Introducing the Women in Food Safety Trailblazer Leadership Award
Great leaders don’t just blaze a trail. They make sure others can follow it.
Women in Food Safety is proud to introduce the Women in Food Safety Trailblazer Leadership Award, a new recognition celebrating outstanding women whose leadership is making a meaningful and lasting impact on food safety—and on the people who will shape its future.
Food safety is built on science, technical expertise, collaboration, and, most importantly, people. Across our profession, women are leading teams, solving complex challenges, advancing science, strengthening food safety systems, influencing policy, and protecting consumers every day. Yet we believe exceptional leadership goes beyond individual accomplishments.
A true trailblazer opens doors for others.
The Trailblazer Leadership Award recognizes a woman who not only demonstrates excellence and leadership in food safety, but also actively mentors, inspires, and creates opportunities for the next generation.
We are looking for leaders who:
- Demonstrate impactful leadership and make meaningful contributions to food safety.
- Inspire, mentor, and create opportunities for others to learn, grow, and lead.
- Lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose, especially when navigating challenges or driving change.
- Make a lasting contribution to the food safety profession and the broader community.
Leadership is not defined by a job title. A trailblazer may be a CEO or senior executive, but she may also be a scientist, plant leader, regulator, educator, auditor, consultant, researcher, entrepreneur, or emerging leader who is already creating meaningful change.
What matters is her impact—on food safety, on people, and on the future of our profession.
Think about the women who have influenced your career. Who encouraged you when you were unsure of your next step? Who shared her knowledge instead of keeping it to herself? Who opened a door, challenged the status quo, built a stronger team, or helped others see what was possible?
We want to hear her story.
Nominations for the Women in Food Safety Trailblazer Leadership Award are now open.
Nomination deadline: September 25, 2026
Download the nomination form and send it through Share with us. Help us celebrate the women who are shaping the future of food safety—and making sure the next generation has a path to follow.
Lead. Inspire. Empower. Together, we can do BETTER.