You Belong at the Table: Tracy Andrews’ Journey to Leadership in Foodservice
This profile is part of a series by the Re-seasoning Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing representation and advancing Black Canadians at all levels of the foodservice industry through research, programming, and community engagement.
In a sector as dynamic and diverse as foodservice, leadership is often shaped not by linear advancement, but by courage, adaptability and an unwavering sense of purpose. For Tracy Andrews, regional vice-president of merchandising for Sysco Canada, the journey began at the age of 15, working part-time at M&M Meat Shops. What started as an after-school job evolved into a career that would span multiple national brands and leadership roles across operations, training and merchandising.
“Truthfully, I feel like the food industry found me,” Andrews reflects. “It was never the plan, but the people and opportunities I encountered helped me see it as a place where I could build something meaningful.”
After completing her post-secondary education, she was offered a role at the company’s western office as a corporate trainer, responsible for supporting franchisees and staff in launching new locations. Her leadership acumen was starting to attract attention across the sector. Her ability to connect with teams and elevate performance led to new opportunities, and she was soon recruited by Domino’s Pizza Canada to serve as Director of Training. She went on to join Sysco Canada, where she has continued to rise through roles of increasing complexity and impact.
One of the most transformative moments in her career came after twelve years in sales at Sysco, when she considered transitioning into a merchandising leadership role—an area outside her core experience. A senior leader offered a perspective that changed everything: “Think of your career as a lattice, not a ladder.”
Unlike the traditional ladder, which implies a rigid, upward-only climb, the lattice reflects how growth often happens: sideways, diagonally, or through entirely new disciplines. That reframing gave Andrews the clarity and confidence to pursue the new role, and it proved pivotal to her continued rise.
“Being brave isn’t always easy,” Andrews admits, “but sometimes taking that risk has the greatest reward.”
Her journey has not been without internal challenges. Like many professionals in underrepresented groups, she has faced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But she continues to ground herself in her values—family, integrity and continuous growth. She credits mentorship, both given and received, as vital to her development.
“Mentors have been a big part of supporting my success. I continue to have them – they been able to provide constructive feedback, helped me recognize achievements when I haven’t. the transfer of knowledge, best practices and guidance has been essential to my development,” she says. “Now, I try to be that for others. There is so much power in sharing what you’ve learned.”
This commitment to uplifting others has translated into visible leadership within her organization. She helped establish an employee resource group to support Black colleagues and allies, fostering mentorship, visibility and professional development. For her, this work is about creating impact beyond her immediate role.
“I am a huge believer in representation,” Andrews says. “Representation in this industry is so important – you think of food and how diverse and multicultural it is. Global cuisines are a celebration of tastes and flavours through different cultures and there is increasing interest in authentic flavours and culinary diversity. Having this diversity in the foodservice industry helps the industry evolve, brings innovation – influence menu development, which fosters inclusivity and authenticity.”
For Black women, she sees leading and living authenticity as both a strength and a responsibility. “It means being resilient, being brave, persevering and having the opportunity in supporting others to pursue their ambitions despite obstacles—paving the way for others.” For her own path Andrews says, “I embody my true self, embracing my culture and values. I can create opportunities of impact and representation.”
Asked what advice she would offer the next generation of Black women in foodservice, she is candid and emphatic: “You belong at the table.”
“At times early in my career I had self-doubt strictly based on looking around the room and not seeing faces like mine. But we belong there—we deserve to be there. Embrace your unique perspective, build a strong network, continue to develop yourself, and find a coach or mentor. Be authentic and resilient. You can’t control the world, but you can control how you show up in it!”
For her, success is as much about legacy as it is about personal achievement. She speaks of her children with pride—and purpose.
“Success to me is having my children see people like them be successful. That has always been motivation for myself – that when my kids look for representation in leadership roles, they could see their mom and know they could do the same. I remember taking my boys to see Black Panther in the movie theater and seeing the look on their face when they saw a superhero look like them. That moment was priceless. That was representation in the truest form for two small young boys. I want them to feel that in life—that they can be anything with hard work, grit and resilience.”
Looking to the future, she is inspired by the growing momentum around Black leadership in food. “There’s a rising generation bringing creativity, confidence, and cultural richness to the industry. I hope to continue breaking down barriers and paving the way for others to pursue their ambitions—without limits.”
Three Pieces of Advice:
- Live Authentically
Don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to the workplace. Vulnerability and authenticity foster trust, inspire others, and allow you to lead with clarity and confidence. As Andrews notes, “Who you are is how you lead.” - Find and Become a Mentor
Seek out those who will challenge and support you—and when the time comes, offer the same for others. Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth, resilience, and opportunity. - Know You Belong
Even if you don’t see anyone who looks like you in the room, remember: you deserve to be there. Your voice and perspective add value. Keep learning, build your network, and never let self-doubt silence your ambition.
