2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Allison Wormell (Q&A)

Allison Wormell

Store Manager
Nature’s Fare Markets (Pattison Food Group)

How did you get your start in the grocery business?

I began my leadership and management career in the hospitality industry, working in various restaurant roles. When it came time for a career transition, I reflected on the places in my daily life that brought me joy, and Nature’s Fare stood out immediately as a space where I could combine my passion for health, wellness and food while championing local brands and leading a purpose-driven, like-minded team.

What keeps you passionate about your work?

Being surrounded by passionate team members and working together to turn everyday moments into warm, memorable experiences keeps me energized and invested. Leadership carries a deep responsibility, because how you choose to connect, communicate and support your team each day can shape their lives far beyond the workplace—carrying into their homes, their weekends and the way they show up for others. Knowing that impact keeps me passionate and purposeful about leading with curiosity, care and adaptability, continually evolving to meet my team where they are and move forward together toward our shared goals.

What is a career challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

As I progressed into higher leadership roles, I faced the challenge of shifting from personally delivering results to driving results through others. I learned that leadership is less about having the exact right answers and more about asking the right questions, offering the right support and understanding where I can influence change even when I cannot control every outcome.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

The most impactful career advice I’ve received is “trust first, challenge second.” When people feel genuinely supported, they are more willing to stretch and grow. Avoiding challenges to keep things comfortable can unintentionally hold people back. The right balance builds confidence, resilience and long-term growth.

Describe your leadership style

My leadership style is rooted in trust, clarity and growth. I focus on “connection over correction” while also setting clear expectations because clarity creates confidence. I challenge my team with high standards because I truly believe in their ability. I love the idea of a leader as a ladder—providing steady support by removing obstacles, bridging the gap between goals and results, and helping people reach outcomes they feel genuinely proud of.

What has been your best day on the job?

My best days are Friday and Saturday mornings in the store, when the energy feels calm yet alive. Families ease into their weekends, regular shoppers stop in after the farmers market and local brand owners share samples and stories, creating small, intentional moments where food becomes a meaningful connection rather than just a task. The sense of community we’ve built in our stores is tangible, and those mornings on the sales floor feel less like work and more like welcoming friends.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I love to cook! I love spending time in the kitchen. Slowly flipping through cookbooks, returning to well-loved recipes or letting curiosity guide me toward something new. Outside of the kitchen, I spend as much time as I can outdoors with my husband and our three young boys, camping, hiking, biking and paddle boarding. The fresh air, shared meals and unhurried time together are grounding for me, and they are what restore my energy and sense of balance most.

What is a fun fact about you?

I took social media off my phone two years ago for a change of pace—100 books later, it stuck harder than expected! 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I feel truly honored to be recognized with the Star Women in Grocery award and grateful to see the dedication, leadership and impact of women in this industry celebrated. Women balance so much at work, at home and in the ways they care for others and for themselves, often carrying multiple responsibilities that are unseen but deeply felt. They bring heart, resilience and perspective in so many forms, and I love that this recognition shines a light on the diverse paths women take and the meaningful contributions they make every day.

Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.