Accelerating Action at Farm Boy

Each day, our dedicated Team Members strive to create an environment that encourages action in pursuit of equality. With empathy, compassion, and transparency, we continue to work to create a safe space that provides equal opportunities for all.

#AccelerateAction

Accelerating Action at Farm Boy

International Women's Day and Farm Boy logo
Farm Boy Teams

Each day, our dedicated Team Members strive to create an environment that encourages action in pursuit of equality. With empathy, compassion, and transparency, we continue to work to create a safe space that provides equal opportunities for all.

#AccelerateAction

Discover some of the fantastic women who have helped make us the number one choice for all things fresh and tasty!

Learn a little about them below and the ways they try to #AccelerateAction.

Alessandra

Alessandra Bisaillon

Director of Marketing & Media Relations

Ottawa & Toronto Home Office

Years at Farm Boy: 2.5

“As a mother of two daughters, it is imperative for me to ensure I lead by example and encourage my peers, colleagues, leaders, and team members to unite to take the necessary steps to make a difference. With leadership comes responsibility and accountability to share valuable learnings and insights, while inspiring and empowering our team members to celebrate and support gender equality. Ensuring all team members feel valued and have an opportunity to develop their capabilities to grow and progress is critical.” #AccelerateAction

Alison

Alison McFarlane

Private Label Product Manager

Central Ottawa

Years at Farm Boy: 8.5

“International Women’s Day drives awareness of the barriers and biases that women face, but it’s just as important to take action in our daily lives. I want to ensure that I’m contributing to an environment that promotes respect, understanding, and inclusion. Recognize individual accomplishments and celebrate successes!”

Amanda

Amanda Brooks

Quality and Regulatory Director – Food Safety

Central Ottawa

Years at Farm Boy: 5.8

“I #AccelerateAction with a conscious commitment related to diversity and gender equality on our team. Creating a safe and inclusive space that encourages the team to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. I have also had the opportunity to mentor young girls—the next generation—to be inclusive and fearless with opportunity.”

You never have to
ask anyone
permission to lead.

When you want to
lead, you lead.

– Kamala Harris
Nicole

Nicole Salloum

Vice President, Admin Service Operations

Ottawa Home Office

Years at Farm Boy: 6

“These words reminded me of my grandmother, a trailblazer in the local school system. At a time when women were expected to stay at home, she pursued her education at night school, led various charities, and supported numerous women in her community find their voice. She taught me the importance of living purposefully and continuously learning. By embracing growth, we can inspire others through our actions and help them fulfill their purposes. Whether it’s my daughters or colleagues, I have chosen to promote inclusion by actively seeking opportunities to empower and mentor women so that they can lead confidently without seeking permission. The ultimate reward is witnessing these incredible women move forward and create meaningful change.”
Charlene

Charlene Corcoran

Production Plant Coordinator

Ottawa

Years at Farm Boy: 21

“I coach staff to believe they could do whatever they wanted as a career. I had good mentors in my personal and professional life, and I’ve driven my personal beliefs to be positive!”

Chithra

Chithra Prathivekumar

Grocery Department Manager

Yonge & Silver Maple

Years at Farm Boy: 1.5

“By ensuring that I always remain a positive role model to fellow employees so that old and new generations have someone to lean on. In my workplace, I want every woman to feel safe and comfortable and not be afraid of standing up for what they believe in. Everyone, no matter their gender, should have the same opportunities to grow and better themselves. I #AccelerateAction by including everyone!”

Esther

Esther Azgomi

Store Manager

Kingston

Years at Farm Boy: 4.5

“I #AccelerateAction by creating an inclusive environment where women feel empowered to lead and grow. I advocate for equal opportunities, challenge barriers, and ensure that voices are heard. By leading with fairness and setting high standards, I help drive real change in both workplace culture and leadership representation.”

Heather

Heather Newton

Front-End Director

Ottawa Home Office

Years at Farm Boy: 14.5

“By mentoring the next generation at Farm Boy and offering the same opportunities to learn and grow that were awarded to me. I am hopeful that by sharing my journey of growth at Farm Boy, I can inspire women to pursue a career they may not have known was an option to them.”

Jenna

Jenna Benn

Store Manager

Beaverbrook

Years at Farm Boy: 7

“Speak up for yourself and those around you. Everyone’s voice is important no matter what position they are. Sometimes the quietest people have the best answers. Support each other. People need to understand that we are strong on our own but we can be even stronger when everyone works together!”

Kate

Kate Bennett

Director, HR Employee Experience

Ottawa Home Office

Years at Farm Boy: 13

“I #AccelerateAction by leading by example—building up the women around me and ensuring that their voices are heard. Recently, I spearheaded a trial program to get free menstrual hygiene products into some of our stores, Home Office, and Central Operations facility. It is so important to me that barriers to access these products be broken down to allow women to feel comfortable, safe, and hygienic.”

