Paving
the way
since 1989.
What started three decades ago as a conversation is now a powerful movement.
“What remains since our founding is the Genuine desire for an equal playing field in an industry we love and to have an impactful career based on their desires, capabilities, and results.”
-Edna Morris, Founding Member & Past Chair
Our History
We’re on a journey, just like you.
1989
A roundtable discussion convened during the 1988 National Restaurant Association Show to gather insights on the state of women in the Food Industry inspired the formation of the Women’s Council in 1989.
1990
The Women’s Foodservice Forum evolves from the Women’s Council as fourteen forward-thinking women became the founders of WFF, an organization focused on developing women leaders.
1991
WFF holds its first national conference “Open Minds – Open Doors” for 50 participants in San Francisco.
1992
WFF forms its first Board of Directors. Fourteen women and five men come aboard, providing critical early endorsement of the organization.
2014
As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, WFF hosts Poet Maya Angelou as a keynote conference speaker.
2015
WFF introduces its one-day, in-market Leadership Development Workshops (LDWs) with top speakers to focus on key areas of career development and serve the needs of more women.
2016
McKinsey & Company determine it will take at least 100 years to reach gender parity in the C-Suite across industries at the current pace of change.
2017
WFF convenes 32 pioneering food companies to participate for the first time in the Women in the Workplace Study by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org. The Study uncovers detailed data on women’s progress.
2019
In celebrating its 30th Anniversary, WFF highlights Change Makers early in their careers who exemplify inclusive leadership.
2020
WFF expands with bold vision for the organization by launching online Partner and Member Portals (WFF Connect) supporting companies with on-demand daily inspiration and content to advance members.
2021
WFF Exchange Networks re-launches in virtual format, providing Q&A sessions with foodservice industry executives, followed by small networking groups.