January Females in Food Spotlight Award: Elizabeth Fernandes, Founder & Consultant, Precision Food Solutions
Finding a Folding Chair and Building a Better Table
Elizabeth Fernandes’ career in food and beverage began in an unexpected place: third-shift sanitation at a food manufacturing facility in upstate New York while she was pursuing a degree in Education. What started as a college job quickly turned into a lasting passion. Elizabeth often says she “got bit by the food bug,” sparking a curiosity that has guided more than 20 years of work across food safety, quality, and sanitation.
Looking to deepen her leadership capabilities, Elizabeth was commissioned into the US Army, where she gained hands-on experience in logistics, food safety, and leading under pressure. When she left the Army in 2009, she carried those lessons into the private sector, building a career that spanned retail, CPG, broadline distribution, and e-commerce, and working across both fresh and frozen categories.
That breadth of experience led to her role as Global Vice President of Food Safety and Quality at McCain – a position that represented the culmination of years of growth and responsibility.
But like many careers, Elizabeth’s journey also included moments of reflection that reshaped her path. At one point, after pushing hard to contribute ideas and drive change, she realized something important: alignment matters. More than titles or scope, Elizabeth learned that feeling valued is non-negotiable. That realization became a defining filter for how she approached the next chapter of her career.
Five months ago, Elizabeth stepped into that next chapter by founding Precision Food Solutions. With this new venture, she is focused on disrupting how the industry approaches sanitation – a function she believes is often undervalued despite being foundational to food safety, quality, and financial performance. Having worked deeply in sanitation throughout her career, Elizabeth knows firsthand that when done right, it can unlock both operational excellence and bottom-line results.
Finding a Seat Without an Invitation
When asked about challenges she has faced as a woman in the industry, Elizabeth often returns to a lesson she learned early on: you do not always need an invitation to contribute. Her advice is simple and powerful –
“If no one offers you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair and join anyway.”
That mindset was shaped long before her corporate career. During Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, a fellow candidate questioned whether women could carry their share of the workload. The next day, Elizabeth completed a 20-mile march carrying a 27-pound machine gun alongside a 35-pound pack without complaint.
Later, when asked whether women should be admitted to Ranger School, her response was measured and thoughtful. She could not speak for all women, but she firmly believed that anyone with the heart and determination should not be excluded simply because they are not a man.
Motivation, Mentorship, and Community
Elizabeth draws motivation from a strong and diverse support system such as former colleagues, mentors, bandmates, family, and new connections. One of her greatest motivators is her daughter, Hazel, who after Elizabeth completed her first project as a business owner said:
“See, mommy. You got this. I always knew you could do it.”
Supporting other women is central to Elizabeth’s leadership philosophy. She currently mentors eight women across various stages of their careers and functions within the food sector. For her, advocacy is about showing up, whether that means a quick conversation, encouraging someone to step forward, or shining a light on their work.
Her advice to other women navigating food and beverage careers is refreshingly honest: fear is natural, but it should never be a stop sign.
One More Thing You Might Not Know
Outside of food safety and leadership, Elizabeth has another passion – music. Singing once terrified her, especially the idea of being a lead vocalist. But five years ago, she challenged herself to step outside her comfort zone. Since then, she has performed with multiple bands, from an all-female AC/DC cover band to fronting an alternative rock group and writing original songs.
Much like her career, stepping onto the stage still brings nerves but once she begins, the fear fades, replaced by presence, confidence, and joy.
