2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Cindy DeSousa (Q&A)

CINDY DESOUSA

Project Manager
Longo’s

You are credited with being the “stabilizing force” during Longo’s digital re-platform. What does that leadership look like in the moment?

During Longo’s digital re-platforming, leadership was tested most when the pressure was on with tight timelines, peak seasonal volume and a complex rollout happening all at once. In those moments, I focused on staying steady and clear-headed, so decisions were practical and rooted in what the business truly needed. We were also establishing a new vendor relationship at the same time, which meant building trust quickly, being clear on expectations and solving problems collaboratively as they came up. Just as critical was keeping the team connected and positive through a demanding implementation by staying close to the work, listening and clearing obstacles wherever possible. That sense of stability came from consistency, openness and making sure people felt supported while we delivered through our busiest holiday season.

Your nomination says you “never shy away from a challenge.” Have you always been someone who runs toward the fire, or is that a leadership muscle you’ve intentionally built over time?

I wouldn’t say I’ve always run toward the fire instinctively; it’s a leadership muscle I’ve deliberately built over more than 20 years of managing complex projects and change. Early in my career, challenges taught me when to step in, when to listen and how to lead when the path forward wasn’t obvious. Over time, those experiences have built confidence and judgment, and today I’m comfortable stepping into high-pressure situations with preparation, perspective and a steady calm.

What keeps you motivated at work?

What keeps me motivated in the grocery industry is the pace and the constant need to adapt. This is a business where execution truly matters every day. I’m energized by fast-moving environments that push me to challenge myself and continuously evolve. Working with cross-functional teams across operations, supply chain, merchandising and technology is especially rewarding as success in grocery depends on strong collaboration. I thrive on diverse projects that require problem solving and thoughtful decision-making in real time. The opportunity to keep learning while working with others to deliver meaningful results for customers and front-line teams is what continues to drive me.

Best career advice you’ve received?

Never lose sight of the outcome. Early on, a mentor reminded me that plans and timelines matter, but what really counts is how you guide people through change and deliver results when things don’t go as expected. That advice stayed with me, especially on complex projects where flexibility and judgment are just as important as structure. It helped me focus more on communication, relationships and decision-making—not just process. Ultimately, it shaped how I lead projects today–with clarity, adaptability and a strong sense of accountability for the result.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m passionate about health and wellness. It’s something that helps me stay balanced in a busy life. I genuinely enjoy working out, practicing Pilates and being mindful about eating well. Outside of work, I love spending time with friends and family and travelling together whenever we can. Above all, I’m a mom of four, and being a role model for my kids means everything to me. I want my actions to show them that with confidence, discipline and self-belief, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

What career advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that being a successful project manager is about far more than managing plans and timelines—it’s about learning how to lead. Early in my career, I focused on execution and proving I could deliver, but real growth came from understanding people, building trust and knowing when to step forward with confidence. I’d remind myself that leadership isn’t about having every answer, but about being clear, accountable and present when things get difficult. Over time, those experiences are what turn a project manager into someone others trust to lead complex work.

What intrigues you about the grocery business?

How essential it is. It’s a business that touches people’s lives every single day. It moves fast and leaves little room for error, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding. I’m drawn to the complexity behind the scenes, where supply chain, technology, operations and people must work together seamlessly. You’re constantly balancing innovation with execution in real time. That combination of pace, purpose and impact is what keeps the grocery industry so engaging for me.

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