Empowering Women in Convenience Store Leadership
At the NACS Show in Chicago, a panel discussion highlighted the achievements and challenges faced by women in leadership roles within the convenience store industry. Esteemed panelists included Elizabeth Salceda, director of operations for Family Express, and Elizabeth Hoffer, vice president of Weigel’s Stores, with Danielle Holloway from Altria serving as the moderator.
Building a Successful Career Path
Elizabeth Salceda’s journey is especially inspiring. Immigrating to the United States from Mexico at age 13, she arrived without speaking English but with a determination to succeed in education and the workforce. Now, after seven years with Family Express—a Valparaiso, Indiana-based company boasting 82 stores—Salceda is reflecting on her accomplishments, including celebrating a decade as a U.S. citizen.
During her participation in the panel, she recounted a pivotal moment early in her career. “The president of operations, many years ago, I went to him, and I said, ‘My kids will go to college,’” she noted, reflecting her commitment to both her professional growth and her family’s future. With three of her children already graduated from college and the fourth nearing completion of high school, her aspirations are resonating.
Fostering Female Leadership
Elizabeth Hoffer, who joined Weigel’s 15 years ago after a background in foodservice, shared her own experiences regarding leadership in the industry. “I grew up in the restaurant industry,” she stated, with a humorous acknowledgment of Weigel’s expansion into a full-scale foodservice model, despite her initial intentions to leave that sector behind.
Hoffer emphasized the importance of women finding their voices in professional spaces, particularly in environments where they may be the only female present. “Sometimes we as women tend to not find our voice and we don’t use it well,” she explained. “It was very hard in my 30s to find my voice and be able to say what I needed to say and be heard in the rooms I was in.”
Company Initiatives Supporting Women
Both panelists shared insight into their companies’ efforts to elevate women within their leadership structures. Salceda highlighted Family Express’s focus on reducing turnover, achieving an industry-low rate of 36% by rigorously screening job applicants. Meanwhile, Hoffer informed attendees of Weigel’s recent restructuring of its compensation model, which now rewards all employees, including those on the front lines, with bonuses tied to the company’s overall performance.
The Unique Skills Women Bring
Salceda and Hoffer collectively acknowledged the distinct advantages women contribute to their organizations. Hoffer underscored qualities such as humility and empathy, stating, “I think women are more in tune to giving credit to their team, which are the people who really do the work… as a mom, we’re good at holding them accountable.”
Salceda also recognized women’s multitasking abilities. “There might be someone in the room today who might not think they can do it,” she encouraged, “We’re here to tell you, ‘Yes, you can.’”
Upcoming Events
The discussion was part of a broader initiative to support and celebrate women in leadership roles within the convenience store industry. For those interested in further engagement, CSP’s C-Store Women event is scheduled to take place from November 3-5 in San Antonio, Texas, providing an additional platform for networking and collaboration.
For more details about the event or to become a CSP member for exclusive insights, members are encouraged to visit the CSP website.
