2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Nimfa Dulay (Q&A)
Nimfa Dulay
Store Manager Liberty Village, Toronto
Longo’s
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
I came to Longo’s after working as a store manager at Tim Hortons. I was ready for a new challenge—something with more variety, more opportunities for growth and a stronger focus on team development. The grocery industry checked all those boxes, and Longo’s felt like the right fit from day one—and true enough, it is!
Proudest career accomplishment?
There have been a few, but one is to see my team grow. I share everything I’ve learned with them, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing them succeed and do the same for others. I see those under my supervision as a reflection of my own work. They are my proudest achievements.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Servant leadership is at the core of how I lead. I see my role as removing barriers, listening actively and creating a space where the team feels supported and empowered. I’m not just managing from above—I’m on the floor with them, being visible, available and engaged. I believe when you take care of your people, they take care of everything else.
Can you share a recent challenge you faced in your role and how you addressed it?
We recently had a major water blockage that impacted our store operations—on my first day as a store manager. It wasn’t something we could solve on our own—it required fast collaboration with an adjacent store, multiple contractors and our internal facilities team. In that moment, my focus as a servant leader was to stay calm, communicate clearly and support the team however I could, whether co-ordinating logistics or just making sure the team had what they needed to keep things running. It reminded me how essential it is to lead from the middle—not by commanding, but by facilitating and clearing obstacles so others can do their jobs effectively.
What advice would you give up-and-comers in the grocery industry?
Lead through service. Don’t focus only on climbing the ladder—focus on lifting others as you go. Build trust, listen well and be willing to do the work no one sees. You don’t need a title to lead, just the mindset to support your team and your guests. Leaders are what move the needle.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, you can either find me in the garden, relaxing outside by the pool or walking around with my dog.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The grocery business isn’t just about selling food, It's about building trust. When guests walk into Longo’s, they expect quality, service and a human connection. And every day, I feel lucky to be part of a team that makes that happen. I would like to thank Longo’s for giving me this opportunity, for believing in me and making me a part of their family.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.