2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Toulla Colomvakos (Q&A)

Toulla Colomvakos

Store Manager
Metro, Toronto
Metro Inc.

How did you get your start in the grocery business?

My career in the grocery industry began in 1990 when I joined Miracle Food Mart as a part-time cashier. I continued in that role throughout university and after graduating, I moved into a full-time position as an assistant manager. Over the years, I’ve taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including many years in store operations and special projects. I also played a key role in new store openings, leading the hiring and development of new employees to ensure each location started strong. I’ve been with the same company through all its transitions: from Miracle Food Mart to Dominion, then A&P and now Metro.  

Can you share some of your proudest moments?

One of my proudest moments was receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award at our last managers’ conference. It meant a great deal because it reflected not just my work, but the dedication and support of my district manager, Andy King, my assistants and my entire team. This award truly felt like a shared achievement and a recognition of all of us working together.

I’ve also been fortunate to help open more than 15 stores across Ontario. Seeing a store transform from an empty space into a beautiful new store and watching new employees develop their skills and confidence along the way has been incredibly rewarding. Grand openings always feel special because they showcase the team’s hard work.

Finally, I’m incredibly proud of the people I’ve had the chance to support and develop over the years. There’s something special about hiring someone as a part-time employee, helping them grow and eventually seeing them succeed in full-time roles. It’s even more rewarding when those same individuals become colleagues, standing alongside you, contributing at a high level and bringing their own strengths to the team. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’d describe my leadership style as people-focused. Our senior director of operations, Dave Dinning, always says, “You’re not in the grocery business, you’re in the people business,” and that really resonates with me. I’m also fortunate to have leaders above me who have challenged and shaped me over the years, and their influence has played a big role in the leader I am today. I prioritize teamwork, clarity and creating an environment where people feel supported and confident. I give my team the tools they need and then step back so they can take ownership.

Developing people is central to my approach. I take time to understand their strengths and goals, and I ensure I lead by example through consistency, open communication and professionalism. My goal is to build a team that feels valued, capable and accountable because when people feel supported, they do their best work.

What do you think your staff would say is your best quality?

My staff would probably say my best quality is that I’m approachable. People feel comfortable coming to me about anything, and I make a point of being present and available. They’d also say I treat my team like family. I genuinely care about them, and I want them to enjoy coming to work. I like to have fun with the team and create an environment where people feel good about being here. They’d mention how much I care about their growth. I take the time to understand each person’s strengths and goals so I can coach them effectively and help them move forward. And they’d definitely say I’m organized. That structure helps keep the team aligned.

What advice would you give future grocery leaders?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Leadership is built on respect, empathy and consistently showing up for your people.

Be true to yourself and never forget where you came from. Your roots keep you grounded and connected to the teams you lead. I always say we’re all equal, we just have different roles. Take every positive experience and say, “I want to lead like that.” Take every negative experience and say, “I will never do that.” Those moments, both good and bad, will shape you into the kind of leader people are proud to follow.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love spending time with my friends and family, especially my kids, nieces and nephews and, of course, our fur babies. Any chance we get to be together, whether it’s a family dinner or just hanging out, is time I truly enjoy.

I also love travelling, and some of my favourite memories come from the mother-daughter trips I take with my girls as well as the big family trips we do with my immediate family. Those moments mean a lot to me. I’m also a proud godmother to five wonderful god-kids, and I cherish any time I get to spend with them. 

I always look forward to my two annual girls’ trips. One thing I’m especially proud of is that I still have the same close group of friends I’ve had since high school. We've grown up together, and that bond is something I truly value.

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