Joelle L. Martinez, President & CEO, Latino Leadership Institute: Joelle is a highly respected and accomplished executive, strategist, speaker, and facilitator who has earned national recognition. Prior to launching the LLI, she had a 15-year career crafting impactful strategies for communication, business development, and public affairs across private and public sectors. Joelle’s areas of expertise encompass Neuroleadership, Latino identity, civic engagement, demographic shifts, and workplace diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her achievements, Joelle was named one of the most powerful women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in 2017. Her remarkable contributions to the Latino community were honored with the prestigious NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in 2019. Notably, Joelle has made significant contributions to various community and business organizations, actively serving on the Hispanic Advisory Council for Coca-Cola, multiple nonprofit boards, for-profit advisory committees, and executive committees. Joelle’s expertise and unwavering dedication ignite transformative change, inspiring individuals and organizations to reach new heights of success and impact.

The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.

Gerry Fernandez, President & Founder, MFHA (Moderator):

Gerry Fernandez is President and Founder of MFHA, which he formed in 1995 while an executive at General Mills to advance diversity leadership in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Gerry has held leadership positions with The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Hemingway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, and The Capital Grille. A former Trustee of Johnson & Wales University, Gerry holds a bachelor’s in foodservice management, a culinary arts degree and an honorary doctorate in business administration from the same school. Gerry is an honorary Board Member of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and life member of the NAACP and The Women’s Foodservice Forum. He has been recognized as a leader and innovator by Nation’s Restaurant News, the American Culinary Federation, Lodging Magazine, The Black Culinary Alliance, the Rainbow/P.U.S.H. Coalition and Black Meetings & Tourism.

Gabrielle Ivey, Vice President – Learning, Organizational Development and Diversity and Inclusion, Cracker Barrel:

Since joining Cracker Barrel in 2020, Gaby Ivey has worked to change the dialog with senior leadership to focus on the human element, which is a critical factor in driving change and achieving optimal levels of success within an organization. She has served in leadership roles in learning and development for several organizations such as Comcast Cable, Unisys, and Tupperware Brands. Gaby is a solid partner to senior management, designing and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that have consistently strengthened internal competencies, reduced costs, streamlined operations, and delivered measurable improvements to bottom-line productivity. She holds a Bachelors in Organizational Management from Midway College and a Masters of Education in Human Resource Development from Xavier University.

Sheldon Ross, President & CEO, Hospitality Solutions Corporation: Sheldon Ross is the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer for Hospitality Solutions Corporation, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) serving the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality markets since 2003. A graduate of Noble & Greenough School, Williams College, Sheldon has more than 35 years of business development, sales and executive management experience in printing, fulfillment and distribution. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for MFHA and is an active member of other supplier diversity organizations. Sheldon also serves as the Logistics Chief for the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Reservist Housing Inspector Contractor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Instructor for the Community Emergency Response Team, and Safety and Emergency Services Captain in the Civil Air Patrol (United States Air Force Auxiliary).

Molly Sjostrom, Senior Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Manager, General Mills, Inc.: Molly Sjostrom is a proud mother of three who aspires to open hearts and minds through storytelling. She’s had a fulfilling 21-year career at General Mills, where she currently oversees the management of the Cultural and Societal Inclusion pillars of their global inclusion strategy. Having served as Vice President for Betty’s Family Network, General Mills’ LGBTQ+ employee network, she now leads the strategic vision and oversees operations across all seven employee networks, functional networks, and Inclusion Councils. Molly manages General Mill’s Courageous Conversations platform to help build empathy and the skills for true productive discourse and created a framework for their Allyship efforts.

Reggie Miller, Vice President, People – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, McDonald’s:

Reginald J. Miller oversees McDonald’s global DEI strategy with a focus on transformational change around the world. Prior to joining McDonald’s in 2020, Reggie held D&I leadership positions at VF Corporation, Walmart and Tyson Foods. Reggie has worked across disciplines including supply chain, merchandising, international project management and multiple specialties within human resources. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served as a Supply Sergeant with deployments to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Most recently, he was named to the Power List for Chief Diversity Officers by Color Magazine. Reggie also serves on the boards for several national and regional community organizations. Reggie holds a Bachelors in Education – HR Development and a Masters in Education – Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas. He received his MBA from Webster University.

