August Spotlight Award: Lauren Powers, VP Procurement & Sourcing at Parker Food Group
“At the end of the day, I work for a company that makes sprinkles — how could I not love my job?”
That joyful perspective is exactly what fuels Lauren Powers’ career in the food and beverage industry. Her path began in an unexpected way — she started college as a pre-dental student. But when she discovered food science through her nutrition classes, everything changed. “The moment I learned Food Science was a real career path, I switched majors immediately,” she recalls.
Over the past decade, Lauren has explored many sides of the industry through roles in procurement and supply chain. She has managed front-line night shift teams, gotten her boots muddy as a potato buyer, hedged commodities at PepsiCo, and now leads the procurement team for Parker Food Group, a private-equity-backed confectionery company. No matter the role, one thing has remained constant: Lauren has never left the food industry — and she believes it is the best place to have fun while building a career.
“I make it a point to sit at the front of the room, claim my space, and lead with confidence.”
Lauren’s leadership style has been shaped by challenges familiar to many women in the industry — from not being taken seriously, to experiencing sexual harassment, to being mistaken for the assistant rather than the decision-maker. She has felt the pressure to leave parts of her identity at the door just to fit in, and even visited facilities where no one could tell her where the women’s restroom was.
Over time, she learned to speak up the moment something feels off. She leads with confidence, builds relationships with advocates and allies, and pays it forward by supporting others who need the same encouragement. “The more we normalize these conversations, the more we shift the culture — not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of women coming up behind us.”
Professionally, Lauren is proud to have reached a VP role by the age of 30 — a milestone she worked hard for. Personally, she values being known as a safe space and a listening ear for others. “No matter how intense the workday gets, I try to bring a positive outlook and create an environment where people feel safe and supported. I have always aspired to be a people leader, and accomplishing that goal has been incredibly rewarding.”
Her advice for women in F&B:
- Encourage yourself first — your belief in you sets the tone for others.
- Look in the mirror and say “I can do this!” especially on days you feel like you cannot.
- Surround yourself with a network that challenges, inspires, and celebrates you.
- Never lose sight of the creativity, connection, and fun this industry offers.
Lauren takes advocating for women seriously. She maintains an open-door policy, makes time for her team even when her plate is full, supports flexible working hours, and reminds the women she works with that there is room for everyone. “When one of us succeeds, we should all celebrate. Lifting each other up is how we move the industry forward.”
For Lauren, community has been a key part of her confidence and career growth. Connecting with other women — formally and informally — has allowed her to be her authentic self. “It’s empowering to see women who look like me absolutely crushing it in their careers. It boosts my confidence and reminds me that I belong here too.” These connections have given her encouragement, inspiration, and — in some cases — quite literally a seat at the table.
Beyond her impressive career, Lauren’s adventurous side shines. She was a Girl Scout for 13 years, learned to sail at summer camp, and competed on her collegiate sailing team. While she does not get out on the water as much as she would like, she and her teammates plan annual adventure trips together — from backpacking through Glacier and Banff National Parks to bareboat sailing through the BVIs and Croatia. This year, they will be hiking through Acadia National Park.
