MARCELLE SMALLEY
SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER, SOVOS BRANDS
After 37 years in the CPG industry, including 15 in the frozen and refrigerated category, Smalley knows the importance of a good mentor, especially for young women entering what’s still a largely male-dominated field. “Women bring such a different — and essential — perspective, which is often reflected in a company’s success,” she says. But especially when the leadership is all male, “It can be difficult to navigate.”
To help young women — and young men — get to the next level, Smalley and some industry friends are planning to create a foundation that offers professional advice and support to young adults with limited resources. “I’m very passionate about helping others and am very excited about the foundation,” she says.
Smalley has served on the NFRA board of directors for 11 years and is a past president and current board member of the Florida Grocery Manufacturers’ Representatives. But despite her various professional achievements, she’s most proud of raising two great children while also modeling for them exactly what it takes to be successful in business. (Clearly, Smalley did a good job, as her daughter is following in her footsteps and beginning a career in the supermarket industry.)
