2024 Generation Next winner Melissa Pasquarelli (Q&A)

Melissa Pasquarelli

Associate Store Team Leader, Whole Foods Market, Burnaby, B.C. 

Since moving from Whole Foods Market in the United States to British Columbia, Montreal-born Melissa Pasquarelli has demonstrated exceptional operational and leadership skills. As someone who likes “the chaotic world that is retail,” she is thriving as an associate store team (AST) leader with 173 staff. In fact, she is often lauded for her calm and deliberate approach to any issues that arise.

Pasquarelli enjoys connecting with team members and helping educate them on products, vendors and all the partnerships that make up the Whole Foods community. She organizes the grocer’s Culture Day, which promotes inclusivity and runs events to connect ASTs with local suppliers. 

On top of her efforts in-store, she is a big advocate for giving back. Pasquarelli has developed strong relationships with charities such as Food Match and Heart Tattoo Society, which support marginalized individuals. “For me, it really is about the people, culture and community and I’ve had so many opportunities to lean into that at Whole Foods.

See the full list of Generation Next 2024 winners profiles.

Profiles were first published in the December 2024 issue of Canadian Grocer