Woman of the Year

The prestigious WGA Woman of the Year Award was established by the WGA Board of Directors in 1996 to provide visible support and recognition to outstanding women in the independent grocery industry. Nominees exemplify true characteristics of a leader with passion for the independent grocery industry. She is a visionary who is an inspiration to others both within her community and workplace. The Woman of the Year distinguishes herself from her peers while also shaping the face of her company or organization.

Nominations typically launch in October or November and close in January. WGA invites you to nominate yourself or another exemplary female in the independent food sector. The Woman of the Year will be recognized for her accomplishments at the NGA Show each year.

The Woman of the Year Award is generously sponsored by:

Nominations are closed for 2024. Look for them to reopen October 2024. 

NOMINEE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The nominee exemplifies the true characteristics of a leader with passion for the independent grocery industry. She is a visionary who is an inspiration to others both within her community and workplace. The nominee distinguishes herself from her peers while shaping the face of her company or organization.
  • Nominees from all NGA membership sectors are welcome - retailer, wholesaler, or associate/supplier. This includes single store retailers, state association executives, and other entities.
  • The nominee is a female professional with a minimum of 7 years experience in the independent food industry.
  • The nominee does not have to be a member of WGA, but must be employed by a member of NGA.

NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To nominate a colleague or yourself, please use the form below. The file attachment or description should be no more than 1 – 2 pages and describe the following:

  • Describe why this woman deserves to be recognized as the Woman of the Year.
  • Describe or list the candidate’s business achievements and accomplishments.
  • Describe or list the candidate’s effectiveness in serving her community and/or her civil work.
  • Describe how this candidate has contributed to the independent grocery industry. Please provide specific examples or stories that summarize these contributions.

RECENT WINNERS:

2023: Gwen Christon, Owner & Operator, Isom IGA

2022: Suzanne Schmitz, Owner/Operator (SaveALot Retail Partner), Save A Lot

2021: Pamela Coy, Owner, Viking Village Foods

2020: Jennifer Graff, Perishable Director, Columbiana Foods

2019: Jan Gee, President and CEO, Washington Food Industry Association