Sophie

Sophie Lichtenstein

Store Manager

Signature Centre

Years at Farm Boy: 3

“I never tolerate discrimination (gender or otherwise). As women, we have to stand together, stand up for one another, encourage each other, and celebrate each other. I am a huge advocate for inclusivity and equality in all areas.”

Tia

Tia Heath

HR Partner

Home Office/Remote

Years at Farm Boy: 5

“I try to #AccelerateAction by listening to our employees’ experiences, acknowledging how they feel, and reaching out to the right parties to help make the necessary changes. We have to give a voice to our people, be open to new ideas, and be strong in our decision-making and follow-through.”

Women Led & Locally Owned

Businesses that empower change.

Women Led & Locally Owned

Businesses that empower change.

Zing Products
Jannine Rane, Co-Founder and CEO

Zing Condiments

Jannine Rane

Co-Founder & CEO

https://www.cookwithzing.com
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zing Condiments quickly evolved from an experiment into a mission to make bold, global flavours effortless for home cooks. Co-founder and CEO Jannine Rane explained, “Instead of asking, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’, we approached it from the lens of ‘How will we make it work?’” That passion and determination has seen Zing products appear on shelves across Canada and the United States and become a staple in kitchens everywhere. “Inclusion and equity in the food industry means recognizing and honouring the cultures, histories, and wisdom that shape the way we eat.”
Rawcology Products
Tara, Megan, & Laura Tomulka, Founders

Rawcology

Tara, Megan, & Laura Tomulka

Founders

https://www.rawcology.com
When Rawcology founder Tara Tomulka became a holistic nutritionist, she was shocked by the lack of healthy packaged snack options on store shelves. With the help of her sister Laura and sister-in-law Megan, Rawcology was born. With a mission to make “functional, nutritious foods accessible to as many people as possible”, the Tomulka women are committed to creating a line of products that support health and happiness. “Just like they say it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to raise a start-up! We all win when we support each other’s growth.”
Jolt Performance Products
Safia Suleman, Founder and CEO

Jolt Performance

Safia Suleman

Founder & CEO

https://www.performancebyjolt.com
In a world that never seems to slow down, Jolt Performance CEO and founder Safia Suleman knew she needed a protein bar that could keep up with her. After testing hundreds of recipes in her own kitchen, she developed the naturally caffeinated, plant-based, gluten-free bars that have powered their way onto store shelves. Through her own persistence and vision, Safia has grown Jolt Performance from the ground-up, negotiating, pivoting, and problem-solving along the way. “True equity is about opening doors and also making sure everyone has the tools to walk through them.”
Wise Bites
Cathline James, Founder and CEO

Wise Bites

Cathline James

Founder & CEO

https://www.wise-bites.com
Wise Bites founder Cathline James knows that what’s nutritious can also be delicious—and it’s a right that should be available to everyone. Regardless of dietary restrictions or health concerns, the woman behind Wise Bites has made it her mission to create a line of food products that are free of the top 11 allergens so that everyone can enjoy them. “True equity in food choices means making healthier options accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.” Beyond her business, Cathline has advocated for better food choices through education and engagement, inspiring others to take control of their long-term health.
Spyce Girlz - Spyce Hot Chocolate
Lily Bond, Founder

Spyce Girlz

Lily Bond

Founder

https://www.spycegirlz.com
A self-proclaimed “food nerd”, Spyce Girlz founder Lily Bond knew at the age of 13 that she wanted to bring more flavour to the spice aisle. Her line of all-natural, bold spices has made waves in the grocery industry and in recipes, with fun, creative seasonings like Sunday Dinner and Pizzazz popping up on shelves. “We’re working hard to prove that a woman-led, all-natural spice brand belongs in ever kitchen,” Lily says. In addition to her own business, Lily works hard mentoring and advising other young entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation to take action on their own ideas.
Healtea Products
Leila Kairns, Co-Founder

Healtea

Leila Kairns

Co-Founder

https://www.thehealtea.com
Healtea co-founder Leila Kairns knew that she needed to make bold moves to get what she wanted because “hesitation never made history”. With the goal of creating a drink that hydrates naturally, energizes, and tastes amazing, she developed Healtea, in spite of the “sheer audacity of the beverage industry thinking that people only want synthetic drinks”. Made with just four ingredients in every can, Healtea is as transparent about their process as they are about the company vision, with their commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Oat and Mill products
Candace Tierney, Founder and President

Oat & Mill

Candace Tierney

Founder & President

https://www.oatandmill.com
Crafting a premium, plant-based version of ice cream “that delivers the same indulgence without compromise” was one of the driving forces behind Candace Tierney’s business, Oat & Mill. Beginning in 2015, Candace’s business is now available in over 600 locations, with everything made from scratch in-house. That persistence has seen Candace take the wheel when it came to starting her own production line and taking full control of all aspects of manufacturing. “It was a big leap, but it allowed us to maintain quality, innovate faster, and create more job opportunities—especially for those facing barrier to employment.”

Let‘s work together for women‘s equality.

#AccelerateAction

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