Young Professionals Educational Session – Women in Baking Panel
Every business benefits from the diversity of thought that comes from a diverse workforce, and the baking industry is no different. While food manufacturing shows an fairly even split between men and women in the workforce at the production floor level, women struggle to move into leadership positions. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has done nothing to help this situation.
In this panel, four women who have established themselves as leaders in the baking industry will share their experiences working in the baking industry and climbing the ladder. Learn about the policies and people who helped propel their careers and how the baking industry can move forward in facilitating women’s careers and give this valuable segment of the workforce a more equitable seat at the table.
Panel
Charlotte Atchley, Sosland Publishing (moderator)
Trina Bediako, New Horizons Baking Company
Xochitl Cruz, Bimbo Bakeries USA
Kristy Taddonio Mullins, Mile Hi Companies
Val Wayland, Flowers Foods
Nikki Lang
As Head of Diversity, Equity and Belonging at Bimbo Bakeries USA, Nikki leads the company’s strategic goal to build an environment and workplace with BBU’s leaders and associates that advance programs, enact policies and promotes mindsets and behaviors that appreciate and value diversity, equity and belonging.
Nikki began her career as a sales and marketing professional with The Kellogg Company. She has also held roles with Frito-Lay, Inc. and Sara Lee and has been recognized by executive leadership teams for her contributions to the Team of the Year and Sales Leader of the Year. Most recently, she received Who’s Who in eCommerce distinction from Path to Purchase IQ.
Away from BBU, Nikki enjoys volunteering her time with local civic organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Bookworm Foundation of Westchester, IL, and Pacific Garden Mission, a Chicago shelter for the homeless.
Nikki holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, where she is also an active member and Scholarship Chair in the local Alumni Association. She is based in Chicago and appreciates fellowship with her family and friends and is a brunch and NBA enthusiast.
Presentation
Society of Bakery Women Breakfast
Tuesday, March 1
8:30 am – 10:30 am
Xochitl Cruz
Xochitl Cruz began her career with Bimbo Bakeries Co. in 2004 where she gained experience in areas of operations, logistics, strategic planning, process controls, productivity and efficiency improvement, quality and lean systems.
Currently, Xochitl leads the supply chain for the sweet baked good operations in USA, where she is responsible for driving brand growth while maximizing operational excellence and quality, and delivering financial performance.
Xochitl holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Carson College of Business in Washington State and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Tecnologico de Monterrey.
Presentation
Young Professionals Educational Session – Women in Baking Panel
Tuesday, March 1
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Kristy Taddonio Mullins
Kristy is the President and Fourth Generation owner of the Mile Hi Companies based in Denver, Colorado. The Companies include Mile Hi Foods, a consolidated food distribution company servicing over 450 McDonald’s restaurants and Mile Hi Bakery which is a high-speed LEAD gold certified bakery of buns and English muffins for McDonalds, Chic -Fil -A, In N Out and other similar, restaurant groups.
Utilizing her experience as a 4th Generation owner, Kristy began working with other family businesses to help guide them through the many unique challenges that multi-generational businesses face. Kristy’s focus is to inspire leaders in their organizations to fully understand the part they play within the family unit and business while deciphering the value each family member brings to the organization. Kristy also has a passion for fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and supporting a DE&I culture. She has expertise in generational transitions, succession planning, strategic growth, M&A and navigating family dynamics.
The Mile Hi Companies continue to be ranked among the Top Ten Family-Owned Businesses in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine. She holds a BA in Business from the University of Denver and received her executive coaching certification through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI).
Presentation
Young Professionals Educational Session – Women in Baking Panel
Tuesday, March 1
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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