ growth, and Jaime makes it a priority to offer the same support to others.

Jaime’s core values shine through in both her personal and professional life: seeing and valuing people for their unique contributions, investing in human capital, and always striving to be a giver, not a taker. “Take care of your people,” she emphasizes, “and they will take care of you.”

We are honored to announce that Julia Jones has been selected as the August Spotlight Award winner in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the food and beverage industry. Julia’s expertise, dedication, and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark, making her a true leader and inspiration.

Her insightful discussions on global issues such as protectionism, social volatility, and the rising importance of data reflect her deep understanding of the complexities we face today. She has brought forward the concept of “volatility fitness,” challenging conventional notions and highlighting the need for adaptability in an ever-changing landscape. Julia expertly connects these global themes to practical implications, emphasizing the shifting traditional pillars of economics and social systems.

One of Julia’s significant roles is as the chair of Meat the Need, a food security charity based in New Zealand. This organization plays a vital role in ensuring that nutritious, high-quality meat reaches those who need it most. By working directly with farmers and processors, Meat the Need collects and distributes meat donations to food banks and other charities across New Zealand. Julia’s leadership in this role has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to essential protein sources.

Her work with this charity underscores her commitment not only to the agricultural sector but also to social responsibility and community welfare. Julia’s efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, highlighting the power of collective action and industry collaboration in tackling hunger.

Beyond her professional expertise, Julia is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of women in our industry. Her mentorship and advocacy efforts provide young women with the guidance and insights they need to reach their full potential. Through her dedication to education and upliftment, Julia is fostering an environment of growth and progress for future leaders.

Julia’s career is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. In 2017, she earned the prestigious Emerging Leader Scholarship, a coveted honor that allowed her to attend Stanford University, where she further honed her strategic thinking and leadership skills. This achievement is just one of many that punctuate her remarkable journey.

In 2014, Julia’s quest for global perspectives took her to Russia, where she immersed herself in the complexities of international markets and trade. This experience broadened her understanding of global dynamics, enriching the insights she shares today.

Earlier, in 2011, Julia’s commitment to leadership development was evident when she completed the AWDT Escalator Governance Program, a rigorous course designed to equip leaders with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of governance in the modern world.

Her intellectual curiosity also led her to the halls of Harvard University, where, in 2010, she participated in the Harvard Agri Seminar in China. Here, Julia delved deep into the intersections of agriculture and economics, further cementing her role as a thought leader in the global food industry.

Julia’s warm personality shines through in all she does. Her genuine interest in celebrating the achievements of others reflects her selflessness and passion for building a strong community. Her unique connection to the Agri-sector, including her own collection of farm animals, adds a relatable and memorable dimension to her persona.

In a time of heightened risk and decreased resilience, Julia’s insights provide clarity and direction. Her ability to navigate and forecast trends despite challenges demonstrates her unmatched acumen and adaptability. Julia’s holistic understanding of these dynamics solidifies her position as a visionary leader.

It is with great enthusiasm that we recognize Julia Jones for this esteemed award. Her contributions have had a profound impact on the food and beverage industry, and her dedication to fostering future talent is an inspiration to us all.

Please join me in celebrating Julia’s achievements and her continued efforts to drive positive change in our industry!

We are excited to announce Darla Rieg as the July recipient of the Females in Food Spotlight Award! Darla’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the food industry make her an exemplary leader in her field.

Darla Rieg is the Director of Category Management at The GIANT Company, an omnichannel grocer that has been serving families across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia since 1923. At GIANT, Darla leads a team focused on providing simplified and inspiring shopping solutions across Beverage, Snacking, Global flavors, and Beer & Wine categories.

Darla joined The GIANT Company in 2011, initially serving as a category manager before ascending to her current leadership role. Her expertise and dedication have earned her the prestigious Progressive Grocer’s Annual Top Women in Grocery Rising Star category award in 2017 and 2021.

As a purpose-driven and customer-focused leader, Darla empowers her team to develop strategic category plans that cater to modern family lifestyles. Her approach has driven significant growth in sales, gross profit, market share, and innovative merchandising.

Darla is not only committed to her professional role but also to giving back to the community. She frequently volunteers at local food banks, supports Salvation Army initiatives, and encourages her team to actively participate in the company’s volunteer program. Darla’s involvement extends to serving on the Board of Trustees for the Planet Bee Foundation, where she drives awareness about the vital role bees play in the food supply chain and supports bee health and conservation initiatives.

Darla is a strong advocate and mentor for women in the grocery industry, a field still predominantly male. She actively mentors female colleagues, offering guidance and fostering their professional growth. As a member of The GIANT Company’s LINC Business Resource Group, Darla has played a pivotal role in planning and participating in women’s empowerment and professional development events.

