Lucy Sosa: in Hanford, CA

I began at Smart Foods in the Spring of 2005 as a product development specialist tasked with the job of reformulating all company products to removes all harmful ingredients and replace them with natural ones. In 2007, I transitioned to their sales team and opened the market in the Northeast from scratch. I handled the largest account in the nation on the companies’ behalf and managed marketing and IT systems as well. I continue to do private contracting marketing and sales projects for them on an as needed basis.

I am presently the owner and President of Calilou Foods Inc. Our company develops and sells all-natural, plant based food products to school districts nationwide on a farm to school basis. We also develop products for other companies and acquire the rights to sell the product once it comes to market. As the owner, I handle all daily operations, manufacturer relations, marketing campaigns as well as customer and distributor relations.

As the General Manager of Zanzibar Café in San Diego's East Village, I was the principal executive in charge of the staff and daily operations. My responsibilities included addressing and resolving all human resources issues, hiring staff as needed, managing front of house and kitchen staff, weekly schedules, menu development and rollout, customer relations and communicating daily profit/loss figures directly to owners. My position also required knowledge of all retail products, vendors and operating equipment.

As a Senior Manager of one of New York City's premier organic, vegan restaurants, my duties included managing daily operations, customer relations, inventory, placing purchase orders with vendors, reviewing payroll, staff scheduling, hiring personnel and all human resources related issues. I reported directly to the COO and the owners on a daily basis.