Congratulations to UNFI’s 2026 Top Women in Grocery and Star Women in Grocery Honorees
July 13, 2026 3 minute read
UNFI is honored to have 24 exceptional associates named by Progressive Grocer and Canadian Grocer as 2026 Top Women in Grocery and Star Women in Grocery, two of the industry’s most respected honors for women leaders and rising talent.
These outstanding leaders are making a lasting impact across the grocery industry – championing innovation, mentoring future talent, and creating value for grocery retailers and suppliers alike Their leadership and contributions strengthen the inclusive, high-performing culture we’re building at UNFI and demonstrate our commitment to helping our customers and suppliers succeed.
Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) and Star Women in Grocery recognize and celebrate women who go above and beyond in their roles, inspire those around them, and create value for their teams, partners, and communities. The program honors women at all levels, from Senior-Level Executives to Rising Stars and Store Managers.
Alicia Cole, Senior Manager, Account, Sales; Alissa Bessette, Senior Manager, Brand, Brands+; April Kwong, Manager, Product Development & Quality Assurance; Cheri Julian, Sales Operations Analyst; Brianne Arnott, Director, Marketing, Communications & Events; Crystal McMilleon, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Operations; Elizabeth Schmitz, Senior Manager, Product Business; Emily Herman, Supervisor, Transportation; Erin Graff, Senior Manager, Category; Jenny Aguirre, Chief Human Resources Officer, Wholesale (effective August 3, 2026); Joanna Carley, Director, Automation Integration; Jody Barrick, Senior Vice President, Bakery, Deli, Meat & Seafood; Karen McOwen Ryan, Vice President, Employment & Retail Law; Kate Walker, Director, Cyber Identity Access Management; Katie Kallemeyn, Director, Center Store Merchandising, Cub; Kelly Steffens, Senior Counsel, Legal, Corporate Strategy; Kerry Ann Catinella, Senior Manager, Sales Operations, Brands+; Lauren Hays, Vice President, Human Resources (effective August 3, 2026); Lori Kelso, Senior Director, Human Resources; Meghan Hannon, Senior Director, Human Resources, Talent & Culture; Melissa Sax, Senior Vice President, Retail & Corporate, Human Resources (effective August 3, 2026); Roxanne Vincent, Senior Manager, Category; Sherry Huckaby, Senior Manager, Business Development, Brands+; Teresa Kennell, Manager, Human Resources, Operations.