With a career spanning 25 years in the food industry, Darla Rieg continues to inspire through her innovative strategies, community involvement, and undeniable support for women in the industry. Her contributions have significantly impacted The GIANT Company and the broader food retail sector.

Congratulations to Darla Rieg for her remarkable achievements and for being an outstanding role model in the food industry. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for community service truly epitomize the spirit of the Females in Food Spotlight Award.

We are excited to announce Tiffany Putland as the June winner of the Females in Food Spotlight Award! Tiffany exemplifies dedication, innovation, and community spirit, also making her a standout member of our organization.

Tiffany is instrumental in organizing all the Minnesota member-led meetups for Females in Food. As a formal ambassador, she has been pivotal in organizing regional meetups, fostering connections among members, and creating a supportive network. Her involvement in the Finnovation Lab and SKU mentorship program also highlight her commitment to giving back and interacting with other CPG organizations, further solidifying her role as a community leader.

With 20 years of experience in the food and pet food industries, Tiffany is an operations guru. She helps startups manage day-to-day operations, build operational processes, and lead continuous improvements to help them scale. Through her company, Smart Start Solutions, Inc., Tiffany provides structure and systemic solutions for emerging food, agriculture, and pet food companies. She operates as a Fractional COO for smaller companies, offering the tools and resources that larger companies have, and for larger companies, she identifies business gaps and implements processes that enhance their bottom line and growth.

During her 14 years at Cargill, Tiffany assisted emerging entrepreneurs in scaling their operations to become brand leaders. She is an expert at managing large-scale projects and driving value for her customers. Her passion, heart, and knowledge help her customers solve problems efficiently and drive business value. Tiffany’s bright smile and warm demeanor instantly put her customers at ease, making her a trusted advisor and problem solver.

Tiffany is a staunch advocate for women in the food business. She is a great connector and provides a positive approach to solving challenging issues. While her expertise lies in operations and supply chain, she has expanded her reach into business development, continuously striving to empower other women in the industry.

We are proud to honor Tiffany Putland as the June winner of the Females in Food Spotlight Award. Her contributions, both professionally and personally, embody the spirit of our community. Tiffany, thank you for being a beacon of positivity and an incredible role model for women in the food industry. Your dedication and kindness continue to inspire us all.

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Colleen Madden, the Vice President of Innovation at CK Ingredients, as our May Spotlight Award Winner. This recognition is part of our ongoing commitment at Females in Food to honor women who are making significant contributions to the food and beverage industry.

With experience of over two decades, Colleen has been at the forefront of innovation within the North American food and nutraceutical industries. Her career is marked by a string of successful product launches and the introduction of cutting-edge ingredients that meet the growing demands for functional and sustainable foods. Under Colleen’s leadership, CK Ingredients has not just kept pace with trends but often stayed several steps ahead, particularly in areas like plant-based proteins and minimally processed food ingredients. Over the last 7.5 years, she has spearheaded the launch of more than 27 novel food and nutraceutical ingredients, each backed by solid human clinical research. Colleen’s impact on business growth is also undeniable. Since taking on new accounts, her sales portfolio at CK Ingredients has expanded by over 10% annually. This growth not only highlights her skill in navigating market complexities but also her exceptional ability to foster and maintain strong customer relationships. However, what really sets Colleen apart is her profound empathy and dedication to customer satisfaction. She is known for her meticulous attention to the needs of both existing and prospective clients, offering unparalleled support through sales insights, marketing, R&D, and innovative practices.

Colleen’s advocacy for gender equality and the advancement of women in the food and beverage sector is so inspiring. She is a mentor to numerous young women entrepreneurs and actively participates in various organizations that promote innovation and education within the industry. Through initiatives like the IFT and WFIM, she supports educational programs aimed at advancing women’s careers in this field. Furthermore, her engaging video content on women’s health and wellness reaches over 15,000 followers across platforms like LinkedIn, extending her influence and inspiring a broader audience. Colleen is also passionate about nurturing future generations, teaching ‘Food Science is Cool’ lessons to elementary and middle school students, thereby planting the seeds for a future rich in skilled and motivated Females in Food.

Colleen’s work not only enriches the health and wellness of consumers but also paves the way for a more inclusive and innovative industry where women can excel and lead.

As we celebrate Colleen Madden’s accomplishments, we are reminded of the powerful impact that dedicated, innovative, and empathetic leaders can have on their industries and communities. Colleen is not just shaping the present—she is also inspiring a brighter, more equitable future for all women in food and beverage.

Please join us in congratulating Colleen Madden, a deserving winner of our May Spotlight Award, and a sterling example of leadership and commitment in the food and beverage industry.