Women's Foodservice Forum met with White House Staff to Discuss Advancing Women Leaders

Valerie Jarrett and Tina Tchen in attendance with executives from The Coca-Cola Company, Darden Restaurants, KFC Corporation, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Sodexo, Starbucks, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and YUM! Brands

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Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF)

Feb 22, 2013, 06:00 ET

DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This week the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) brought more than 30 women executives from the foodservice industry to the White House to forge a strategic alliance between key business leaders and White House initiatives. These leaders were briefed on policy issues from key White House Staff including Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chair, White House Council on Women and Girls; Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to the First Lady and Executive Director, White House Council on Women and Girls; Sam Kass, Assistant White House Chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives; Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and Felicia Escobar, Senior Policy Director for Immigration.

Fritzi Woods, WFF CEO and President; Sam Kass, Assistant White House Chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives; Lorna Donatone, WFF Chair, Sodexo Education, COO and President. (PRNewsFoto/Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF)) (PRNewsFoto/WOMEN'S FOODSERVICE FORUM (WFF))

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During the discussions these women industry leaders had the opportunity to bring their experiences, challenges and questions to the table about advancing women leaders, menu labeling, immigration, and other key initiatives.

"Today marks a historic milestone for the WFF," said WFF Chair, Lorna Donatone, COO and President, Sodexo Education. "I have been at the briefing table before but never with this many women. Women leaders in foodservice have a critical role to play and must have a seat at all tables including discussions in the highest level of government that impact women, businesses, communities and our homes."

The visit further elevated the mission, purpose and goals of the WFF: to advance women leaders. The briefing signified the beginning of a powerful dialogue with the White House about issues that affect women in the foodservice industry. White House officials left enthusiastic about how they could leverage the WFF community to impact women leaders around the country.

"This day at the White House was an excellent opportunity for the leaders in foodservice to expand their perspectives on issues impacting our industry. Together our voices were heard loud and clear. We are certain this new alignment with senior government officials will create unlimited possibilities. Access was the winning ingredient for both the White House and our leaders," said Fritzi Woods, WFF President and CEO.

ABOUT WFF

The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is the premier leadership development organization with more than 20 years of experience advancing women in the foodservice industry. WFF serves thousands of individuals and hundreds of employers in all segments of the industry including operations, manufacturing, distribution, publishing, consulting, and more. Through highly effective, educational events such as the Annual Leadership Development Conference, Executive Summit and Regional Connects as well as professional development and rich networking opportunities, WFF provides the competence and strategic connections needed to make a positive difference in the careers of women in the foodservice industry.

For more information, visit wff.org.

SOURCE Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF)