Courtney Stokes
Courtney Stokes is a food scientist and dedicated seasoning developer whose work blends technical mastery with cultural storytelling. Throughout her career at Fuchs North America, Ingredion, and Nu Products Seasoning Company, she has become known for transforming complex challenges into flavorful, scalable solutions that resonate with real people and real kitchens. With a strong background in technical support, product formulation, and quality assurance, Courtney ensures that seasonings designed in small-batch development survive the challenges of industrial-scale production. Her expertise spans the full lifecycle of food product development, from concept creation and laboratory testing to large-scale production. Driven by curiosity, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence, Courtney is now building her own brand — Alaine’s Field of Seasonings — where she brings her heritage, creativity, and scientific expertise together in a new way. She is passionate about creating products that honor her roots, elevate everyday cooking, and reflect the values that guide her both personally and professionally. Courtney holds a B.S. in Food Science from Kansas State University and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Maryland.
• Kansas State University – Bachelor of Science (BS), Food Science
• University of Maryland – Master’s Degree, Business Administration and Management - In Progress
• Morgan State University – Lab Technician Program (1 year)
• Lincoln University – Lab Technician Program (1 year)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God and my willingness to challenge the status quo. I’ve learned that growth often requires courage — the courage to question, to innovate, and to take the road that isn’t always the easiest. That mindset has shaped my career, my leadership style, and now my journey into entrepreneurship.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that no one is indispensable. That truth keeps me grounded. It reminds me to stay humble, keep learning, and treat every person with respect. It also pushes me to build systems, not dependencies — a mindset that has made me a stronger scientist, collaborator, and founder.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay grounded and never forget where you came from. This industry can be fast‑moving and demanding, but authenticity will always set you apart. Treat people well, maintain your integrity, and don’t cut corners — your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. And don’t be afraid to take up space. Your voice, your ideas, and your perspective matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is finding opportunities where deep technical expertise is truly valued. The food industry is evolving quickly, and companies need scientists who understand both innovation and scale‑up. The opportunity lies in using that expertise to create products that are more flavorful, more consistent, and more meaningful to consumers. Whether inside a corporation or as an entrepreneur, there is so much room to make an impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
A strong work ethic and unwavering moral principles guide everything I do. I believe in doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Integrity, respect, and excellence are non‑negotiable for me — they shape how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I build my business.
Locations
Alaine's Field of Seasonings
Elgin, IL 60120