Michelle Korsmo, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association and Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: Michelle Korsmo is responsible for delivering value to the Association’s members, 52 state association partners, and the restaurant industry. Prior to joining the Association, Korsmo was president and chief executive officer of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). Previously, Korsmo served seven years as head of the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Prior to ALTA, Korsmo served as executive vice president of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. She was previously deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Labor. Following her education at North Dakota State University, Korsmo started her career as a business owner in her home state of North Dakota, where she built a public advocacy and political consulting firm representing a consortium of organizations before the North Dakota Legislature.

Rob Gifford, President, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation:

In 2021, Gifford was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News the Power List: Reader’s Picks, as one of “The Most Influential Solutions Providers and Operators in the Country.” Prior to joining the NRAEF, Gifford served as the President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. Gifford began his career working in the U.S. Senate, where he served for seven years on the staff of Senator Robert W. Kasten (R-Wi). A graduate of the University of Maryland, Gifford has served as Chairman of the International Society of Restaurant Association Executives, as an officer on the Council of State Restaurant Associations, and on the Boards of the National Restaurant Association, NRAEF, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Society of Association Executives.

Nicole Vachon, Senior HR Director, North America Foodservice, General Mills, Inc.:

Nicole Vachon is the Senior HR Director of North America Foodservice at General Mills, where she has spent over 20 years making food the world loves. She is passionate about delivering remarkable business results through talent and team development, change leadership and building cultures rich in learning, growing & belonging. Nicole sponsors several D&I Councils within General Mills and externally serves on the Board of Sunshine Montessori School, where she is creating the school’s first D&I strategic plan. Nicole attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her B.S. in Business Administration and her Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.

Joelle L. Martinez, President & CEO, Latino Leadership Institute: Joelle is a highly respected and accomplished executive, strategist, speaker, and facilitator who has earned national recognition. Prior to launching the LLI, she had a 15-year career crafting impactful strategies for communication, business development, and public affairs across private and public sectors. Joelle’s areas of expertise encompass Neuroleadership, Latino identity, civic engagement, demographic shifts, and workplace diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her achievements, Joelle was named one of the most powerful women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in 2017. Her remarkable contributions to the Latino community were honored with the prestigious NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in 2019. Notably, Joelle has made significant contributions to various community and business organizations, actively serving on the Hispanic Advisory Council for Coca-Cola, multiple nonprofit boards, for-profit advisory committees, and executive committees. Joelle’s expertise and unwavering dedication ignite transformative change, inspiring individuals and organizations to reach new heights of success and impact.

The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.

Gerry Fernandez, President & Founder, MFHA (Moderator): Gerry is President and Founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), which he formed in 1995 while an executive at General Mills to advance diversity leadership in the foodservice and hospitality industry.

Akanksha Aga, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Loews Hotels & Co: As Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Loews Hotels & Co, Akanksha is responsible for developing, implementing and oversight of DEI plans and success measures. She collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies that further an inclusive environment for all current and future team members. Prior to joining Loews Hotels, Akanksha served as the Experience Director at FLIK Hospitality Group, where she chaired the Diversity & Inclusion Action Council and launched multiple innovations within learning, engagement and inclusion. Akanksha was born and raised in India, learning to appreciate different cultures at an early age in a military family. In 2001 she moved to the U.S. and earned her MBA in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University.

John Faison, Vice President of Operations, Jackmont Hospitality:

John Faison has come a long way since his days as a dishwasher at TGI FRIDAYS in 1983. Now, instead of washing dishes, he watches financials. As he has grown with the company, he has worked in more than 42 TGI FRIDAYS® restaurants. John’s greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his employees grow their own careers. Under his guidance, more than 60 people have advanced from hourly positions to careers in management. “Faze,” as John was called back in his days at Rutgers University, has won several awards, including most recently, the Presidential Diamond Star Recipient from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. John also gives back to the community through the restaurants he manages, organizing school supply drives, holiday giving drives, and breast cancer awareness initiatives.

Andrea Flatt, Director, National Client Group – Dining, American Express: Andrea is Head of Dining Industry Strategy and Client Relationships at American Express, a role she has held since 2014. She is responsible for managing the Company’s partnerships with the largest, most strategic restaurant merchants in the U.S. Andrea also is an engaged member of the industry’s trade community and has participated in the National Restaurant Association’s Neighborhood Awards program, and is an active member of Females and Business (FAB), an organization for women in the hospitality industry. She helps to lead her organization’s Diversity & Inclusion team at American Express. Andrea has held several other roles in the company’s Merchant business and the Corporate Affairs & Communications group. She graduated with a B.A. from Seton Hall University.

Donald Semien, Vice President of Franchise Operations, Buffalo Wild Wings – Inspire Brands: Donald Semien is Division Vice President at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), supporting all U.S. operations for 532 franchise sports bars and their ownership. He has over 30 years of restaurant, bar, and nightlife venue management experience. He has been with BWW for over 12 years and is currently based out of Houston, TX. Over the years Donald has held many operation roles including those impacting charitable giving and diversity and inclusion, beginning as a General Manager in 2011. He is the executive sponsor and co-founder of the Inspire Brands African American Business Resource Group and a member of the BWW Diversity and Inclusion Council. Donald also serves on the BWW Foundation Board of Directors.

Katy Bunn, Senior Vice President, Leaders and Industry Growth, Paycor: Katy Bunn is the Senior Vice President, Leaders and Industry Growth at Paycor, an HCM company with a mission of empowering leaders to build winning teams. At Paycor, Katy is responsible for the company-wide Leader strategy and the cross-functional Industry Program. Recently, Katy helped Paycor on their road to becoming a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq. Katy is passionate about uncovering what motivates and engages employees while helping companies unlock the power of their frontline leaders to inspire a company culture that drives employee retention and attracts talent.

Joelle L. Martinez, President & CEO, Latino Leadership Institute: Joelle is a highly respected and accomplished executive, strategist, speaker, and facilitator who has earned national recognition. Prior to launching the LLI, she had a 15-year career crafting impactful strategies for communication, business development, and public affairs across private and public sectors. Joelle’s areas of expertise encompass Neuroleadership, Latino identity, civic engagement, demographic shifts, and workplace diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her achievements, Joelle was named one of the most powerful women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in 2017. Her remarkable contributions to the Latino community were honored with the prestigious NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in 2019. Notably, Joelle has made significant contributions to various community and business organizations, actively serving on the Hispanic Advisory Council for Coca-Cola, multiple nonprofit boards, for-profit advisory committees, and executive committees. Joelle’s expertise and unwavering dedication ignite transformative change, inspiring individuals and organizations to reach new heights of success and impact.

The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.

Gerry Fernandez, President & Founder, MFHA (Moderator): Gerry is President and Founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), which he formed in 1995 while an executive at General Mills to advance diversity leadership in the foodservice and hospitality industry.

Maria Martinez Gugliotti, Senior Area General Manager, Sodexo:Maria Martinez Gugliotti works with Sodexo to improve the quality of life in hospitality. A Hispanic Native American, she believes that people are at the core of success, so you must be willing to foster relationships to achieve it. Maria has advanced seven times in seven years, leading a team of culinary experts and working with corporate organizations across southern California. Maria is certified in OSHA, FEMA, DE&I facilitation and The Pro-Human Approach. Maria earned a Commendation from the Marine Corps and the 2014 NRAEF Hill Award for the best mess hall in the U.S., as well as Sodexo’s EBRG Diversity Impact Award and the Spirit of Sodexo Award twice. Maria holds a master’s in health care administration in gerontology from University of Phoenix and Cal State San Marcos.

Angela Simonian, Market Vice President, US Foods:

Angela Simonian has worked for more than 25 years in the foodservice industry and has held positions in restaurant operations and distribution. Since being at US Foods, she has worked in Finance, Merchandising, Marketing, Purchasing, and Sales. Angela is currently the Market Vice President in Sacramento, CA. It is her mission to mentor and encourage associates in the organization, and to help US Foods become an employer that ATTRACTS and empowers diverse talent. Angela believes it is important that a company has leaders who represent the diverse customers they support and serve.

Katrina “KT” Thornton, Chief Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer, Taco Bell: KT Thornton has 17+ years of experience positively transforming businesses and teams. Her life’s mission is to empower others to break barriers, shatter negative stereotypes, and boldly live out their FULL potential! KT is responsible for designing and launching Taco Bell’s enterprise-wide diversity and inclusion strategy – a business and growth enabler. Prior, she launched the Kellogg Company’s first united, global DEI strategy. KT is a member of Forbes Human Resources Council, an executive mentor for Regent University’s School of Business and Leadership, and an inaugural member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum’s DEI Council. KT holds a bachelor’s in business administration in marketing, master’s in organizational leadership in human resource management, doctorate in strategic leadership, and the Diversity and Inclusion for HR certificate through Cornell University’s ILR School.